Everything You Need To Know About The 2023 Meinl Drum Festival Line Up
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Everything You Need To Know About The 2023 Meinl Drum Festival Line Up

12 Jun 2023 Views

On July 8, 2023, drum enthusiasts from all over the world will gather in Gutenstetten, Germany, to attend an iconic drum festival. This highly anticipated event will showcase a talented lineup of renowned drummers and artists associated with Meinl, a prominent brand in the drumming industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to celebrate the artistry of drumming, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and immerse themselves in the vibrant drumming community. For any inquiries or further information, interested individuals can reach out to the festival organizers at info@meinldrumfestival.com

Allow us to present to you the distinguished ensemble of drummers set to grace the stage at the much-anticipated 2023 Meinl Drum Festival. 

Benny Greb 

Standing among the most esteemed drummers worldwide, Benny Greb is renowned for his incredible skill and musicality. Benny Greb's mastery of drumming, his contributions to the drumming community, and his dedication to education have solidified his status as a highly respected and influential musician.

Here are a few selection of notable milestones in Benny Greb’s illustrious career:

- Headlines numerous international drum festivals and tours globally with his clinics and drum camps.

- Recognized as a composer, solo artist, and bandleader of Moving Parts, winning the prestigious German "Echo Jazz Award."

- Collaborated in the creation of signature products for drummers, showcasing his influence and expertise.

- Authored highly successful and critically acclaimed educational products, including "The Language of Drumming," "The Art and Science of Groove," and "Effective Practicing for Musicians."

- Honored by Batterie Magazine in 2021 as one of the "Top 30 greatest drummers of the 21st century."

Benny Greb Meinl Cymbals Set Up 

8"/8" Crasher Hats - Benny Greb - Ac-Crasher

14" Sand Hat - B14sah

18" Sand Thin Crash - B18satc

20" Sand Ride - B20sar

22" Sand Crash-Ride - B22sacr

Benny Greb Meinl Percussion Set Up

Aluminum Shaker, Round, Large, Silver - Sh9-L-S

Cajon Snare Tap - Cst

Cajon Tom Tap - Ctt

Cajon Jingle Tap - Cjt

Mountable Cajon Snare With Threaded 3/8" Connection - Mcs2-Bk

Cajon Hihat Stand - Chs

Cajon Add-On Stand - Cas

Cajon Cymbal Stand - Ccs

Bassbox, Baltic Birch, Incl. L-Shape Beater - Bassbox

Foot Cabasa - Fca5-L

Anika Niles 

Anika has established herself as a prominent figure in the drumming world, gaining widespread recognition through her captivating YouTube videos and dynamic live performances. Anika’s success as a drummer, composer, and performer, coupled with her accolades and contributions to drum education, has solidified her position as a respected and influential figure in the drumming community.

Here are a few selection of notable milestones in Anika Niles’s illustrious career:

- YouTube sensation with nearly 20 million views on her drum videos featuring original compositions, showcasing her strong groove, finesse in technique, and unique sound.

- Solo artist who has toured extensively throughout Europe, China, and North America, captivating audiences with her expressive drumming style.

- Released singles and debut album "Pikalar" under Sakurai Records, earning placements on various top music charts worldwide, including the prestigious iTunes 200 Top Rock Releases chart in the USA.

- Well-known and respected in the drumming community, winning accolades such as the 'Modern Drummer Readers Poll' for 'Up And Coming Artist' and '#1 Rising Star' in "DRUM!" Magazine.

- Recognized as an outstanding educator and clinician, voted #3 for Best Educator at the UK Drummies Awards and #1 for Best Clinician/Educator in "Music Radar Magazine."

Anika Niles Meinl Cymbals Setup

6" Splash - B6s

10" Dual Splash - B10dus

16" Sand Hat - B16sah

18" Crash - B18frc

18"/18" Deep Hats - Anika Nilles - Ac-Deep

20" Extra Dry Thin Crash - B20edtc

22" China Ride - B22jchr

22" Vintage Crash - B22vc

22" Vintage Pure Light Ride - B22vplr

Santino Scavelli

A versatile multi-instrumentalist, has emerged as a rising star in Germany's world music scene. Santino Scavelli's diverse musical background, exceptional skill on a range of percussion instruments, and ability to seamlessly blend genres have made him a highly sought-after musician in Germany's world music and jazz circles.

