The 2024 Drumeo Awards are here, and this lineup is absolutely stacked with talent! Every year, it’s incredible to see the talent that rises to the surface, but this year’s nominees have truly set the bar higher than ever. These awards are all about recognizing the drummers who’ve shaped our community in 2024.
It’s all about the drummers who’ve inspired us, pushed boundaries, and made drumming more exciting than ever. Whether they’ve lit up stages, delivered unforgettable performances, or shared their wisdom and techniques to help drummers worldwide level up, now’s the time to show them some love and recognition.
Let’s dive into the nominees, and make sure you cast your vote. This is our chance to celebrate the drummers who’ve made this year unforgettable!
Contents
- Drummer of the Year
- Rock Drummer of the Year
- Metal Drummer of the Year
- Progressive Drummer of the Year
- Jazz Drummer of the Year
- Contemporary Drummer of the Year
- Pop Drummer of the Year
- R&B/Hip-Hop Drummer of the Year
- Soul/Funk Drummer of the Year
- YouTube Drummer of the Year
- TikTok Drummer of the Year
- Instagram Drummer of the Year
- Drum Performance of the Year
- Voting now closed!
Drummer of the Year
Alright, this is the big one. These are the drummers who have truly done it all in 2024. Eloy Casagrande has been absolutely on fire this year as the new powerhouse behind the kit for Slipknot. Mike Portnoy’s return to Dream Theater was huge, and he’s once again proving why he’s one of the all-time greats.
Then there’s El Estepario Siberiano—his energy and technical wizardry have been taking over social media, making us all rethink what’s possible behind the kit. It’s a category filled with game-changers. These drummers defined what it means to be a drummer in 2024.
- El Estepario Siberiano
- Eloy Casagrande
- Mike Portnoy
- Tré Cool
- Aaron Sterling
Rock Drummer of the Year
Rock drumming is all about power and groove, and these drummers have made sure we felt every pulse in 2024. Matt Cameron’s continued work with Pearl Jam reminds us of why he’s such a rock icon—always delivering grooves that feel effortless, yet have so much impact.
Zac Farro has brought a fresh energy to Paramore’s live shows, and John Otto, well, he’s still the heartbeat of Limp Bizkit. These are the drummers who make sure rock music keeps on pounding loud and strong.
- Brandon Pertzborn
- John Otto
- Matt Cameron
- Shannon Leto
- Zac Farro
Metal Drummer of the Year
Metal drummers push the limits of speed, precision, and power—and this year’s nominees have done just that. Eloy Casagrande’s explosive energy with Slipknot has been jaw-dropping, and Charlie Benante has brought Pantera’s iconic grooves back to life.
We’ve also seen incredible performances from younger talents like Baard Kolstad and Greyson Nekrutman, showing us what the future of metal drumming looks like. These drummers are the thunder behind the heavy sound we love.
- Baard Kolstad
- Charlie Benante
- Dan Searle
- Eloy Casagrande
- Greyson Nekrutman
Progressive Drummer of the Year
Progressive drumming is where technique meets storytelling—and this year’s nominees truly nail both. Matt Gartska continues to blow minds with his work in Animals as Leaders, while Mike Portnoy’s return to progressive metal royalty with Dream Theater is a massive moment for fans.
Chris Allison and Nathan Bulla represent the exciting new wave of prog drummers, bringing fresh ideas and pushing the genre forward. These are the drummers who make us rethink what rhythm and technique can do.
- Chris Allison
- Brann Dailor
- Matt Gartska
- Mike Portnoy
- Nathan Bulla
Jazz Drummer of the Year
Jazz drummers are in a league of their own. They bring so much finesse, improvisation, and emotion to their playing—it’s an art. Brian Blade’s touch is simply magical, and Tyshawn Sorey’s fearless innovation is pushing jazz into new territory.
Justin Faulkner’s work with Branford Marsalis has been nothing short of breathtaking. These drummers are keeping the spirit of jazz alive and evolving.
- Brian Blade
- Gianluca Pellerito
- Justin Faulkner
- Tyshawn Sorey
- Ulysses Owens Jr.
Contemporary Drummer of the Year
This category is all about versatility and creativity—these are the drummers who refuse to stay in one lane. Mark Guiliana continues to redefine drumming, blending jazz, electronic, and everything in between.
Aaron Smith and Jharis Yokley bring so much groove and personality to their playing, and it’s impossible not to feel inspired when they hit the kit. These are the players who are shaping the sound of modern drumming.
