MasterMind Drummer
Newsletter #53
Dec 23rd, 2024
They Say Never Meet Your Heroes, Unless…
Hey,
I hope all’s well at your end. Can you believe it—just two more days until Christmas? Madness!
As cliché as it sounds, this year has absolutely flown by. And with December and January ramping up even more for me—between shows and a ton of travel—it feels like things aren’t slowing down one bit.
I mentioned a couple of weeks back how everyone around me is winding down, just as things are getting busier for me. It’s an odd feeling, but it’s the same every year, so nothing new there.
So, what’s going on?
On the 26th, I’ve got a Black Comet show at Waihi Beach. Right now, I’m in Hawke’s Bay with my family for Christmas, but I’ll be hitting the road early on the 26th to start the missions.
The next day, on the 27th, I’m heading into Studio 11b—a world-class spot near where I live—for a recording session with an Auckland artist who’s doing some cool things. It’s just pocket stuff, but I’m looking forward to it.
Later that day, I’ll be doing the final touches on the Natasha Bedingfield set because the following morning, I fly out to Melbourne for rehearsals with her and her guitarist. We hit the stage on the 29th, then head back to Christchurch for another festival on the 31st.
After that, I’m back home on the 1st to meet the family, but I’ve got two more shows lined up for the 4th and 5th—one for Black Comet, on Great Barrier Island, and one private event, too.
Lots on, as always! Oh, and there is also some massive news about to drop – which I can share just yet, but just know… it’s big!
In other news, I dropped the first half of the FlamTastic module this week for my latest course, The Key To Dynamics & Mechanics Mastery.
As I mentioned before, I’ve been staggering the release because the course is huge, and I really wanted to make sure everyone had the time to sink their teeth into each module properly.
The second half of FlamTastic unlocks this week—so keep an eye out!
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Now, onto the title of this newsletter – “They Say Never Meet Your Heroes, Unless…”
…Unless it’s Tomas mutha fckin’* Haake from Meshuggah!
This past week, I had the surreal experience (and absolute pleasure) of interviewing Tomas on my podcast ‘Chats with…’
Tomas has been a massive influence on me for years—ever since I first heard him at 18.
In fact, when I started my instrumental prog band The New Caledonia, the goal was to create music where Meshuggah met Mario Kart—intense, intricate rhythms mixed with bright, colorful vibes. Tomas and the band influenced us in ways I can’t even explain.
But what really grabbed me about Tomas wasn’t the ‘metal’ side of his playing. I’m not a metal drummer, and while I can listen to Meshuggah all day, I don’t listen to much metal in general. What hooked me was his intention, his presence, and his facility. It’s his physicality on the kit, and the way he approaches it.
I think what always appealed to me is Tomas isn’t a metal drummer—he’s actually a fusion drummer in a metal band. That’s always resonated.
I love when drummers cross genres. It always leads to something fresh and interesting. Mitch Mitchell with Hendrix. Chris Pennie with Dillinger Escape Plan. These guys both have jazz fundamentals and facility, and brought that feel into rock and metal.
So… how did I end up interviewing Tomas?
A few years back, Meshuggah’s guitarist, Fredrik Thordendal, slid into my DMs asking about my single-kick technique.
At first, I thought it was a fake account. I mean, Meshuggah’s guitarist asking me for advice? C’mon. But nope, it was legit—and absolutely wild.
Fredrik and I kept in touch, liking posts, chatting here and there.
Fast-forward to about a year ago when I started using Altune pedals. I love these pedals—seriously, game-changers.
One day, Frederik hit me up asking about them. After a few messages, he mentioned he’d shown Tomas the pedals, and Tomas wanted to ask me some questions too, and could he email me?
Could Tomas Haake email me? Hell yes, he could!
I passed along my email, half-expecting crickets. But sure enough, the next morning—bam—an email from the Tomas Haake, asking for my thoughts on the pedals.
We went back and forth, and somewhere in between, I casually threw out the idea—”Hey, if you’re ever keen to jump on my pod for a chat, let me know.”
And guess what? He said yes!
So, we booked it in for early December, once he was back home in Stockholm. Sure enough, when the day rolled around, there I was—on a call with the mighty Tomas Haake.
In short? It was an awesome chat. Tomas was incredibly open and shared insights and stories I’ve never heard him talk about before.
We spoke for 2 hours and 20 minutes, and I edited it down to a tight 1 hour and 40.
Tomas was friendly, gracious, and really let me dig into some of my personal fascinations about himself, and Meshuggah too. It was everything I hoped it would be.
So yeah, that’s what I wanted to share with you this week—a full-circle moment where I got to sit down and chat with one of my heroes. And not only that… dare I say, I think I made a new friend!
You can watch our chat on YouTube HERE
You can listen on Spotify HERE
Let’s leave it there this week—I’m sure you’ve got plenty on your plate with Christmas just around the corner.
But remember…
They Say Never Meet Your Heroes, Unless…
…Unless it’s Tomas mutha fckin’ Haake* from Meshuggah!
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As always, thanks for reading these, and thanks for all your feedback, too. I really appreciate it.
I read them all. So please, if you have any thoughts, send them through, and let’s get a dialogue happening.
Don’t forget… Stay hungry (and stay healthy!)
See you next week.
Stan