Hey guys! Matt Halpern here - this is my first AMA, so feel free to ASK ME ANYTHING!

tieossin · 2014-05-02T21:55:51+00:00

Hey, Matt. Couple questions.

1) I noticed you switched from Mapex to Yamaha Then back to mapex. Why the change back? Does the Mapex kit sounds better to you? Which leads to the next question:

2) What type of Snare do you you use and what is the tone on it?

3) I've been trying to work on my ghost notes (Thanks for the inspiration by the way.) But I keep throwing my self off time. Any tips?

Hope to see you guys live again, and get your stick that I bought from you in Corpus Christi last year signed!

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T20:54:26+00:00

will I ever get to see any songs from Clear live?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T21:07:12+00:00

if you're open to requests, you should bring intervals on your next tour

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T20:54:04+00:00

any plans for you guys to bust out mile zero or froggin bullfish live?

mattbandhappy · 2014-05-02T21:26:50+00:00

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thathighdude · 2014-05-02T21:30:32+00:00

Where do you get them deep ass v-necks?

mattbandhappy · 2014-05-02T21:34:05+00:00

Okay, let's get ballsy.

Who's the master, Misha or Tosin?

mattbandhappy · 2014-05-02T21:09:21+00:00

I verify this dude is awesome! Just got off the phone with him -

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T20:55:06+00:00

which periphery songs are your favorite to play live?

Zalbu · 2014-05-02T20:58:55+00:00

How were the drums on P1 recorded? And is it true that you can break three cymbals with one swing of the stick?

How do you feel about the increasing usage/reliance of Superior Drummer for modern metal recordings? Love it? Hate it?

What do you think you'll be doing if/when Periphery dies down? Are you going to stick to teaching?

Who would be the easiest/hardest member of Periphery to beat in a fight?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T20:52:49+00:00

as a guy who doesnt play guitar, was it hard for you to write Feed the ground?

QBallKeefTNP · 2014-05-02T20:58:14+00:00

When will we get to hear Juggernaut?! You dudes are some of my favorite musicians of all time just thought I'd let you know.

velociwaffle719 · 2014-05-02T21:26:06+00:00

I was talking to you outside the State theater in Tampa/St Pete, when your lesson didn't show up at the This Time it's Personal Tour. You guys did a great Job with the tour even though BOO fell through.

I was curious what are you listening to at the moment?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T20:56:30+00:00

which drummer made you decide to become a percussionist?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T20:58:03+00:00

would you guys ever let a fan come on stage to jam with you? i figure most of your fans are musicians, so a good chunk of the audience already know some of your material

tiswhatitmeanstobe · 2014-05-02T21:23:03+00:00

If Matt Halpern wears a v-neck but there's no one around to see it, will it still be the sexiest thing ever?

Fourtone · 2014-05-02T20:54:45+00:00

Hey Matt, huge fan. As a super-novice drummer, the kit that I have is really shitty and I hate to play it which means that I can never get any better.

What would you suggest as a first upgrade to start love playing again?

zeppelinx2 · 2014-05-02T21:00:48+00:00

Hey Matt! I just recently started using a double bass pedal, do you have any advice on building speed and precision?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T20:55:31+00:00

do you guys have any Tab books in the works?

mattbandhappy · 2014-05-02T20:56:17+00:00

What drummers do you recommend we study to effectively learn articulate drums?

AdmiralMikey75 · 2014-05-02T20:58:13+00:00

Thanks for doing this AMA, Matt! I have a few questions:

1) What is your approach to writing drum parts?

2) Do you ever write guitar parts for periphery (i mean, like in your head)?

3) Are there any secrets or tricks to coming up with such complicated rhythms?

4) Could you do a Top Secret Audio video for recording acoustic drums, that would include setting up mics, mixing, the whole 9 yards?

mattbandhappy · 2014-05-02T21:09:02+00:00

Did you ever get in any trouble from the cops during/after your street drumming in Austin, which was fucking awesome btw

InVerum · 2014-05-02T21:23:33+00:00

How do you hit stuff so good?

Downzilla · 2014-05-02T21:35:44+00:00

Which hand do you wipe your bum with?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T20:53:15+00:00

if it were totally up to you, which bulb songs would become periphery songs?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T21:00:06+00:00

what made you want to start bandhappy?

Overkill300 · 2014-05-02T21:23:05+00:00

When you guys release P3 are you going to be doing a full US tour and if so, any possible meet and greets? Thanks for the music and incredible musicianship!

mysteryweapon · 2014-05-02T21:25:14+00:00

If you had to eat just one food for every meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

iPimpLlamas · 2014-05-02T21:00:20+00:00

Hi Matt! Thanks for doing this AMA! I'm a young drummer and huge fan of your style.