Here are a few selection of notable milestones in Santino Scavelli’s illustrious career:

- Holds a double degree from Trossingen and Mannheim, where he studied orchestral percussion and specialized in drums, Latin percussion, timpani, snare drum, and xylophone.

- Expanded his musical repertoire by studying World Music at the Popakademie in Mannheim, focusing on oriental percussion instruments like riq, frame drum, darbuka, and djembe.

- Adapts to different band line-ups by seamlessly transitioning between drums, percussion, and multi-percussion setups.

- Known for his inventive approach, Santino creates unique sounds and styles by creatively arranging his own setups.

Santino Scavelli Meinl Percussion Set Up

Pickup Turbo Slaptop Cajon (Patented), Walnut - Ptopcaj2wn

Mike Johnston

A highly accomplished drummer with an impressive career that spans both performance and education. Mike Johnston's passion for drumming and his dedication to education has made him a respected figure in the drumming community. With a combination of impressive performances, innovative teaching methods, and a commitment to pushing the educational envelope, Mike continues to inspire drummers around the world.

Here are a few selection of notable milestones in Mike Johnston’s illustrious career:

- Signed a major record deal at the age of 21 with his band Simon Says, leading to five years of touring worldwide.

- Received a gold record for his contributions to the Varsity Blues soundtrack and made appearances on the Late Show with David Letterman and MTV's Fashionably Loud.

- Founded MikesLessons.com, an online drumming community offering live online lessons and downloadable lessons for drummers of all levels.

- Expanded the business to the Mikes Lessons facility in Folsom, California, and introduced international week-long drum camps.

- Partnered with Vater to create his signature drum stick, the "2451," named after the bathroom code at the Mike's Lessons Drum Camp facility.

- Hosts 10 International Drum Camps each year at the Mikeslessons.com facility.

- Received recognition, including winning DRUM Magazine's award for the educational website of the year in 2013 and nominations for the clinician of the year and MVP of the year by Modern Drummer Magazine.

Mike Johnston Meinl Cymbals Set Up

14" Extra Dry Medium Hihat - B14edmh

18" Extra Dry Thin Crash - B18edtc

20" Extra Thin Hammered Crash - B20ethc

21" Transition Ride - B21tsr

Mike Malyan

A highly regarded drummer, particularly recognized for his contributions to the Progressive Metal (Djent) genre. Mike Malyan's impressive contributions to the Progressive Metal genre, his extensive session work, and his dedication to educating others have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the drumming community. His rhythmic precision and ability to navigate complex compositions have made him an invaluable asset to numerous bands and a source of inspiration for aspiring drummers.

Here are a few selection of notable milestones in Mike Malyan’s illustrious career:

- As the drummer for the UK band "Monuments" from 2010 to 2015 and then again from 2019 onwards, Mike has played a crucial role in shaping the band's unique sound and powerful rhythm section.

- He has also made significant contributions as a performing member of the Polish progressive rock act "Disperse" and the French GlitchCore act "The Algorithm," showcasing his versatility and ability to adapt to different musical styles.

- Mike has established himself as a sought-after session drummer, lending his exceptional skills to notable bands such as "TesseracT," "Periphery," "Plini," "Skyharbor," and many others. His precision and technical prowess have made him a trusted collaborator among his peers in the progressive metal scene.

- In addition to his performance career, Mike is an enthusiastic educator, focusing on tutoring drummers in the Progressive Metal field. His passion for sharing knowledge and expertise has allowed aspiring drummers to benefit from his vast experience and unique insights.

Mike Malyan Meinl Cymbals Set Up 

8"/8" Crasher Hats - Benny Greb - Ac-Crasher

10" Splash - Cc10s-B

14" Medium Hihat - Pa14mh

16" Trash Stack - Cc-16stk

16" Medium Crash - Pa16mc

18" Medium Crash - Pa18mc

20" Medium Crash - Pa20mc

22" Medium Crash - Pa22mc

20" Heavy Ride - B20hr

Greyson Nekrutman

Hailing from Long Island, New York, is a rising star in the music industry, particularly in the realm of jazz. Greyson Nekrutman's passion for jazz, his impressive achievements, and his ability to captivate audiences have firmly established him as a young talent on the rise.

Here are a few selection of notable milestones in Greyson Nekrutman’s illustrious career:

- Recognized as one of the nation's "top-performing high school jazz musicians" by the National Association for Music Education, Greyson's talent and dedication have earned him prestigious accolades.

