Mike Lowry (Future Islands) Interview: Subtraction, Space and Pocket

Send us Fan Mail

🌟 Become a Drum Dog today! 👉 https://join.drum.dog/upgrade

In this episode of the Drum Dog Podcast, we sit down with Mike Lowry (Future Islands) for a deep dive into groove, taste, and the long road of musical identity. From formative hip-hop shows in ’90s Baltimore to punk basements, funk clinics, and sharing festival stages with New Order, Devo, Beck, and Sparks, Mike traces how feel, subtraction, and tone became the cornerstones of his playing.

We talk about learning drums later than most, rejecting chops in favour of pocket, the influence of legends like Clyde Stubblefield, David Garibaldi, Steve Gadd, and Dennis Chambers, and why less can often say far more. Mike also breaks down his approach to writing drum parts in Future Islands - balancing electronic foundations, live dynamics, and instinct - plus those surreal “how is this my life?” moments that only come from years of staying true to your sound.

00:04 - Intro & musical background
 01:20 - Joining Future Islands & early influences
 04:05 - Developing groove, space & feel
 07:30 - “Subtraction” concept in drumming
 11:15 - Songwriting & band dynamics
 15:40 - Studio process & recording approach
 19:55 - Live performance energy & consistency
 23:10 - Gear, setup & sound choices
 26:45 - Creative challenges & evolution
 30:20 - Advice for drummers & closing thoughts

#drums #futureislands #mikelowry

Follow us on:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drumdoguk

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drumdoguk/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drumdoguk

🔔 If you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more drumming content, gear reviews, and lessons from some of the world’s best drummers!

👥 Join our Facebook Community to discuss everything related to drums with like-minded people! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1404257014183843/

Support the show