Podcasts have become an indispensable resource for modern musicians, offering a direct line to expert knowledge, industry insights, and creative inspiration that can be absorbed while on the move.
For the electronic drum pad enthusiast, this medium is particularly potent, providing a wealth of information on everything from intricate finger drumming techniques and advanced sample manipulation to in-depth gear reviews and the latest trends in music production.
Whether you are programming beats on your morning commute, practicing rudiments on an SPD-SX, or seeking new sample packs for your Maschine, the right podcast can transform your downtime into a period of profound learning and motivation, connecting you with a global community of like-minded creators.
This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the most essential podcasts in this niche, exploring why this audio format is a powerful tool for your development and providing a detailed analysis of the top shows you should be listening to.
We will delve into what makes each podcast uniquely valuable for pad players, highlight must-listen episodes to get you started, and offer a comparative look to help you find the perfect show for your specific interests, whether you’re a live performer, a studio producer, or a technical wizard.
Why Podcasts are a Powerful Tool for Modern Drummers
The auditory nature of podcasts makes them an exceptionally effective learning tool for drummers, allowing for skill development and knowledge acquisition without needing to be physically in front of a drum kit.
This format uniquely complements a musician’s lifestyle, integrating seamlessly into daily routines and providing continuous engagement with the art form.
By leveraging podcasts, players can immerse themselves in the world of drumming, absorbing nuanced concepts and staying abreast of a rapidly evolving industry through a convenient and accessible medium.
Accelerate Your Growth with Passive Learning
Passive learning through podcasts enables you to absorb a tremendous amount of information about gear, technique, and music theory while engaged in other activities like driving, working out, or doing chores.
Unlike video tutorials or written articles that demand your full visual attention, audio-first content allows your mind to focus on complex concepts, such as the signal flow for a hybrid setup or the theory behind polyrhythmic programming, while your eyes and hands are occupied.
This continuous, low-friction exposure to new ideas helps build a deep repository of knowledge that you can later apply actively during your practice or production sessions, effectively turning every moment of your day into a potential learning opportunity.
Gain Unprecedented Access to Expert Insights
Hearing directly from professional drummers, celebrated producers, and seasoned industry insiders provides a level of insight that is difficult to find elsewhere.
Top-tier podcasts feature candid interviews and long-form conversations where these experts share their personal workflows, hard-earned career advice, and the creative philosophies that have guided their success.
You might hear a touring drummer for a major pop artist explain exactly how they use their Roland SPD-SX to run backing tracks and trigger samples live, or listen to a renowned producer break down their approach to chopping samples on an Akai MPC, offering practical, real-world knowledge that goes far beyond a standard user manual.
Master Your Gear with In-Depth Reviews and Deep Dives
Staying current with the constant flood of new drum pads, sound modules, software (VSTs), and accessories is a significant challenge that podcasts can help you overcome.
Many specialized shows dedicate entire episodes to deep dives on specific pieces of gear, comparing and contrasting their features, discussing their pros and cons, and exploring their practical applications.
Instead of sifting through countless online reviews and marketing materials, you can listen to a trusted host put a piece of equipment like the Alesis StrikePad Pro through its paces, discussing its pad response, software integration, and overall value, giving you the comprehensive understanding needed to make informed purchasing decisions.
Fuel Your Creativity with Inspiration and Motivation
Discovering new artists, exploring unfamiliar musical styles, and hearing the stories of other musicians are powerful ways to break through creative blocks and reignite your passion.
Podcasts serve as a curated source of inspiration, introducing you to the work of innovative finger drummers or producers who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with electronic percussion.
Hearing about another musician’s journey—their struggles, their breakthroughs, and their unique creative process—can be incredibly motivating, encouraging you to experiment with new techniques, create your own unique sample library, or finally finish that track you’ve been working on.
Quick Podcast Comparison
To help you choose where to start, this table provides a high-level comparison of the podcasts we will be discussing in detail.
| Podcast Name | Primary Focus | Best For… | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sounds Like A Drum | Technical Deep Dives & Gear Science | The gear-obsessed drummer and hybrid player. | Triggering, VSTs, Module comparisons, E-cymbals |
| Drumeo Podcast | Artist Interviews & Career Insights | Aspiring professionals and fans of drum legends. | Hybrid setups, Live performance, Musicality |
| The eDrummer Podcast | All Things Electronic Drumming | Dedicated e-drummers and beginners. | MIDI, VSTs, E-kit reviews, Module tweaking |
| Drummer’s Resource | Career Development & Musical Journeys | The entrepreneurial and holistic drummer. | Technology integration, Professionalism, Creativity |
| Music Production Podcast | Beat Making & Software Workflows | The producer-drummer and Ableton user. | Sampling, Synthesis, Song finishing, Creative process |
The Top 5 Podcasts for Electronic Drum Pad Enthusiasts
The following section provides a detailed analysis of five of the most impactful podcasts for any musician who uses electronic drum pads.