- Through his captivating performances and unique technique, Greyson has amassed an international following on social media platforms, showcasing his versatility as a musician.

- Greyson has had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned bassist Bakithi Kumalo, known for his work with Paul Simon. 

- As Greyson continues to make his mark in the music industry, his rapid emergence and undeniable talent position him as a promising and exciting artist to watch out for.

Greyson Nekrutman Meinl Cymbals Set Up 

14" Thin Hihat - B14th

14" Jazz Thin Hihat - B14jth

20" Jazz Medium Thin Crash - B20jmtc

22" Tradition Flat Ride - B22trfr

22" Monophonic Ride - B22mor

22" Vintage Pure Light Ride - B22vplr

Jost Nickel 

A highly accomplished drummer, composer, and educator from Germany, known for his contributions to contemporary drumming and his unique style. Overall, Jost Nickel's remarkable career, impressive collaborations, educational contributions, and unique musical approach have solidified his place among the top drummers in the industry.

Here are a few selection of notable milestones in Jost Nickel’s illustrious career:

- Jost's solo album "The Check In" (2021) features collaborations with jazz greats Jeff Lorber, Jimmy Haslip, and Barry Finnerty.

- He has made a name for himself as an international clinician and educator, performing at prestigious events like the Montreal Drum Fest, PASIC, and the Meinl Drum Festival.

- He was nominated as "Best Clinician" by Modern Drummer Magazine in 2016 and made MusicRadar's list of the "10 best drum clinicians in the world" in 2016 and 2017.

- In 2022, Jost received a nomination for "Best Funk Drummer" by Drumeo, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and talented musician.

- Jost has authored three highly acclaimed drumming books through Alfred Publishing, focusing on groove, fills, and snare drum techniques.

- His books were nominated as "Best Educational Product" by Modern Drummer Magazine, recognizing their value and contribution to drum education.

- Known for his punchy drum sound and jazzy cymbal wash, Jost combines tradition with innovation, creating a captivating pocket and groove.

Jost Nickel Meinl Cymbals Set Up 

6" Splash - B6s

8"/10" Electro Stack - Gx-08/10es

8" Splash - B8s

10"/12" Electro Stack - Gx-10/12es

14" Medium Hihat - B14mh

18" Dual Crash - B18duc

18" Extra Thin Hammered Crash - B18ethc

18" Dual Crash - B18duc

22" Vintage Crash - B22vc

22" Spectrum Ride - B22sr

Dan Mayo 

A truly unique musician whose journey in music began at an incredibly young age, setting the foundation for his exceptional talent and innovative approach. Dan Mayo's early exposure to music, his diverse musical influences, and his pioneering use of guitar effects pedals with drums have established him as an exceptionally talented and forward-thinking musician. His ability to blend genres and push musical boundaries makes him a truly captivating artist in the contemporary music scene.

Here are a few selection of notable milestones in Dan Mayo’s illustrious career:

- Starting his musical journey at the age of three, Dan quickly immersed himself in the world of music, gaining valuable experience by playing with other musicians from a young age.

- Growing up in Tel Aviv, Israel, Dan had the privilege of being exposed to a rich and diverse musical culture, which greatly influenced his musical development.

- Mayo's musical curiosity led him to explore various genres, absorbing knowledge and information from each one, allowing him to develop a versatile and well-rounded musical style.

- One of the defining aspects of Dan's sound is his unique use of guitar effects pedals with his drums, resulting in a fresh and distinctive sound that pushes the boundaries of traditional drumming.

- His distinct sound can be heard in his work with his band TATRAN, as well as his collaborations with artists like Ester Rada, where he has performed at renowned festivals such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, Atlanta Jazz Festival, and Rotterdam Jazz Festival.

- In interviews, Dan delves into his musical influences and how they have shaped his approach to understanding music and creating his unique sound, offering insights into his creative process and the intricacies behind his innovative musical approach.

