Advertise on podcast: The SABIAN Podcast

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 like • Blending influences from rock, Broadway, and beyond • Lessons from playing with Brian Wilson and meeting Phil Collins • Songwriting, production, and lifelong musical curiosity • Masterclasses and helping players find their own voice • Playing smarter, not harder • Snare drum choices for studio and stage • What’s next for Todd Sucherman 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

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 Favorite Cymbals of All Time 26:09 – SABIAN’s Brand Identity & 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