Artist of Interest

Blog #2

Mike Portnoy: My artist of interest…

To say that I can play his work would be a lie, but to say that Mike Portnoy, drummer of progressive rock band ‘Dream Theater’, has influenced my playing and musical interests would be an understatement.

Mike Portnoy has been the drummer for Dream Theater since they first started writing music in 1985. He has co-produced the last 5 Dream Theater albums and has been named Best Progressive Rock Drummer by Modern Drummer Magazine for 12 consecutive years. Mike is also the youngest person (at 37 years of age) to be inducted into the Rock Drummer Hall of Fame since his idol, Neil Peart was inducted in 1983 (at 31 years of age).

I have become obsessed with Dream Theater but most of all Mike’s drumming for the past couple years. I love odd time signatures, long songs, technical passages, and innovative music so if you have ever heard Dream Theater you could see how I would enjoy them. Here is a video of Mike performing a Dream Theater song entitled “The Dance of Eternity.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clt4h5y_Hmc&feature=related
This song shows not only his talent as a drummer but how innovative his writing, and drumming style is.

Out of all the things Mike has accomplished I have always appreciated his involvement in the musical community. He has had many side projects (7) as well as sit ins with many other bands. He has always expressed how he loves to experience others music as well as create more of his own.

As far as his influence on my work, I would say that any drum part I come up with or write is 50% inspired by Mike. Whether it is the style of double-bass drums, or tom fills, I guarantee it was inspired by Mike. This can be very frustrating for me as well because I am just not as talented as him so trying to create something similar to his work is nearly impossible for me, especially in garage band or on a drum machine. However, inspiring to be like a musician like Mike will only enhance my musical ability.

I will leave you with a video of Mike and Dream Theater’s keyboard player, Jordan Rudess. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr-spb0SETE&feature=related