Adam Deitch, drummer of Lettuce, Break Science and Pretty Lights Live Band, is one of the most prolific drummers of our time. Who better to chat with about other drummers who are making waves in the scene right now? Check out Deitch’s picks on who gets the nastiest behind a drum kit:

There are many amazing drummers out there. The drummers I get to see often are the ones doing the festival circuit and touring heavily with cool, original bands. This list represents the most awesome drummers that I get to see during the year in various cities across the US.

1.) Robert Sput Searight (Snarky Puppy)

Originally a member of Snoop Dogg’s Snoopadelics, Sput has been terrorizing the scene with Snarky Puppy with his effortless flow of groove and an encyclopedia of ideas every show they play. Also a Grammy-winning producer.

2.) Nikki Glaspie (Nth Power)

Nikki has been crushing the drums YEARS before her tenures with Beyonce, Dumpstaphunk and Nth Power. Her power, musicality and blistering solos makes her one of the greatest today. She’s been my teacher/sister for years.

3.) Homer Steinweiss (Dap-Kings)

Take a soul drummer from 1968 and transport him to 2014 – that’s Homer. His style is like no music happened after 1973. The Master of 60s and EARLY 70s funk and soul.

4.) Torch (Conspirator)

Torch has been a warrior for pushing the NEW sound onto acoustic drums. Representing D&B, breaks, dubstep and live trap while crushing stages with Conspirator, he’s come a long way from being a drummer who played in the subways of NYC. 

5.) Kris Myers (Umphrey’s McGee)

Kris is a beast and is extremely well rounded. His “all styles go” approach has made Umphrey’s a seriously hot ticket for fans. Dude’s hands are lightening quick as well. 

6.) Terence Higgins (John Scofield Band/Warren Haynes Band)

From his work with Ani DiFranco to more recent gigs with John Scofield and Warren Haynes Band, Terence has that laid back, NOLA feel in his blood with that rage till sunrise attitude! He’s also the coolest dude ever. 

7.) Jano Rix (The Wood Brothers)

Jano has been groovin hard with the Wood Brothers band for a while now. His ability to always be musical first is due to him also being an amazing pianist. He grooves equally hard playing beats on an acoustic guitar with no strings.

8.) KJ Sawka (Pendulum/Destroid)

KJ has been at the forefront of playing electronic music on a hybrid E kit/Acoustic kit for some time. His knowledge of the technology and sound design is unparalleled in today’s scene. His work with Destroid is top notch modern drumming, regardless if you like dubstep or not.

9.) Chris St. Hilaire (The London Souls)

Chris is what happens when John Bonham, Mitch Mitchell and Zigaboo Modeliste have a kid together. His playing with the London Souls is so spot on for the mid 70s big beat retro rock sound. Perfect time and feel.

10.) Max MacVeety (Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe)

From Max’s work with Crown City Rockers and Skins and Needles to KDTU, he has been on fire of late! He brings just the right amount of Hip Hop swagger to Karl D’s retro funk concept. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Eric Hargrove (Bootsy Collins)

Adrian Tramontano (Kung Fu)

Terrence Houston (George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners, Toubab Krewe, Funky Meters) 

Jeremy Salken (Big Gigantic)

Daru Jones (Jack White)

Adam Tune (Keys N Krates)

Isaac Teel (TAUK)