New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Enter Music Publishing) As 2012 rolls to an end, Enter
Music Publishing, publishers of hip, drum/percussion magazines, is groovin' full-speed ahead. So, it's no surprise that DRUM! Magazine's December Issue features Matt Cameron, discussing his odd time grooves with the reunited Sound Garden on King Animal.
No Stranger To Odd Time
From Soundgarden's hit "Black Hole Sun" to the 15/8 in a section of the new cut, "By Crooked Steps," Cameron demonstrates musicianship and command of meter. Throughout the story, Cameron stresses the latter as key to playing in the pocket regardless of time signature. As author, Sam Pryor notes, "Soundgarden's new songs are stocked with odd melodic groupings, odd-metered rhythms, and Cameron handles it all like Houdini."
Interesting Influences: Bruford Beats
An interesting aspect of Cameron is that his drumming is deeply influenced by the fusion drummers of the seventies, especially Bill Bruford. Many Cameron fans may not be aware of these influences. However, Cameron's command of groove and space demonstrates these roots. As Cameron says, "Listening to a lot of Bruford prepared me supremely to play in Soundgarden." Cameron emphasized that (Bruford's) placement of fives and sevens as critical to writing the drum parts for the new record.
Solid To The Click
Cameron admits that in the early days of
Soundgarden that he hated click tracks. Yet his maturity as a musician has resulted in a new philosophy for drum machines and clicks. In fact, the entire new record was recorded to click. As he discusses, "I've grown to enjoy playing to drum machines and loops. It's just a reality of being a working drummer these days."
Cameron Compositions
Cameron does not just contribute world-class drumming on the record. He also demonstrates growth as a songwriter. He wrote "By Crooked Steps" and "Eyelids Mouth" for the album. And, on page 38 of the story, there's a transcription of "Eyelids" which again exemplifies his mastery of playing odd time with groove and ease. (Note: There is also a transcription of the 15/8 pattern that Cameron cooked up for "Worse Dreams.")
"Cameron's drumming has been inspirational to all musicians, not just drummers," said Phil Hood, publisher and co-founder of Enter
Music Publishing. "His ability to groove regardless of meter exemplifies the real art of drumming."