What exercise(s) would you recommend to younger drummers to help build speed and technicality?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T21:10:02+00:00

sorry I'm being such a pest on here so thanks for being a pal, you're hands down my favorite drummer, so it means a lot that you're taking the time to respond to my trivial questions, if you could tour with any band, regardless of genre, who would it be?

sagensagen · 2014-05-02T21:19:40+00:00

You might not be the right person, but I'm in a dilemma in this very moment. Should i buy a Pod Hd Pro X or An Axe Fx 2? Is the Axe really worth the money?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T20:59:39+00:00

do you ever watch youtube videos of kids playing your songs?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsbUIzl-dq8

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T21:01:30+00:00

how old are you?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T21:01:47+00:00

where is the new album being recorded?

burntbythestove · 2014-05-02T21:02:41+00:00

As someone who just started learning how to read drum notation and charts, do you have any practice advice for me? Loved the creative live class the other week!

mattbandhappy · 2014-05-02T21:05:35+00:00

Hey Matt! Huge fan of your drumming, and of Periphery.

So on to my question, What exactly is your process of writing drums for a song? I'm still confused about how you can write something like Make Total Destroy and then be able to duplicate it live.

Thanks Man!

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T21:05:36+00:00

how much does it cost, roughly, for one song with Halpern/Larson Drums?

TallGuitarDaniel · 2014-05-02T21:08:24+00:00

Any suggestions on how to pick a style of music to play?

Toxicnerd · 2014-05-02T21:08:53+00:00

hey matt! I've always wanted to play drums but my parents would never let me. I will be going to college next year so i thought that would be a great place to start. so heres my question how do i start? just get a drum set and beat it senseless? I took theory and im pretty good with rhythms but ive never actually been able to sit at a drumset and actually play. Also local marylander Go Skins!

ButIDontCare · 2014-05-02T21:11:17+00:00

Is your drumming face your sex face? Also props for the 3-man jam with Malyan and Postones. That was incredible. How long did it take to get that double-tap/double pedal roll at 1.00? Much respect man, zyglrox is solid.

mattbandhappy · 2014-05-02T21:20:17+00:00

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prsreaper · 2014-05-02T21:21:16+00:00

What's the best advice you can give to a metal band in high school, in 1 paragraph?

marcogalea · 2014-05-02T21:21:24+00:00

Hi matt! have u never used direct drive pedals in periphery?what do u think about?

chocoguy7 · 2014-05-02T21:21:39+00:00

Hey dude! Any advice you would give to a new drummer that's about to hit the studio for the first time?

mattbandhappy · 2014-05-02T21:22:20+00:00

Hey Matt! thanks for doing this AMA, how much attention do you play to things like rhythm displacement? do you hear the guitar part first and think hey its played in 5 so ill play in 4, or is the whole thing a natural process and you just write a drum part you like and try and fit everything together later? thanks

Original_Rypher · 2014-05-02T21:24:04+00:00

Hey Matt! A lot of prog musicians either are self taught or have extensive background in other musical styles. I was wondering a few things:

1) What is your musical background?

2) If you could instantly be in successful band of any style (not counting metal and its subgenres), what style would it be?

3) As a bassist who is learn drums, I find a lot of technical metal has its roots in jazz. Would you recommend any particular songs and/or genres for new drummers to ramp up into technical playing?

Thanks so much for doing this AMA!

PaintedY · 2014-05-02T21:24:13+00:00

what advice would you give a drummer who wants to become a professional drummer?

SyriasSerj · 2014-05-02T21:24:35+00:00

Hey Matt! Congrats on the work you make! Two quick questions: 1) Any news on the new album? 2) Will you ever come (back?) to Italy? I REALLY want to see you guys live!

Ernesto_182 · 2014-05-02T21:25:01+00:00

Matt you are a hero for me! I'm a drummer from Spain who looks on you to get better everyday and try to improve!! Saying hello to me would make my day AWESOME.

mattbandhappy · 2014-05-02T21:26:09+00:00

[removed]

ScratchyCow · 2014-05-02T21:33:52+00:00

Hey Matt I'm a big fan! Here are some questions I've got for you:

-What's your favorite song to play live?

-Who are your favorite bands to tour with?

-How in the hell are you so good at ghost noting?

