Voting for the 2023 Drumeo Awards is now closed. Thanks for participating and supporting your favorite drummers! The winners will be announced on our YouTube channel during the awards show livestream on January 25, 2024.
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75 nominees. 15 categories. 5 days. You decide who takes home a trophy at this year’s Drumeo Awards.
And because it wouldn’t be fair to ask for your vote without telling you why we’ve nominated these amazing drummers, we’ve included a brief summary for each nominee with some of their 2023 accomplishments.
Click on each drummer’s photo to learn why they were nominated.
From award-winning studio musicians to TikTok creators, drummers spent hours (and weeks, and months) writing, recording, learning, entertaining, teaching, and performing all over the world. They released books and tutorials, slayed the stage, and brought the magic of drumming to the people.
It’s never easy to narrow down who deserves to be highlighted. In fact, it’s impossible to get it right 100% of the time. But we polled the drumming community and worked with an internal panel of pro drummers to create the best shortlist we could.
Now it’s up to you! Cast your votes below – voting is open until December 25 at 11:59 pm, and we’ll announce the winners at the awards show live stream on the Drumeo YouTube channel on January 25, 2024 (set your reminders).
This award will go to a drummer who checked all the boxes with recording projects, live/video events, online presence, and all-around excellence in their contributions to music.
Click on each drummer’s photo to learn why they were nominated.
Drummer Of The Year nominee
Not only did he join the Foo Fighters this year, but 2023 included recordings for the Barbie soundtrack and one hundred gecs, an SNL performance and more.
Drummer Of The Year nominee
Sleep Token had an incredible year, releasing a new album, instantly selling out tour dates, smashing festivals and pushing boundaries of the genre.
Drummer Of The Year nominee
A new Avenged Sevenfold album, big tours and a new drumstick model with Innovative Percussion gave Brooks a lot to get excited about this year.
Drummer Of The Year nominee
For a killer new album with Queens Of The Stone Age, a GRAMMY nomination for Best Rock Album, and plenty of tour dates.
Drummer Of The Year nominee
For drumming on one of highest grossing tours of all time with Taylor Swift, and recording on two TSwift albums released this year.
The winner of this award will have had a busy, impactful year primarily in the rock genre.
Click on each drummer’s photo to learn why they were nominated.
Rock Drummer Of The Year nominee
2023 meant touring with the Foo Fighters, recording albums with 100 gecs, MP83 and the Dwarves, an appearance on SNL, the Barbie soundtrack and more.
Rock Drummer Of The Year nominee
Tours w/Suicidal Tendencies and Veronica Swift, festivals with DJ Premier, and performances at the UK drum show and Meinl Drum Festival kept Greyson busy.
Rock Drummer Of The Year nominee
For tours and fests with Demi Lovato and Royal and the Serpent, plus appearances at the VMAs and on Howard Stern.
Rock Drummer Of The Year nominee
This year brought a new Queens Of The Stone Age album, 2 Grammy nominations and huge tour dates.
Rock Drummer Of The Year nominee
The Warning had a big year, appearing at the VMAs, touring support for Muse and Guns N Roses, and completing other successful tours.
The winner of this award will have had a busy, impactful year primarily in the metal genre.
Click on each drummer’s photo to learn why they were nominated.
Metal Drummer Of The Year nominee
With a new Crypta album and relentless touring, Luana had another epic year.
Metal Drummer Of The Year nominee
2023 was a big one for Metallica: a new album and stadium tour, a ‘residency’ on Jimmy Kimmel, and 3 Grammy nominations.
Metal Drummer Of The Year nominee
With a new album and their biggest tours yet, Sleep Token is enjoying their newfound prominence.
Metal Drummer Of The Year nominee
A new In Flames album, extensive touring and a stint on Seth Meyers kept Tanner busy in 2023.
Metal Drummer Of The Year nominee
Ice Nine Kills enjoyed a huge year of headline tours and supporting tours with Metallica and Lamb of God, released a deluxe album and more.