Each review is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the show’s content, its unique value proposition for pad enthusiasts, and a clear starting point for your listening journey.
Sounds Like A Drum
Sounds Like A Drum, hosted by the insightful and affable team of Cody and Chris, presents itself primarily as a YouTube show but its audio format translates perfectly into a podcast for passive, on-the-go learning.
The show’s core mission is to answer common and esoteric questions about all things percussion, but it distinguishes itself with a fantastic and frequent focus on the science and application of electronic and hybrid drumming.
Their approach is methodical and often experimental, treating drumming concepts with a level of nerdy curiosity that is both entertaining and profoundly educational, making it an essential listen for anyone who wants to understand the why behind their gear, not just the how.
The essential value of this podcast for pad enthusiasts lies in its incredibly detailed, scientific-style comparisons and deep dives into electronic gear.
Cody and Chris don’t just review a product; they deconstruct it.
They will meticulously test the triggering capabilities of various pads, compare the latency of different sound modules, and conduct shootouts between popular drum VSTs, presenting their findings with clarity and impartiality.
This makes the podcast an indispensable resource for the gear-head who is agonizing over which electronic hi-hats to buy or which software will provide the most realistic sounds.
They cover the nitty-gritty of sound modules, the physics of cymbal triggers, and the art of setting up a seamless hybrid kit in a way that no other show does, empowering listeners with the technical knowledge to build a truly optimized electronic setup.
For a perfect introduction to their style, the episode titled “The World of Electronic Drums ft.
The eDrum Workshop” is a must-listen.
This episode functions as a comprehensive overview of the current e-drum landscape, tackling everything from entry-level kits to professional-grade VSTs.
The collaboration with another expert in the field ensures a rich, multi-faceted discussion that covers common pitfalls for beginners, advanced techniques for seasoned players, and predictions for the future of electronic percussion technology.
Listening to this episode will immediately equip you with a foundational understanding that will enrich your perception of every other topic they cover.
The podcast is ideal for the analytical drummer, the tinkerer, and anyone who believes that a deeper understanding of their tools leads to greater artistry.
Drumeo Podcast
The Drumeo Podcast, the audio flagship of the world’s leading drum education platform, offers listeners a seat at the table with some of the most influential and legendary drummers of all time.
Hosted by Jared Falk and various members of the Drumeo faculty, the podcast’s primary format is long-form interviews that explore the careers, techniques, and philosophies of these drumming icons.
While the topics span the entire spectrum of drumming, the show provides exceptional value for electronic drummers through the sheer number of guests who are either pioneers or prominent users of electronic and hybrid setups in their professional work.
Its essentiality for pad enthusiasts comes from the practical, high-level application of technology discussed by its A-list guests.
You can hear drummers like Ilan Rubin (Nine Inch Nails, Angels & Airwaves) discuss the necessity of electronics in industrial rock, or listen to gospel and R&B titans like Larnell Lewis explain how they integrate sample pads and triggers into their fluid, dynamic playing.
These are not theoretical discussions; they are stories and insights born from thousands of hours on stage and in the studio.
Hearing these artists explain why they chose a specific pad, how they program their sounds for a tour, and the ways in which technology allows them to replicate complex studio albums in a live setting provides an unparalleled education in the practical and musical application of electronic percussion at the highest level of the industry.
To dive in, a fantastic starting point is to seek out “The Jojo Mayer Episode.” Jojo is a master of both acoustic and electronic percussion, and his philosophy on the intersection of humanity and technology is revolutionary.
In his interviews, he delves deep into his concepts of “reverse engineering” electronic drum machine patterns on the acoustic kit and his approach to creating organic, expressive music using pads and triggers.
His perspective will fundamentally change how you think about playing electronic drums, moving the focus from simply triggering static sounds to creating a living, breathing performance.
