Mike Matera's Drumming

I've been playing drums since the age of 17, mostly creating and performing original music. I've always worn a headset or earplugs. You probably should, too.

After about two years of private lessons, my first band was "Midnight Fury". We played a lot of covers but were drifting toward originals when I left to join North Bergen NJ-based rockers "The Motive". The latter split after just over a year, after which I teamed with Ralph Carey to form "Sneak's Noise".

Later projects include The Second Take, Real Live Girl, Standpipe, Personnel (Monday Salnave), Placeholder Confidential, and occasional sit-ins with Northwest NJ-based Jambone.

My style is song-oriented and straightforward. I like a strong backbeat, with random hi-hat flourishes and syncopated bass-drum beats. My fills usually emphasize the snare over the toms. Usually. Most days of the week. except random leap-year Wednesdays.