The winner of this award will have had a busy, impactful year primarily in the progressive rock or progressive metal style.
Click on each drummer’s photo to learn why they were nominated.
Prog Drummer Of The Year nominee
This year Danny has been enjoying time on the road on tour with Tool, appeared on Seth Meyers and more.
Prog Drummer Of The Year nominee
A new TesseracT album, tour dates, videos with Meinl, online drum lessons and Twitch streaming kept Jay busy this year.
Prog Drummer Of The Year nominee
2023 brought a new Haken album and tour and plenty of teaching – Ray is a drummer not to be missed.
Prog Drummer Of The Year nominee
Never one to slow down, Matt was back on the road with Animals As Leaders, releasing online courses and videos.
Prog Drummer Of The Year nominee
Gavin’s year included festivals with Porcupine Tree, a performance at the Zildjian 400th Anniversary event, a new single with The Pineapple Thief and more.
The winner of this award will have had a busy, impactful year primarily in the jazz genre.
Click on each drummer’s photo to learn why they were nominated.
Jazz Drummer Of The Year nominee
Brian appeared on a new album with the Fellowship Band, smashed gigs with Norah Jones and others in a productive 2023.
Jazz Drummer Of The Year nominee
Gigs with Avishai Cohen and new original music had Roni on cloud nine this year.
Jazz Drummer Of The Year nominee
2023 brought a new album with the Kendrick Scott Oracle, the SFJAZZ Collective 20th Anniversary tour and more.
Jazz Drummer Of The Year nominee
Gigs with Donny McCaslin and Thana Alexa, a performance at Zildjian’s 400th, and a GRAMMY nom with House Of Waters were just some of Antonio’s accomplishments.
Jazz Drummer Of The Year nominee
With a new album and tour dates filling out his year, Yussef is an absolute force to be reckoned with.
The winner of this award will have had a busy, impactful year primarily in the contemporary/fusion genres.
Click on each drummer’s photo to learn why they were nominated.
Contemporary Drummer nominee
Mark released a new solo album and live album, recorded with M83, The Armed and Gretchen Parlato, took his quartet on tour, performed alongside Billy Cobham and Nate Smith and with St. Vincent, lent his talents to jazz fests, drum camps and more.
Contemporary Drummer nominee
This year, Justin toured with Thundercat, released a new EP and toured with OFF!.
Contemporary Drummer nominee
Anika’s 2023 included tours and a new album with Nevell, drum festivals, a performance at the Jeff Beck tribute concert and more.
Contemporary Drummer nominee
Drum fantasy camp, a Zildjian 400th anniversary performance, tour dates with Snarky Puppy, teaching and other festival appearances kept Larnell busy this year.
Contemporary Drummer nominee
Zack released a debut album with his band Everything Yes, put on sold-out drum clinics, performed at the Meinl Drum Festival and UK Drum Show, launched a Drumeo course called 30-Day Chops, released a new book and launched a signature stick with Meinl.
The winner of this award will have had a busy, impactful year primarily in the country genre.
Click on each drummer’s photo to learn why they were nominated.
Country Drummer Of The Year nominee
Between touring with Keith Urban and performing at the iHeart Radio awards, Terence was killing it in the country scene this year.
Country Drummer Of The Year nominee
Jake backed the mighty Luke Combs on massive tours in 2023.
Country Drummer Of The Year nominee
Huge tours backing Morgan Wallen gave Mark plenty to be proud of this year.
Country Drummer Of The Year nominee
Chris was busy in 2023 with Zac Brown Band tours and more.
Country Drummer Of The Year nominee
Harry is the touring drummer and musical director for HARDY, who exploded this year and landed several #1 hits. When he wasn’t performing on record-breaking tours, he was donating drum sets to local schools while offering masterclasses.
The winner of this award will have had a busy, impactful year primarily in the pop genre.
Click on each drummer’s photo to learn why they were nominated.
