Advertise on podcast: The SABIAN Podcast

From the “School of Roth” to nearly two decades with Korn, Ray Luzier has built a career around finding his own voice behind the kit.  Ray joins host Chris Stankee on The SABIAN Podcast to look back on the experiences that shaped him as a drummer, including his early years with SABIAN, his time with David Lee Roth, and the unexpected SABIAN Live soundcheck that led to Army of Anyone.  He also shares what he’s learned from working with world class producers and how those experiences changed the way he thinks about feel, musical identity and serving the song on the drums.  The conversation comes full circle with the story behind Ray’s new signature 21” AA MantaRAY, a cymbal inspired by the distinctive China sound and setup that have been part of his playing for decades.  Hear the MantaRAY in action. Subscribe to The SABIAN Podcast for more artist conversations and stories from behind the kit.  👇 In this episode, we cover:  00:00 - Intro00:41 - The First Company That Believed in Me06:56 - The David Lee Roth Gig14:07 - SABIAN Live21:33 - Joining Korn23:25 - Working With Incredible Producers26:02 - Expectations in the Studio30:23 - Developing an Identifiable Sound32:32 - Developing the 21" AA MantaRAY42:26 - Ray’s Current Playlist45:37 - The Next Generation of Drummers48:50 - What’s Next? https://www.facebook.com/SABIANCymbals/  https://www.instagram.com/sabiancymbals  https://www.tiktok.com/@sabiancymbals  https://www.youtube.com/user/sabianvault

SABIAN artist Jess Bowen (The Summer Set) joins us for an International Women’s Day conversation about drumming, visibility, and what it takes to build a career in rock when you’re done asking for permission. Guest host Stacey Montgomery-Clark (Senior VP of Marketing & Sales at SABIAN) sits down with Jess to trace the path from a ten-year-old who believed, “girls didn’t play drums,” to a globally touring musician, Warped Tour staple, and one of the most recognizable female drummers in modern rock. Jess talks candidly about confidence, and where it actually comes from, the role of failure in growth, and what it really takes to build a lasting career in an industry where women are redefining the stage. From festival sets to Netflix’s Count Me In and viral drum moments, this episode is a reminder that “taking up space” matters. If you have ever doubted yourself or hesitated before taking a leap, this conversation is for you. Subscribe for more conversations with the artists shaping music today. 👇 In this episode, we cover: 00:00 - Life on the Road – Touring & the New Album Cycle 01:21 - How Jess Bowen Started Drumming at Age 10 03:00 - Why Drumming Became Her “Happy Place” 04:45 - From School Jazz Band to Warped Tour – The Summer Set Journey 09:30 - The Reality of Band Life – Hiatus, Burnout & Career Transitions 11:00 - The Hiatus That Made Her a Better Drummer 13:10 - Female Drummers & Representation in Rock 14:59 - Why Diversity Makes Bands Stronger 16:30 - Overcoming Fear & Imposter Syndrome 23:22 - Count Me In – Playing Drums with Her Idols 29:30 - Jess Bowen’s Current Setup 31:40 - Why Jess Bowen Chooses SABIAN Cymbals 33:27 - Finding Her Voice – Authenticity, Confidence & Taking Up Space https://www.facebook.com/SABIANCymbals/ https://www.instagram.com/sabiancymbals https://www.tiktok.com/@sabiancymbals https://www.youtube.com/user/sabianvault

