Artist Interview: Mike Reid

Artist Interview: Mike Reid
(Justin Timberlake, Rihanna)

Mike is a native of Baltimore, MD where he began playing drums in church at a very early age and he began his professional career at 16. The world truly has become Mike’s stage performing with Pharrell Williams, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna and a who’s who of the Billboard charts.

Question: What was your first drum set?

My first drum set was a red Pearl Export series.

Question: Did you ever take private lessons?

I took private lessons from a guy name Grant Menefee. Grant also worked with Pearl artist Nate Morton in our hometown of Baltimore.

Question: Who is your favorite drummer and why?

My favorite drummer is the hardest question to ask because so many have inspired me. I’m like a sponge and infused drummer. But to narrow it to 1 person I would go with Vinnie Colaiuti because when I was young seeing him play with the confidence and fire that he has sparked me to give drumming 100% percent every time I play.

Question: What makes the Pearl brand special?

Pearl brand is special because it’s a brand I grew up with. My mother would take me to the music store to play when I was young and Pearl was in the practice room on the show floor. It’s a set and sound we all can identify a time in our life with.

Question: What are your thoughts on the electronic elements so common in percussion these days?

My thoughts on electronic elements these days are PLEASE LEARN them. Filling in for fellow Pearl artist Brian Moore on Justin Timberlake, there were electronics everywhere. Snares, kicks were triggered E kicks and external pads were incorporated. It was at that moment my eyes were open to another world and level of drumming. Some artist want to hear that snare from the album they love so you have to know how to trigger in the pop music world.

Question: How did you make the transition from recreational drummer to professional drummer? 

I transitioned to professional drummer when a friend of mine Darrell Robinson asked me to fill in for Pharrel Williams band N E R D. I knew that was a transition situation for me so I focused on the music and gave it all I had, but truthfully it’s the little things that you may not even realize that will transition you into a professional drummer … Every time you play you never really know what’s working out for you so I always give 100%..

Question: What inspires you to continue drumming? 

What inspires me to keep drumming is knowing if I keep working hard and being successful it will give me a platform to help other musicians realize their purpose and set goals. I have a desire to help people and music is a gateway to do good.

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