Matt Garstka - Animals as Leaders

[SpazApproved]

Matt Garstka



Drummer: Matt Garstka
Main Style: Progressive Instrumental Metal
Main Band: Animals As Leaders
Brief Summary: The Educator
Matt was lucky enough to start teaching at the age of 14. One of his mentors Jo Sallins, brought him all across New England teaching workshops in public schools. Meanwhile, his father Greg Garstka gave him the opportunity to teach privately at his music store Performance Music(in Westfield, MA). Matt soon fell in love with sharing my knowledge of the craft("nerding out"). Its serendipitous how teaching what he already knew inspired him to refine his skills and go beyond. To this day, he am passionate about teaching. Keep an eye out for clinic announcements and new lessons.

Animals as Leaders is an American instrumental progressive metal band from Washington, D.C formed by guitarist Tosin Abasi in 2007. It composed of guitarists Javier Reyes and Tosin Abasi as well as drummer Matt Garstka. Their musical style has also been described as jazz fusion and djent. Prosthetic Records released the band's self-titled debut album in 2009. They went on to release the albums Weightless (2011) and The Joy of Motion (2014).

If you've never heard of Animals as Leaders be ready to be amazed. They are a super progressive instrumental metal band. They are a instrumental band so if you hate screaming this makes it even better. Their rhythmic abilities just blow my mind. A simple three piece band that just leaves me wanting to try harder and and harder.




Here is a drum solo and a couple of songs / albums. Feel free to look up plenty more.

One of my favorite solos
http://youtu.be/vcxkDGF4QZY

One of their most popular songs
http://youtu.be/NmfzWpp0hMc

[SpazApproved]

Weightless Full Album
http://youtu.be/Peka_JN_MPE


Self Titled Album (my favorite)
http://youtu.be/Dss8_-TLPA0


The Joy of Motion (newest album)
http://youtu.be/c4KGoukRJ1M

[quikstang2]

Just when I thought their music couldn't be any harder to pretend to play along to...

[SpazApproved]

Just when I thought their music couldn't be any harder to pretend to play along to...

hahaha yeah no doubt and also I'm a HUGE spaceballs fan so I just laughed pretty good at your avatar!

[NPYYZ]

I listen to a lot of progressive metal also. The drummers of these bands are some of the best in the world. I don't even attempt to play this stuff, Its just way above my level. I have no doubt I could have played some of it back in my prime but now its for listening pleasure only.

[Sticks4drums]

As soon as I see a drummer with a four piece kit in this style of music I loose interest.

[SpazApproved]

As soon as I see a drummer with a four piece kit in this style of music I loose interest.

He has several setups like us all. He changes his setup in almost every venue and video I've seen.

Some shows I only pack a standard 5 piece. Some shows I bust out my full 8 piece.

[kay-gee]

I listen to a lot of progressive metal also. The drummers of these bands are some of the best in the world. I don't even attempt to play this stuff, Its just way above my level. I have no doubt I could have played some of it back in my prime but now its for listening pleasure only.

Sorry...Gotta disagree...Jazz drummers are some of the best in the world!

all the best...

[drummer]

Spaz, please edit your first post to follow the guidelines for this section of the forum. Here's a link: http://www.drumchat.com/showthread.p...ers-22541.html

Thank you!

[SpazApproved]

Spaz, please edit your first post to follow the guidelines for this section of the forum. Here's a link: http://www.drumchat.com/showthread.p...ers-22541.html

Thank you!

You got it boss

[Practicepad]

I came across Matt via the Modern Drummer cover story that featured him. I am going to be picking up all of the Animals as Leaders albums ASAP!

[drummer]

You got it boss

Thank you!

[NPYYZ]

Sorry...Gotta disagree...Jazz drummers are some of the best in the world!

all the best...

I'm not saying they aren't , but these Progressive Metal drummers are as well.

[slinglander]

Different music=different drumming

[The_Epsicle]

That first song was just... too much, the guitar honestly hurt my ears. That solo on the other hand was absolutely amazing.

[SpazApproved]

just found this music video for one of the songs. I just love his style and playing

[NPYYZ]

As soon as I see a drummer with a four piece kit in this style of music I loose interest.

Why? You certainly don't need a huge kit to be a great drummer.

[SpazApproved]

Why? You certainly don't need a huge kit to be a great drummer.

Funny part is Matt actually plays a 7 piece.... pretty much always.

[marko138]

They have a new album and just found this music video for one of the songs. I just love his style and playing

These guys are tremendously talented. I just can't do instrumentals. Really gets boring to me very quickly.

I saw a really cool surf rock band a while back and they were awesome...but they were instrumental. I got bored with them after a song or two. I just wanted to hear some vocals with the killer tunes.

As soon as I see a drummer with a four piece kit in this style of music I loose interest.

I know Sticks is gone...but this is the most ridiculous thing I've ever read. Even from him.

If anything, I am more interested when I see a guy shredding on a 4 piece kit.

[SpazApproved]

I could watch this video over and over.

My favorite is in the second song starting around 5:30... his foot control ridiculous.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3L7TZN8Dbc