- Aaron Smith
- Gergö Borlai
- Greg Clark Jr.
- Jharis Yokley
- Mark Guiliana
Country Drummer of the Year
Country drumming is all about groove and precision, and these nominees have truly mastered it. Aaron Sterling’s smooth style has been everywhere this year, while Cody Ash’s authenticity shines through in every performance.
Mike Palmer, Steve Clark, and Derek Mixon all bring unique touches to their playing, making them key players in some of 2024’s best country records.
- Aaron Sterling
- Cody Ash
- Mike Palmer
- Steve Clark
- Derek Mixon
Pop Drummer of the Year
Pop drumming is about taste and feel, and these drummers know how to serve the song. Brian Frasier-Moore is a true master, making every hit count in his work with superstars. Hayley Brownell’s energy and charisma have made her a standout with Olivia Rodrigo, while Queen Cora Coleman continues to bridge genres effortlessly. These drummers prove that even the simplest grooves can become iconic when played with the right touch.
- Brian Frasier-Moore
- Carlos Palmet
- Hayley Brownell
- Mike Reid Queen
- Cora Coleman
R&B/Hip-Hop Drummer of the Year
R&B and Hip-Hop drumming is all about groove and feel, and these players know how to lock in. Avante Clark’s smooth, yet powerful style brings the groove front and center, while Devon “Stixx” Taylor’s precision and versatility have made him a go-to in the scene.
Eric Moore’s influential style elevates every project, and Jerrod ‘J-rod’ Sullivan and Josh Foster each bring something unique to the genre.
- Avante Clark
- Devon “Stixx” Taylor
- Eric Moore
- Jerrod ‘J-rod’ Sullivan
- Josh Foster
Soul/Funk Drummer of the Year
Soul and funk drumming is all about deep grooves and infectious rhythms. Jamison Ross brings explosive, feel-good beats, while Lil’ John Roberts knows how to push the pocket and keep it funky. Nikki Glaspie’s dynamic approach always captivates, and Petar Janjić and Stanton Moore bring grooves that make us want to dance. These drummers bring the rhythm that makes the world groove.
- Jamison Ross
- Lil’ John Roberts
- Nikki Glaspie
- Petar Janjić
- Stanton Moore
YouTube Drummer of the Year
Online drumming is truly changing the game, and these players are leading the charge. El Estepario Siberiano’s creativity and energy have made him a must-watch, and Kristina Rybalchenko’s playing has also caught the eyes of drummers everywhere. These drummers are building communities around their playing, proving that drumming can connect us all, no matter where we are.
- El Estepario Siberiano
- Eric Carr – EMC Productions
- Rdavidr
- Sina-Drums
- Kristina Rybalchenko
TikTok Drummer of the Year
TikTok has become a major platform for drummers to showcase their creativity, and these drummers have captured the world’s attention with viral grooves, solos, and innovative content. It’s incredible to see the amount of talent coming from this platform.
- Brandon Khoo
- That Swedish Drummer
- Izzy Lamberti
- Raja Meissner
- Tom Parkin Drums
Instagram Drummer of the Year
Instagram has become the place for drumming inspiration in bite-sized doses, and these players have mastered the art of the short-form performance. Whether they’re showcasing technical mastery or pure showmanship, they’ve made their mark.
- Buckets The Drummer
- Benedictusesdomine
- Justin Scott
- Nate Mueller
- Riccardo Merlini
Drum Performance of the Year
These performances left us absolutely speechless. Eloy Casagrande’s first show with Slipknot was full of raw, unfiltered energy.
Mario Duplantier’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics showed just how powerful drumming can be on the biggest stage. Steve Smith’s jazz solo at the Sonor Warehouse was a masterclass in itself. These are the moments that remind us why we fell in love with drumming in the first place.
- Colin Brittain – The Emptiness Machine (Live) – Linkin Park
- Mike Portnoy – Dream Theater Live in Detroit
- Mario Duplantier – Paris Olympics Performance 2024
- Steve Smith – Sonor Warehouse Performance
- Eloy Casagrande – Slipknot’s First Show Back
Voting now closed!
So, there you have it—the nominees for the 2024 Drumeo Awards! Don’t forget to cast your vote and make sure your favorite drummers get the recognition they deserve. Whether you’re a fan of rock, metal, jazz, or beyond, these drummers have made 2024 a year to remember.
Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of drumming and celebrating the amazing talents in our community!