In this episode, Todd Sucherman, one of the most respected drummers of his generation, shares an inside look at the realities of a professional life in music. With over 30 years as the drummer for STYX, Todd reflects on the long nights, constant travel, and personal sacrifices behind professional musicianship, along with the moments and opportunities that can change everything. Drawing from decades of experience, he discusses earning trust, staying prepared, trusting your instincts, and continuing to grow long after success arrives.From early club gigs to playing with legendary artists, songwriting, production, and masterclasses, this conversation goes beyond drumming technique and into the mindset required for longevity, creativity, and purpose in music.👇 In this episode, we cover: 30 years with STYX and what sustained success really looks likeBlending influences from rock, Broadway, and beyondLessons from playing with Brian Wilson and meeting Phil CollinsSongwriting, production, and lifelong musical curiosityMasterclasses and helping players find their own voicePlaying smarter, not harderSnare drum choices for studio and stageWhat’s next for Todd SuchermanChapter Markers 00:00 - Intro: Chris Stankee & Todd Sucherman 00:50 - 30 Years with STYX 03:40 - From Queen to Broadway: Blending Influences 05:48 - AA Spotlight Crashes 06:51 - Playing with Brian Wilson 11:11 - Last Flight Home: Songwriting & Musical Curiosity 13:43 - Meeting Phil Collins 15:07 - Production Learning 16:30 - Growth since "Methods & Mechanics" 18:01 - Masterclasses: Letting Players Find Their Own Voice 19:12 - Playing Smarter with Power 20:43 - The Snare Drum Collection 22:38- Go-to Snare Drums: Studio & Stage 25:26 - Sentimental Tools & Inspiration 28:12 - What's Next? 29:21 - Dream Gig 31:59 - A New Set of Gear Essentials

In Episode 2 of the SABIAN Podcast, host Chris Stankee sits down with Andy Zildjian, CEO and Chairman of SABIAN, for a dynamic conversation about cymbal history, craftsmanship, sound design, and the evolution of one of the world’s leading cymbal makers. Andy takes a closer look at SABIAN’s origins, from the early development of its Canadian facility to the skilled artisans, hands-on craft, and core values that shaped the foundation of the SABIAN sound. Throughout the conversation, he shares insights into what drives SABIAN’s pursuit of quality and how the brand continues to evolve while honouring its heritage. This episode also explores SABIAN’s approach to innovation, artist collaboration, and the traditions that continue to shape the company’s signature sound. Andy discusses how creativity, experimentation, and a deep understanding of players’ needs continue to influence SABIAN’s approach to design. Whether you're a drummer, producer, cymbal collector, or simply passionate about music gear, this episode offers insight into how great instruments are made and how SABIAN continues to shape the future of cymbals. Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Welcome to the SABIAN Podcast 00:14 – Andy Zildjian Joins the Show 00:42 – Why SABIAN Started in Canada 01:35 – Early Factory Days: Craft vs. Production 03:38 – The Birth of SABIAN 04:28– The Istanbul Negotiations 06:40 – Learning the Lost Art of Hand Hammering 07:38 – Canada Ks, Neil Peart & Early SABIAN Artists 08:17 – What SABIAN Kept after the Split 09:31 – Family Roles, Early Years & Startup Challenges 13:50 – How SABIAN Became a Household Name 16:00 – Milestones in SABIAN Innovation 20:04 – Working With Terry Bozzio (44 Prototypes in 2 Weeks!) 24:00 – Andy’s Favourite Cymbals of All Time 26:09 – SABIAN’s Brand & Andy’s Vision for the Future 28:21 – Why Cymbals Get Discontinued 28:43 – What Andy’s Listening To Lately 29:42 – New SABIAN Developments with Todd & Portnoy 30:42 – Chris & Andy’s First Meeting (The Dumpster Story) 32:00 – Closing credits

