The Best Female Drummers

Why female?
Well, because men have always dominated the music industry, and I think there are some incredible female musicians out there from the past, as well as the present. Unsung heroes, if you will. I keep an eye on these ladies, because female musicians are growing in number, and in my opinion, we're going to see more of them playing key roles in great bands. In this thread, I'd like to focus on drummers. I think it was Cardiff who did a thread not long ago on female guitarists.

In this thread, I'm going to give my own short list. I have several elements I think make up a great drummer. Skill, consistency, passion, vision, interaction, and style. The drummer sets the tone and momentum of the band. So the very basics of their skill set become the most important, along with the energy they bring to the music being played. We all love drum solos, but an awesome drum solo won't tell you the caliber of drummer you're listening to. It's when they play a set with the band, that you get personality, and all the other facets that make a drummer. Sometimes it's subtle. Sometimes not so subtle. Without further adieu, here's my personal short list, off the top of my head. I'm sure I will miss some good musicians, so please feel free to add to the list.

Note I have not chosen these drummers based on the band they were in, or whether I liked or disliked their music.

Karen Carpenter: Yep. I went there. Karen may be one of the best on this list, because she wasn't just a drummer. She was a percussionist. Not on the level of Evelyn Glennie, but a good percussionist nevertheless. Not the best quality, but you can get an idea of her abilities here

Sheila E.: Also a percussionist, as well as a powerful drummer. Her reputation precedes her, so not much else need be said. Sheila E.

Cindy Blackman: Now married to Carlos Santana. Cindy has had a long and accomplished career as a drummer. She now plays with Santana, but has played with Kravitz. Short solo.

Roxy Petrucci: Yeah I know. She's from an all female hair band named Vixen. But that doesn't mean she wasn't talented. She certainly was.
Roxy Petrucci

Sandy West: Joan Jett raved about Sandy's skills, and once compared her to Bonham. I'm not so sure she was a Bonham, but she was certainly a consistent and solid drummer who received little recognition. Runaways

Jen Ledger: Started drumming professionally at the age of 18. She was asked to try out for the Christian band Skillet. They were impressed, and chose her out of ten other drummers. She has steadily grown as a drummer, and I like her because she doesn't try to get fancy and showy. She has a solid skill set, as well as her own style and personality. She fits like a glove with the band. And...she can sing a little too. Skillet - Awake and Alive

Carla Azar: Drummer for Autolux, and has played with Jack White. What can I say. She's really good. Autolux

Who are your faves?

a reply to: Klassified

a reply to: Klassified

Mo Tucker (Velvet Underground) gets my vote, if you listen to the off beat first drum hit of All Tomorrows Parties and don't get a chill, you haven't got a pulse.

a reply to: DOCHOLIDAZE1
Lol. Yeah, that's about how serious this thread will be taken too. ATS isn't much for music threads, but it's one I've wanted to put together for a while, and it was a Saturday afternoon...

originally posted by: uncommitted
a reply to: Klassified

Mo Tucker (Velvet Underground) gets my vote, if you listen to the off beat first drum hit of All Tomorrows Parties and don't get a chill, you haven't got a pulse.

Oooohh. Good choice. I should have put her in my short list.

a reply to: Klassified

I enjoy watching/listening to Stefanie Eulinberg!

DRUM

I know she wasn't an original member of TBT...

She stands firm in what she likes now...I like that!

a reply to: Klassified

honestly i dont know any female drummers, but this came to my mind, so i posted it,

originally posted by: TNMockingbird
a reply to: Klassified

I enjoy watching/listening to Stefanie Eulinberg!

DRUM

I know she wasn't an original member of TBT...

She stands firm in what she likes now...I like that!

Also a good choice. Thanks for adding it.

Demetra Plakas of L7



"Bitter Wine"


Live at at Rockapalast('96)

a reply to: dreamingawake
Oddly enough. They remind me of the Runaways. Which isn't a bad thing. The drummer sounds solid. I'll have to check out more of her.

Meytal Cohen: I know Meytal is popular with a lot of folks on youtube. The reason I didn't include her, is because other than her first album release, most of her work has been covers. She certainly has the technical skill, but she hasn't developed her own style and personality to this point, imo. Given time though, I think she has the potential to be a great drummer.

Martina Axén (drums, backing vocals)

Drain STH - Freaks of Nature Album

originally posted by: Klassified
a reply to: dreamingawake
Oddly enough. They remind me of the Runaways. Which isn't a bad thing. The drummer sounds solid. I'll have to check out more of her.

Meytal Cohen: I know Meytal is popular with a lot of folks on youtube. The reason I didn't include her, is because other than her first album release, most of her work has been covers. She certainly has the technical skill, but she hasn't developed her own style and personality to this point, imo. Given time though, I think she has the potential to be a great drummer.

Yeah, not bad. I'll add who else comes to mind. While not that familiar with them, another band of the 90s/00s would be Kittie, all female metal band.

originally posted by: dreamingawake
Martina Axén (drums, backing vocals)

Drain STH - Freaks of Nature Album

I love drain! And yes. She is a good drummer.

Yeah, not bad. I'll add who else comes to mind. While not that familiar with them, another band of the 90s/00s would be Kittie, all female metal band.

I know who they are, but I haven't listened closely to the drummer yet. I will now.

a reply to: Klassified

Honey Lantree, drummer with the British Band " The Honeycombs " circa 1965. The first female drummer in a pop band.

a reply to: alldaylong
Good one. I was going to say Dottie Dodgion, but you're right. Dottie was Jazz, not pop.

I really like Mercedes Lander from the band Kittie.

youtu.be...

This rhythm section is first rate and know exactly where the solid groove is....



www.youtube.com...

a reply to: DiabloX03
She definitely seems comfortable behind a set of drums.

originally posted by: olaru12
This rhythm section is first rate and know exactly where the groove is....

www.youtube.com...

Hmmmm. Link not working. Try again.

a reply to: Klassified

Nila Minnerok

Zepparella

Enjoy.