Dan Mayo Meinl Cymbals Set Up

8"/8" Crasher Hats - Benny Greb - Ac-Crasher

10" Dark Splash - B10das

12" Trash Stack - Cc-12stk

15" Jazz Thin Hihat - B15jth

22" Vintage Crash - B22vc

22" Jazz Thin Ride - B22jtr

Brody Simpson 

A talented drummer hailing from Perth, Western Australia, is a musical force to be reckoned with. Whether performing live or recording in the studio, Brody brings a unique blend of creativity, musicality, and precision to his drumming, leaving a lasting impact on audiences and fellow artists alike. Brody Simpson's dedication to his craft and his ability to bring passion and excellence to every musical endeavor make him a standout drummer in the industry.

Here are a few selection of notable milestones in Brody Simpson’s illustrious career:

- Over 15 years of experience in the music industry as a drummer.

- Extensive recording experience, having worked on numerous studio sessions for artists from around the world.

- Extensive touring experience, having performed in countless live shows across different venues.

- A reputation for delivering performances with creativity, precision, and a deep understanding of music.

- Highly regarded as a respected and skilled musician within the music community.

Brody Simpson Meinl Cymbals Set Up

8"/8" Crasher Hats - Benny Greb - Ac-Crasher

12" Trash Stack - Cc-12stk

13" Extra Dry Medium Hihat - B13edmh

14" Sand Hat - B14sah

15" Jazz Thin Hihat - B15jth

16" Trash Stack - Cc-16stk

18" Thin Crash - B18tc-B

18" Jazz Thin Crash - B18jtc

18" Sand Thin Crash - B18satc

19" Extra Dry Thin Crash - B19edtc

19" Medium Thin Crash - B19mtc

20" Extra Thin Hammered Crash - B20ethc

22" Sand Crash-Ride - B22sacr

22" Big Apple Dark Ride - B22badar

Zack Graybeal

Widely known as ZackGrooves, Zach started his drumming journey in the small jazz clubs and bars of North Carolina. However, his life took a significant turn when he discovered the power of YouTube. With a unique playing style and unconventional teaching methods, Zack quickly became one of the fastest-growing drum channels on the platform. Despite his rise to YouTube stardom, Zack remains grounded and true to his passion for drumming. He emphasizes that his focus has always been on enjoying the art of playing drums, rather than chasing follower counts or numbers. His genuine love for music and his dedication to having fun while doing what he loves is at the core of his success, making him an inspirational figure for drummers and music enthusiasts alike.

The popularity of his YouTube channel has opened doors to new opportunities for Zack Graybeal, including:

- Working on an album, showcasing his musical talents beyond drumming.

- Gaining endorsements from various drumming and music-related brands, reflecting the recognition of his skills.

- Securing more gig opportunities, expanding his presence in the music scene.

Zack Graybeal Meinl Cymbals Set Up

8" Dark Splash - B8das

10" Dual Splash - B10dus

13" Extra Dry Medium Hihat - B13edmh

15" Extra Dry Medium Thin Hihat - B15edmth

16" Dual Trash Crash - B16dutrc

16" Extra Dry Medium Thin Hihat - B16edmth

18" Extra Dry Trash Crash - B18edtrc

20" Light Ride - B20frlr

Calvin Rodgers

Born into a family of musicians in Chicago, is an exceptional drummer with a remarkable career in both gospel and secular music. Calvin Rodgers's musical journey from gospel to secular and back to gospel again showcases his versatility and immense talent as a drummer. His contributions to various genres and his mentorship role in the music community have solidified his reputation as a respected musician and educator.

Here are a few selection of notable milestones in Calvin Rodgers illustrious career:

- Began playing at local churches and gained exposure alongside GRAMMY-nominated Ricky Dillard and New Generation Chorale at the age of 15.

- Joined Ramsey Lewis's award-winning super-group, Urban Knights, and toured with gospel singer John P. Kee.

- Worked as a first-call studio session drummer in Chicago, recording for various genres including smooth jazz and jingles.

- Toured the U.S. and Europe as the touring drummer for R&B powerhouse R. Kelly before returning to his gospel roots.

- Became a music director for GRAMMY award winner Fred Hammond and serves as his lead co-writer and co-producer.

- Maintains a busy schedule as a clinician and private lesson teacher, sharing his expertise with aspiring drummers.

- Has performed and recorded with renowned artists such as Aretha Franklin, Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, and many more.

Calvin Rodgers Meinl Cymbals Set Up

8" Splash - B8s

15" Medium Hihat - B15mh

16" Extra Dry Medium Thin Hihat - B16edmth

18" Sand Thin Crash - B18satc

19" Extra Dry Thin Crash - B19edtc