Pop Drummer Of The Year nominee
5 Seconds of Summer’s World Tour meant Ashton was performing hits with the band all over the globe this year.
Pop Drummer Of The Year nominee
Matt has been the heartbeat behind Taylor’s record-smashing “Eras Tour”, headlining sold out stadiums around the world.
Pop Drummer Of The Year nominee
Jess’ 2023 included tours with Jax, Lights and The Summer Set, an appearance at the IHeart Radio Awards and the Arizona Cardinals halftime show.
Pop Drummer Of The Year nominee
2023 was a massive year for Madden as she toured with boygenius, Watsky and Mike Doughty, performed on SNL, Jimmy Kimmel and more.
Pop Drummer Of The Year nominee
Gigs with Doja Cat, an SNL performance with Tate McRae, the BET awards with Coco Jones, and other huge gigs made the year awesome for this drummer and musical director.
The winner of this award will have had a busy, impactful year primarily in the R&B or hip-hop genres.
Click on each drummer’s photo to learn why they were nominated.
R&B/Hip-Hop Drummer Of The Year nominee
From playing with Janet Jackson and performing at the Oscars and Super Bowl Halftime Show with Rihanna, Mike has a ton of reasons behind his nomination.
R&B/Hip-Hop Drummer Of The Year nominee
This year, Rico toured with NF and Steve Lacy, performed on Jimmy Kimmel with Daniel Caesar, played at the Grammys and more.
R&B/Hip-Hop Drummer Of The Year nominee
This year Devon backed Mary J. Blige and Usher, performed with WeTheBand, released his Trap Jazz documentary on Hulu, drummed up a storm at the Zildjian 400th Anniversary celebration…and that’s just scratching the surface.
R&B/Hip-Hop Drummer Of The Year nominee
Daru toured with Raphael Saadiq and Tony! Toni! Toné!, released music from his upcoming solo album, wowed crowds with jazzfest performances, gigs with th1rt3en, fam jamz nights and more.
R&B/Hip-Hop Drummer Of The Year nominee
Between touring with The Roots (supporting LL Cool J), appearing on new music with Chloe Flower, Plumb, and the NBA in-season tournament theme, his ongoing gig on the Tonight Show, GRAMMY nomination for best audiobook and his work on The GRAMMYs Present 50 Years Of Hip Hop, what else can we say about Questlove?
The winner of this award will have had a busy, impactful year primarily in the soul and/or funk genres.
Click on each drummer’s photo to learn why they were nominated.
Soul/Funk Drummer Of The Year nominee
This year Petar toured the world and performed with Cory Wong, launched an online drum course and released new music with Uncle Bronco.
Soul/Funk Drummer Of The Year nominee
Tours with Lettuce, gigs with Break Science, solo shows and festivals, a new album with The Adam Deitch Quartet, a producer album, clinics and masterclasses, online courses, a performance at Zildjian’s 400th anniversary event…what didn’t Adam do in 2023?
Soul/Funk Drummer Of The Year nominee
Jost toured with Jeff Lorber Trio, performed with Jan Delay, appeared at the Porto Drum Show and Meinl Drum Fest, while balancing online lessons, drum camps, clinics, and the launch of his new book.
Soul/Funk Drummer Of The Year nominee
Steve recorded the new Rolling Stones album, reunited with John Mayer and Pino Palladino for the NYC Love Rocks benefit show and Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival, recorded and produced a new album with Bettye LaVette and more.
Soul/Funk Drummer Of The Year nominee
Louis toured extensively in 2023, released a new top-rated album with Knower and a solo album, featured on a Cory Wong track and more.
This award goes to a drummer who has built their profile independently, has created a strong online community on YouTube, and is constantly inspiring or entertaining people with their drum videos, playing, and/or personality.
Click on each drummer’s photo to learn why they were nominated.
YouTube Drummer Of The Year nominee
Joe’s most successful Shorts gained over 192 million views in 2023 as he consistently published original content and inspired people to play percussion in a cool way.