The Drumeo Podcast is therefore perfect for the aspiring professional who wants to understand how electronics are used in the real world and for any player looking for musical inspiration from the masters of the craft.
The Electronic Drummer Podcast (by The eDrum Workshop)
The Electronic Drummer Podcast, produced by the specialists at The eDrum Workshop, is the most niche and directly relevant podcast for pad enthusiasts on this list.
This show is built from the ground up to serve the electronic drumming community exclusively, forgoing broader percussion topics to provide a concentrated dose of information on the technology that drives modern drumming.
It caters to a wide audience within the niche, from the absolute beginner wondering which e-kit to purchase to the seasoned professional looking to fine-tune their understanding of complex MIDI routing or advanced VST implementation.
This podcast is a goldmine because it leaves no stone unturned in the world of electronic percussion.
The hosts address the questions that dedicated e-drummers and pad players grapple with every day.
Episodes are dedicated to topics like optimizing your pad settings for dynamic range, troubleshooting crosstalk issues, comparing the merits of different drum brain modules, and creating custom sound libraries from scratch.
It’s the audio equivalent of a dedicated forum, providing clear, expert-led answers to highly specific problems.
For anyone who uses an electronic drum pad as a central part of their setup, this podcast feels like it was made just for them, offering solutions and insights that are simply too specific to be covered in more generalized drumming shows.
A highly practical entry point is the episode titled “Choosing the Right VST For Your Electronic Drums.” This topic is a critical decision point for any serious electronic drummer, and this episode breaks it down brilliantly.
It moves beyond a simple list of popular software, instead discussing the key factors you should consider: library size, sound quality, CPU load, user interface, and expandability.
It helps you define your own needs first, ensuring you choose a VST that aligns with your musical goals and technical setup.
Listening to this will save you countless hours of research and potentially hundreds of dollars.
The Electronic Drummer Podcast is the essential companion for any player who is serious about mastering the technical side of their instrument.
The Drummer’s Resource Podcast
The Drummer’s Resource Podcast, hosted by the ever-curious Nick Ruffini, is a long-running and highly respected interview-based show that focuses on the complete lives of working drummers.
It’s a holistic exploration of what it takes to build a sustainable career in music, covering not just technique and gear, but also the business acumen, networking skills, and mental fortitude required to succeed.
While its scope is broad, the podcast consistently provides immense value for pad enthusiasts by frequently delving into how and why successful drummers incorporate technology into their setups.
The crucial takeaway for electronic drummers from this podcast is the focus on context and purpose.
Instead of just talking about the features of a Roland SPD-SX, Nick’s interviews often uncover the story behind its adoption.
You’ll learn that a touring drummer for a country artist started using a pad not for electronic sounds, but as a reliable way to trigger a specific reverb-drenched snare sample that defines a hit song.
You’ll hear how a theater drummer uses pads to cover a wide array of percussion parts that would be impractical to have on stage.
This focus on the “why” is incredibly illuminating, as it showcases electronic pads not as a genre-specific gimmick, but as a versatile problem-solving tool for the modern working musician. It provides a masterclass in musical and conceptual application, fostering a mindset of using technology to serve the song.
A great starting episode that exemplifies this ethos is “Episode 178 – The Business of Drumming with Daniel Glass.” While not exclusively about electronics, this conversation perfectly frames the mindset of a modern professional drummer.
Daniel Glass is a historian and master educator who understands the evolution of the instrument and the industry.
Discussions like this help you understand the professional landscape where technological proficiency is no longer optional but a vital part of a drummer’s toolkit.
It helps you see your drum pads as an asset that can make you more hirable and musically more versatile.
This podcast is perfect for the entrepreneurial drummer who is thinking about their career and wants to understand how technology can create new opportunities.
Music Production Podcast
The Music Production Podcast, hosted by Brian Funk, an Ableton Certified Trainer and prolific musician, is the quintessential listen for the producer-drummer.
This podcast squarely targets the creator who sees their electronic drum pads not just as a percussion instrument, but as the central control surface for their entire music-making process.
While not a “drumming” podcast in the traditional sense, its content is profoundly relevant for anyone using pads like the Novation Launchpad, Akai MPC, or Native Instruments Maschine to build tracks from the ground up.
Its absolute necessity for the pad-wielding producer stems from its deep dives into software workflows, creative strategies, and beat-making techniques that are directly applicable to a pad-based setup.