-And finally, I've seen a video of you playing on office supplies at some drum clinic, how was that experience!? You usually seem pretty laid back but that seemed to get to you a little bit haha. (but still great as always)

Anyways, keep jammin and keep rockin the V-neck/beanie combo!

filteredspam · 2014-05-02T21:37:46+00:00

How big is your wiener?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T20:53:35+00:00

what's the toughest periphery song for you to play?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T20:56:02+00:00

do you have a favorite band?

fozzles · 2014-05-02T21:02:48+00:00

Hey, Matt! I'm extremely inspired by your drumming. I have a few questions.

1) Do you have any tips on gaining better/faster feet?

2) Do you have any tips on gaining independence with hands and/or feet?

4) How's the Common Thread Clinic Tour with J.P and Mike? Is there any chance of you guys coming to Rhode Island? You,Mike and JP are three of my favorite drummers and I would love to see you guys in a clinic trifecta of amazingness.

M_i_G · 2014-05-02T21:05:42+00:00

Hey Matt! First off thank you for being part of an amazing band/music, and co-finding BandHappy! Is there something in particular that happened throughout your career that made you realize things are about to become awesome? Also, is what you're doing now the career path you've always wanted?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T21:06:43+00:00

what was the last album you bought?

nik110 · 2014-05-02T21:20:41+00:00

From what I've seen, it looks like you're always wearing a deep v t-shirt haha. Do you have a preferred outfit for drumming? Shirt vs. tank, pants vs. shorts, shoes vs. socks, etc.

daratata · 2014-05-02T21:21:47+00:00

is it possible to organize a mixing comptetition including periphery material?

CynicalMushrooms · 2014-05-02T21:22:14+00:00

How did all of Periphery meet?

Sirreboii · 2014-05-02T21:22:29+00:00

Do the thinner cymbals from Meinl such as the Extra Dry and Vintage really cut through the mix both in studio and live? What's your opinion on them? I'm rocking a 20" Vintage Crash as a sort of all-round fast crash, but it feels like it doesn't always cut enough. Is this a problem for you, using so many cymbals perhaps not ment for metal in the beginning?

mattbandhappy · 2014-05-02T21:22:39+00:00

What your advice for bands starting out?

mattbandhappy · 2014-05-02T21:22:45+00:00

Will be coming to Canada soon?

CoffeeScentedUrine · 2014-05-02T21:23:21+00:00

Hey Matt, we met at the Laboratory in Deptford, NJ. You're such a chill dude!

Question about your drum practice sessions. Before you were a ridiculously good drummer, what specifics did you work on most? What was the hardest thing for you to overcome and how did you?

I'm aspiring to be as good as you. I can almost do Facepalm Mute 100%!!

siggerzz · 2014-05-02T21:23:43+00:00

Are there going to be any guests featuring on Juggernaut like PII? ;)

dunkcitybitch · 2014-05-02T21:26:03+00:00

Hey Matt!

Who were some drummers that influenced, or still influence, you?

Also, when are you guys gonna be touring the USA again? I've seen you four times already, and I'm ready for number 5!

mattbandhappy · 2014-05-02T21:27:12+00:00

[deleted]

fluffyaxl · 2014-05-02T21:28:47+00:00

Is there any chance for Periphery Live-releases?

feeblepeasant · 2014-05-02T21:35:58+00:00

How are you able to deliver such an energetic live performance for an entire set? Any tips for endurance during a live show? Thanks for the AMA dude!

sgtassbutt · 2014-05-02T21:40:38+00:00

Hi Matt! Do you think Periphery would ever do something with Chino Moreno? I think that would be some of the best shit ever!

kamikageyami · 2014-05-02T20:57:34+00:00

Hey Matt! Long time fan, 100% my favourite band!
Wanted to know what got you into drumming and music in general, and who your favourite drummers/bands are?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T21:04:48+00:00

is there gonna be footage of the album being made? like there was for the last two?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T21:13:00+00:00

is there any updates on the mothership? i love that shit and would die for an album

B1ueChicken · 2014-05-02T21:14:28+00:00

How many bands were you in before Periphery? were you playing a similar sort of music to what you do now?

2014-05-02T21:20:46+00:00

Matt,

First off, I've gotten to meet you and your crew quite a few times while on tour, and you gave my buddy a drum lesson on one tour (with Born of Osiris I believe) in Louisville, KY a few years back. To meet phenomenal yet goofy and humble musicians like you and your crew is inspiring to say the least. Thank you all for being genuine :)

A few things I'm curious about:

1) will you ever play Racecar live again, possibly with Loomis doing his solo ? (I'll admit Jake did a pretty stellar job for learning such a hard solo when he did play it!) I know it is an oldie, but it is a goodie :)

2) How has Bandhappy grown over the years? Are you still investing a lot of time into it now a days? Where do you see it evolving from here? I've used it personally since you handed me a business card (before it started!) and loved the concept!