YouTube Drummer Of The Year nominee
Lindsey was super active this year, collaborating with Roland, Moises and Full Circle and joining up with SJC drums.
YouTube Drummer Of The Year nominee
Nandi performed alongside Sir Brian May, released original music, secured multiple brand deals and landed her first acting role.
YouTube Drummer Of The Year nominee
In 2023, Estepario constantly impressed the YouTube community with his speed and technique and had over 80,000 drummers enroll in his course, Fastest Way To Get Faster.
YouTube Drummer Of The Year nominee
Alejandro consistently uploaded educational, entertainment and review videos, partnered with multiple brands, and his Spanish channel surpassed 100,000 subs, earning him a Silver Creator Award.
This award goes to a drummer who has built their profile independently, has created a strong online community on TikTok, and is constantly inspiring or entertaining people with their drum videos, playing, and/or personality.
Click on each drummer’s photo to learn why they were nominated.
TikTok Drummer Of The Year nominee
Emil released a ton of content and collabs this year, crossed the 2 million milestone, and some of his most successful videos have surpassed 50 million views.
TikTok Drummer Of The Year nominee
Riccardo conducted clinics around the world, organized drum camps, released a new book and courses, and inspired thousands of drummers with his insane skills.
TikTok Drummer Of The Year nominee
With hilarious viral videos, tours with his band Dropout Kings and brand partnerships, Joe had a big 2023.
TikTok Drummer Of The Year nominee
Blaine’s videos earned millions of views this year, landing him brand collabs and reaching drummers around the world with his covers.
TikTok Drummer Of The Year nominee
Diana opened an online music academy, crossed the 1 million follower mark on TikTok, and worked with multiple brands including Mini Cooper and Evans.
This award goes to a drummer who has built their profile independently, has created a strong online community on Instagram, and is constantly inspiring or entertaining people with their drum videos, playing, and/or personality.
Click on each drummer’s photo to learn why they were nominated.
Instagram Drummer Of The Year nominee
Austin uses his channel to raise awareness for various life challenges and crises, and this year he raised $25,000 for the American Heart Foundation while releasing new collabs and videos.
Instagram Drummer Of The Year nominee
Rocker Girl landed a ton of brand promos this year to support her regular video releases, inspiring other young drummers to have fun drumming.
Instagram Drummer Of The Year nominee
Ramon conducted clinics and drum camps around the world, published a new book with Alex Cohen, released plenty of educational content and participated in a number of brand collaborations.
Instagram Drummer Of The Year nominee
Dany put out a ton of content, released a chops ebook, put out a merch line and partnered with major brands.
Instagram Drummer Of The Year nominee
His drum tutorials and reviews inspired metal drummers around the world this year, supported by brand partnerships and other collabs.
The winner of this award put on a legendary, must-watch performance (captured on video), either with a full band or solo.
The winner of this award will have played on a single track or a full album that has made an outstanding contribution to their style (or music in general) via the drums.
Click each photo to listen to the nominated song or album.
A very special shoutout to our title sponsor, Yamaha, for helping us put on this year’s Drummer Of The Year Awards. A longtime partner and friend of Drumeo, we can’t thank them enough.
Yamaha continues to step up and support the Drumeo mission of helping to create new drummers. They’re fully committed to keeping existing drummers engaged in playing longer through educational support and incredible product innovation.
With a rich history of drum-making since 1967, Yamaha is committed to empower people to “Make Waves” with their sound and music. With drum offerings from beginner to some of the most elite craftsmanship found anywhere, Yamaha has long made a promise to providing customers of all ranges drum products that are reliable, value-driven, durable, and high-performing.
Drumeo Team - We're professional, award-winning drummers and drum teachers, coaches, recording artists, and content specialists who are passionate about drums and helping drummers around the world. This post was written and/or edited by Sam Landa, Brandon Toews, Jared Falk, Dave Atkinson, or another pro on our team (which has a combined 1000+ years of drumming experience). Are you looking for inspiration, education, and support to take your playing to the next level? Join the Drumeo community today!
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