"Without John Bonham, there was no Led Zeppelin sound."
- Russ Miller

Friends and Heroes
In this video as part of our Russ Miller Studio Interviews and his free Fundamental Drum Tutorials drum course on Drummerszone, Russ mentions a few legendary drummers that he knew and knows well. He used to run into them all the time during the active studio recording days in the 80s and 90s in Los Angeles. And still, Russ and these guys remain the most favorite hired guns going from studio to studio to record for any possible artist, commercial or whatever job that needs drums.

While Russ has recorded many multi- Gold and Platinum records with just as many artists, here he decides to talk about his friends and heroes. Where Russ has already seen and done it all in drums and music, his inspiration comes from these drummers and other greats like Neil Peart, David Garibaldi and a Cuban drummer called Carlos Vega who, just like Jeff Porcaro, was one of the best drummers in the scene.
Talking about being humble! Russ is still recording for all types of artists and movies and TV Series that are being watched and heard by many millions every week. As of now, Russ has recorded for over 200 Hollywood movies and TV Series. At the same time, he is running a record company and has just released another epic album with percussion legend Giovanni Hidalgo.

As a perfect example in this eye-opening drum lesson, Russ picks the drummer who is considered the greatest Rock Drummer of All Time: John Bonham.

Why John Bonham Sounded so Great


Has Russ Miller seen and done it all?
Well, it comes pretty close! Not only is he one of the few first call drummers in the LA scene for TV series, movies and sessions, he has and is still recording with the bigger names in music. From Tina Turner to Nelly Furtado and playing on one of the biggest hit songs ever: Lady Marmalade with Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya and P!nk. And that is just a quick name-drop of major artists he has recorded for. In the video Russ Miller's Crazy Drum Warehouse and Snare Drum Collection you get to see the snares he used on Lady Marmalade, and the one on Nelly Furtado's I'm Like a Bird.

Not only is Russ one of the best drummers on the planet, in his RMI studios he also produces, records and mixes for various artists and his work for the TV Series and movies. For instance, Russ mixed the surround sound for Steve Gadd's album 'Way Back Home Live at Rochester, NY,' or listen to Kirk Covington's 'Cpt Kirk and the Devil Horns' that was released on his record label.

Solo Projects
As a drummer he has recorded numerous mega selling albums. Even more interesting for drummers are his solo albums on which he is joined by artists like Steve Smith, John "JR" Robinson, Jeff Hamilton, Rick Marotta, Steve Gadd and Wolfgang Haffner in incredible Rhythmic Conversations. And don't forget his Indian drumming projects with Pete Lockett and the special footage we have of the two, including their director's cuts!

The Russ Miller Studio Interviews
In these 7 videos, Russ Miller reveals literally everything in his studio and also about himself as an artist and studio owner. These interview moments are context to our 'Fundamental Drum Tutorials with Russ Miller.' We published all the interview footage we have with him because with Russ, every single bit of interview is a drum and music lesson on itself.

The Russ Miller Fundamental Drum Tutorials
In the free drum lessons Russ recorded for Drummerszone, he lays down the real fundamentals on what it takes to be at least a good and straight forward drummer. These lessons are easy to watch, but proof to be the hardest in discipline and having the right mind- and skillset on your instrument.

The Russ Miller Fundamental Drum Tutorials

All the free Russ Miller Fundamental Drum Tutorials on Drummerszone.

1. Playing the Perfect Mix
   
2. Developing a Solid Pulse
   
3. Defining the Groove
   
4. Techniques for Dynamics (with pdf download)
   
5. Steal the Right Drum Lick (with pdf download)
   
6. Tribute to Neil Peart (Rush)

The Russ Miller Studio Interviews

Learn more about Russ Miller's life as one of the most recorded musicians. With unique footage inside one of the most professional studios in the world.

1. Welcome to Russ Miller's Recording Studio & Control Room
   
2. Studio Gear Rundown of Russ Miller's Drum Studios
   
3. The Secrets of Recording Drums
   
4. The Key to Playing Drums
   
5. Recording Drums for Movies
   
6. Russ Miller's Crazy Drum Warehouse and Snare Drum Collection
   
7. Why John Bonham Sounded so Great

Russ Miller uses
Click here for the complete list of the drum gear Russ uses live and in the studio.

• Mapex Drums and Hardware
  
• Zildjian Cymbals
  
• Remo Drumheads
  
• Vic Firth Sticks
  
• Meinl Percussion
  
• SKB Cases
  
• DW (Drum Workshop) Racks/Hardware
  
• Cympad
  
• Switchkick Beaters
  
• Puresound Snares
  
• NFuzd Audio Electronics, May E/A Mic Mounts, Zoom AV Products, Hercules Mic & Music Stands, P&D tactile Monitoring, Arrel Audio Mic Pre-Amps, Aspirar Sig. Drum Shoes and Prologix Pads