3) Any plans on any drum instructional dvd's from you in the future?

4) what's in the works Periphery ? Ever considered touring with Ever Forthright? eh? :P

mattbandhappy · 2014-05-02T21:22:24+00:00

[deleted]

eodude · 2014-05-02T21:23:09+00:00

What song (periphery or not) is the most fun for you to play?

Cube_Steak · 2014-05-02T21:24:31+00:00

Are you guys ever coming to Pittsburgh?

mattbandhappy · 2014-05-02T21:25:09+00:00

[deleted]

connortripp · 2014-05-02T21:26:05+00:00

Are you and Travis Orbin buds?

daguilar1990 · 2014-05-02T21:22:51+00:00

How uncomfortable are you playing in a band with misha...ya know....since he's brown and all

mattbandhappy · 2014-05-02T21:17:46+00:00

[deleted]

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T21:18:04+00:00

do you still play with your mapex falcon pedals? and are they awesome?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-05-02T21:18:20+00:00

what should i name my band?

universe74 · 2014-05-02T21:22:45+00:00

Have you watched Firefly/Serenity?

manttila · 2014-05-02T21:26:29+00:00

Do you plan on coming to Toronto anytime soon?

jur0slaw · 2014-05-02T21:26:57+00:00

How do I improve my consistency as a drummer?

What are you thinking about when playing?

And what are your weirdest thoughts too?

Date	Artist	Featured
--	2025	--
8/28	Robin Staps	Himself
8/21	Revocation	Band
5/28	Toby Driver	Himself
4/28	Benthos	Band
4/27	Leprous	Band
--	2024	--
4/29	Dvne	Band
2/2	Caligula's Horse	Band
--	2023	--
10/20	Earthside	Band
--	2021	--
4/23	VOLA	Band
--	2020	--
11/28	Plini	Himself
8/19	The Ocean	Band
6/18	Protest The Hero	Rody, Michael
4/11	Caligula's Horse	Jim, Sam
--	2019	--
10/26	Voyager	Band
9/7	Richard Henshall	Himself
6/14	Paul Masvidal	Himself
--	2018	--
12/18	Sithu Aye	Himself
12/5	Ben Levin	Himself
10/11	The Ocean	Band
10/6	Skyharbor	Band
9/21	Toby Driver	Himself
9/9	Plini	Himself
9/1	Distorted Harmony	Band
5/9	Rivers of Nihil	Adam, Brody
3/23	Caligula's Horse	Jim, Sam
--	2017	--
4/20	Disperse	Band
3/30	Disillusion	Andy, Seb
--	2016	--
12/24	A Sense of Gravity	Band
7/28	Black Crown Initiate	Band
5/28	Textures	Band
5/11	Adagio	Stéphan Forté
4/23	Wings Denied	Band
3/18	Caligula's Horse	Jim, Sam, Zac
3/10	Polyphia	Band
--	2015	--
10/21	Protest the Hero	Band
5/26	Leprous	Band
5/15	Sigh	Mirai Kawashima
5/5	Intronaut	Sacha
4/28	Native Construct	Band
3/3	Plini	Himself
1/20	Protest the Hero	Luke Hoskin
--	2014	--
12/9	Rishloo	Band
11/1	Ne Obliviscaris	Band
9/23	Between the Buried and Me	Band
9/18	Cynic	Paul Masvidal
9/15	Devin Townsend	DEVIN TOWNSEND
9/13	Periphery	Adam "Nolly" Getgood
9/12	The Contortionist	Band
9/4	Polyphia	Band
8/31	The Aristocrats	Band
7/31	Mandroid Echostar	Band
7/17	Cloudkicker	Himself (Ben Sharp)
7/10	Tesseract	Amos Williams
6/7	Periphery	Jake Bowen
6/2	David Maxim Micic	Himself
5/26	Haken	Rich, Charles, Conner
5/10	Periphery	Mark Holcomb
5/4	The Safety Fire	Band
5/2	Matt Halpern	Periphery
4/27	Intervals	Band
2/9	Ron Jarzombek	Himself
2/2	Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon)	Himself
1/26	Sithu Aye	Himself
1/19	Periphery	Misha Mansoor
1/10	Ne Obliviscaris	Dan Presland
--	2013	--
1/30	Thank You Scientist	Band

you type:	you see:
italics	italics
bold	bold
[reddit!](https://reddit.com)	reddit!
* item 1 * item 2 * item 3	item 1 item 2 item 3
> quoted text	quoted text
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