Brian Funk explores topics like creative sampling, synthesis, song arrangement, and mixing, all through the lens of a hands-on, hardware-integrated workflow.
You’ll learn how to chop a sample and map it across your pads for expressive performance, how to program dynamic drum patterns that don’t sound robotic, and, most importantly, how to move beyond an 8-bar loop and finish a complete track.
The podcast is a masterclass in turning rhythmic ideas into fully realized pieces of music, making it the perfect companion for anyone who uses their pads to create.
Key Gear and Software for Pad Enthusiasts
The world of electronic drum pads is supported by a vast ecosystem of hardware and software.
The following table highlights some of the key pieces of gear and software frequently discussed in these podcasts, giving you a reference for what tools the pros are using and talking about.
| Category | Item Name | Often Discussed In | Key Discussion Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample Pads | Roland SPD-SX Pro | Sounds Like A Drum, Drumeo | Industry standard for live performance, triggering, backing tracks. |
| Performance Pads | Alesis Strike MultiPad | The eDrummer Podcast | Onboard sampling, powerful looper, alternative to the SPD-SX. |
| DAW Controllers | Novation Launchpad X | Music Production Podcast | Seamless integration with Ableton Live, clip launching, note mode. |
| MPC/Grooveboxes | Akai MPC Live II | Music Production Podcast | Standalone beat production, powerful sampler, built-in speakers. |
| Drum VST | Superior Drummer 3 | The eDrummer Podcast, Sounds Like A Drum | Unmatched realism, massive sound library, advanced mixing. |
| Creative VST | XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2 | Drumeo, Drummer’s Resource | Great sounds, lightweight on CPU, excellent for songwriting. |
| DAW Software | Ableton Live Suite | Music Production Podcast | The standard for electronic music, live performance, and pad integration. |
A fantastic episode to begin with is “Making Music with Hardware Synths, Samplers, and Drum Machines.” This episode captures the spirit of the entire show, focusing on the joy and creative potential of a tactile, hardware-based music creation process.
It provides tips on integrating different pieces of gear, developing a fast and intuitive workflow, and overcoming the limitations of hardware to spark creativity.
For any electronic drummer who has ever dreamed of building a studio around their pads, this podcast provides the roadmap and the inspiration to make it happen.
How to Tune In and Get the Most Out of Your Listening
Engaging with these podcasts is simple, and integrating them into your routine can be done in just a few steps.
A podcast is essentially an on-demand radio show, a series of audio episodes that you can download or stream at your convenience.
The key is to find a platform that suits your lifestyle and to actively engage with the content.
Finding Your Preferred Platform
You can access podcasts on a variety of platforms, each with its own advantages:
- Spotify: An excellent all-in-one solution if you already use it for music. It has a massive library of podcasts and allows you to download episodes for offline listening.
- Apple Podcasts: The native app for iOS and macOS users. It has a clean interface and syncs your listening progress seamlessly across all your Apple devices.
- Google Podcasts: A simple and effective cross-platform solution available on Android, iOS, and the web.
- YouTube: Many of these podcasts, like Sounds Like A Drum and Drumeo, have a video component on YouTube. This is great if you’re a visual learner and want to see the gear being discussed.
- Directly from the Website: Most podcasts have their own websites where you can stream episodes directly.
The single most effective thing you can do is to find your favorite shows and click “Subscribe” or “Follow.” This will ensure that new episodes are automatically delivered to your device as soon as they are released, so you never miss out on new content.
Conclusion
In the dynamic and technology-driven world of modern percussion, podcasts have emerged as an invaluable, convenient, and profoundly inspiring resource.
For the electronic drum pad enthusiast, they offer a unique opportunity to learn from the masters of the craft, stay on the cutting edge of gear and software, and find the motivation to push their creative boundaries, all without taking time away from their busy lives.
The shows highlighted in this guide represent the pinnacle of audio content for the pad player, each offering a distinct perspective and a wealth of knowledge to explore.
Now it’s your turn to act.
Pick one podcast from this list that resonates with your personal goals—whether you’re the aspiring pro, the technical gear-head, or the bedroom producer—and commit to listening to the recommended episode. See how easily it fits into your day and how quickly you can learn something new that you can apply to your own music.
What are your favorite drumming podcasts? Did we miss any essential shows for electronic drummers and finger drummers? Share your recommendations in the comments below and join the conversation!
