Sleep Token is having a pretty massive week, from unveiling their brand new masks to playing the biggest show they've ever played before. Now for the first time ever, a member of Sleep Token is actually giving an interview! Watch as Sleep Token drummer II sits down with Drumeo to talk about everything from their favorite drummer to performing live with the band, and way more.
On II's favorite drummer: "When I first started playing, I – like many others in my generation – was heavily into drummers such as Joey Jordison [of Slipknot fame], Matt [McDonough] from the band Mudvayne, as well as the more extreme speed players such as Derek Roddy."
On changing up drum parts live: "I would say that most of the parts that I tend to play in a live setting vary drastically to what was tracked on the record itself. This happens for a number of reasons. Sometimes, when I have more time to sit with a finished track, while rehearsing for a tour, I can look at it through a different lens, and subsequently come up with a more interesting variation live.
"On the other hand, these things can happen more naturally and take on a different feel or sticking due to simply playing a certain song for long periods of time across touring. There are of course certain parts in each song that must remain true to the original. This could be a syncopated guitar part, or even an electronic part on the counts that serves more of a supporting role within the song."
On II's favorite songs to play live: "I've always enjoyed playing a song from our first record entitled Sundowning called 'Higher'. The parts in that song have always felt very interactive to me. Very fun to play while maintaining a fair deal of variance across the song itself.
"In regards to any newer material, I enjoy playing a track called 'The Summoning' due to the live addition of a drum solo that gives me a little more creative freedom, as well as its challenging feel."
Sleep Token's 2024 touring schedule so far is the following. Tickets are available here.
w/ Bring Me The Horizon & Make Them Suffer
4/14 Sydney, AUS – Qudos Bank Arena
4/17 Adelaide, AUS – Entertainment Centre
4/18 Melbourne, AUS – Rod Laver Arena
4/20 Brisbane, AUS – Riverstage
4/21 Brisbane, AUS – Riverstage
Sleep Token only
4/27 Las Vegas, NV – Sick New World Festival
5/12 Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheater
5/18 Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple Festival
5/22 New York City, NY – Radio City Music Hall