In this debut episode of The SABIAN Podcast, host Chris Stankee welcomes legendary drummer Mike Portnoy, known worldwide for his work with Dream Theater, The Winery Dogs, and numerous other projects. Recorded inside the SABIAN Factory, the conversation is both a personal reunion and a deep dive into Mike’s career, artistry, and long-standing connection with SABIAN Cymbals. Mike reflects on his first visit to the SABIAN Factory in 1999, when he helped develop the Max Stax cymbals, named after his son, Max, who was only a few months old at the time. Twenty-five years later, father and son returned together, underscoring the legacy of both family and music. Mike shares his amazement at finding many of the same craftspeople still working at SABIAN, a testament to the company’s culture of loyalty and craftsmanship. The episode moves through pivotal moments in Mike’s career, from his influential years with Dream Theater to his passion projects across rock, metal, and progressive genres. He offers candid stories about recording, touring, and the evolution of his playing style. Mike also reflects on the drummers who inspired him and how he continues to stay creative after decades in the drumming world. Listeners gain an intimate look at how Portnoy balances technical mastery with raw emotion, why sound quality and innovation in cymbals matter so deeply to him, and how SABIAN has been part of his musical voice for decades. The conversation blends humor, history, and wisdom, making it essential listening for drummers, musicians, and fans of progressive music alike. This episode not only celebrates Portnoy’s achievements but also sets the tone for what The SABIAN Podcast aims to deliver: authentic conversations with influential artists, told from inside the world of drums, music, and creativity. Chapter Markers (~29 min runtime) 00:00 – Intro 00:39 – Family 01:18 – First Factory Visit 02:00 – Max Stax 03:55 – Max Splashes 04:43 – New Designs 05:29 – Max Ride 08:15 – Dream Theater Drum Kit 11:02 – Inspirations 14:04 – Terry Bozzio 15:01 – Neil Peart 17:27 – Max Portnoy 19:03 – New Generation 20:51 – Return to Dream Theater 23:35 – Factory Visit 25:24 – Innovation 26:28 – Loyalty & Relationships 28:31 – Outro Catch Mike Portnoy on tour with Dream Theater! See dates below: SEP 10, 2025 - THE BAYCARE SOUND - CLEARWATER, FL SEP 12, 2025 - HARD ROCK LIVE ORLANDO - ORLANDO, FL SEP 13, 2025 - COCA-COLA ROXY - ATLANTA, GA SEP 14, 2025 - COCA-COLA ROXY - ATLANTA, GA SEP 16, 2025 - OVENS AUDITORIUM - CHARLOTTE, NC SEP 18, 2025 - BENEDUM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS - PITTSBURGH, PA SEP 19, 2025 - LOUDER THAN LIFE - LOUISVILLE, KY SEP 21, 2025 - FOX THEATRE - DETROIT, MI SEP 22, 2025 - PRAIRIE HOME ALLIANCE THEATER - PEORIA, IL SEP 24, 2025 - MILLER HIGH LIFE THEATRE - MILWAUKEE, WI SEP 25, 2025 - ORPHEUM THEATRE - MINNEAPOLIS, MN SEP 27, 2025 - VIBRANT MUSIC - HALLWAUKEE, IA SEP 29, 2025 - PIKES PEAK CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS - COLORADO SPRINGS, CO OCT 3, 2025 - AFTERSHOCK FESTIVAL - SACRAMENTO, CA OCT 4, 2025 - FRONTWAVE ARENA - OCEANSIDE, CA OCT 5, 2025 - LONG BEACH TERRACE THEATRE - LONG BEACH, CA OCT 7, 2025 - MESA ARTS CENTER - MESA, AZ OCT 8, 2025 - ABRAHAM CHAVEZ THEATRE - EL PASO, TX OCT 11, 2025 - TULSA THEATER - TULSA, OK OCT 13, 2025 - THE MIDLAND THEATRE - KANSAS CITY, MO OCT 14, 2025 - THE FACTORY - CHESTERFIELD, MO OCT 17, 2025 - THE VENUE AT HORSESHOE HAMMOND - HAMMOND, IN OCT 18, 2025 - PALACE THEATRE - COLUMBUS, OH OCT 20, 2025 - LANDMARK THEATRE - SYRACUSE, NY OCT 22, 2025 - VETERANS MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM - PROVIDENCE, RI OCT 23, 2025 - PROCTORS THEATRE - SCHENECTADY, NY OCT 25, 2025 - NASSAU VETERANS MEMORIAL COLISEUM - UNIONDALE, NY