Matt Halpern
Matt Halpern is an American drummer and entrepreneur best known as a longtime member of the progressive metal band Periphery, which he joined in 2009, where he has contributed to multiple albums and tours.[1][2] A Baltimore native who began playing drums at age three, Halpern developed his skills through private lessons and applied them across various musical styles, earning acclaim for his technical precision, powerful grooves, and innovative approach to progressive metal drumming.[1][3] In addition to his work with Periphery—which received a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance for the song "The Price Is Wrong" in 2017—Halpern has performed with other projects, including the bands Showing Teeth and King Mothership.[4][5] He co-founded the music software company GetGood Drums in 2015 alongside former Periphery bassist and producer Adam "Nolly" Getgood, focusing on high-fidelity virtual drum instruments and sample libraries, with Halpern providing performances for signature products like his namesake drum pack.[6][7] Halpern is also a prominent educator and clinician, offering drum lessons, workshops, and online content through platforms like Band Happy, while receiving awards such as Best Metal Drummer and Best Clinician/Educator from Modern Drummer magazine.[7][8] His endorsements include Pearl drums, Meinl cymbals, Promark sticks, and Evans heads, and he has signature gear like a [Pearl snare drum](/page/Pearl_Drums /page/Snare_drum) and Promark drumsticks designed for enhanced rebound and control.[7] Beyond music, Halpern maintains an active lifestyle, incorporating fitness, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and family pursuits into his routine.[9]Early life and education
Childhood and musical beginnings
Matt Halpern was born on June 21, 1983, in Baltimore, Maryland. Growing up in the city, he displayed an early fascination with music, particularly percussion, which his family nurtured from a young age. His parents recognized his natural aptitude for drumming and supported his pursuit by providing him with a junior drum kit when he was three years old, marking the start of his musical journey.[10][1][9] Halpern quickly progressed in his development, transitioning to a full-sized drum set by age six, which allowed him to expand his technical abilities. He began taking private drum lessons around this time, focusing on building foundational skills through dedicated daily practice. This consistent routine helped him gain a solid understanding of rhythm, coordination, and expression on the instrument, shaping his initial musical interests centered on the dynamic possibilities of percussion.[11][1] The familial encouragement played a key role in Halpern's early motivation, with his parents viewing drumming as a vital outlet for creativity and self-discovery. This supportive environment fostered his passion without formal pressure, emphasizing enjoyment and personal growth in his formative years.[9]College years and early professional experience
During his college years at an unspecified institution, Matt Halpern balanced academic pursuits with his growing dedication to music, drawing on skills developed from an early age. He maintained a rigorous schedule that included coursework alongside musical activities, reflecting his commitment to both education and performance.[1] To support himself financially during this period, Halpern built a substantial roster of private drum students, ranging from beginners to advanced players across all ages, which he had begun cultivating toward the end of high school. Complementing this teaching income, he performed weekly at local bars and venues in the Baltimore area, often with mainstream rock and reggae cover bands, honing his versatility across genres. These gigs provided practical experience and steady work, allowing him to immerse himself in the regional music scene while managing college demands.[1][12] After completing college around the mid-2000s, Halpern transitioned into more intensive professional endeavors by touring extensively with various local bands in the Baltimore area. This phase, spanning roughly 2004 to 2008, involved frequent performances at bars and small venues, such as pop rock gigs circa 2007–2008, as he navigated the shift toward semi-professional status through consistent regional work. These experiences solidified his technical foundation and network in the local music community.[1][12]Career
Early bands
At the age of 17, in 2000, Halpern co-formed the Baltimore-based alternative rock band Spinfire alongside vocalist and guitarist Evan Taubenfeld, drummer duties marking his early foray into group performance and songwriting.[13] The band released a self-titled EP that year, capturing their youthful energy through a mix of pop-punk and rock elements during local gigs around the Maryland area.[13] Following his college graduation around 2005, Halpern immersed himself in Baltimore's regional music scene, joining and touring with several local acts to build his professional experience.[11] Notable among these were The Underwater, a York, Pennsylvania-based group with whom he performed on regional tours and contributed drums to their 2008 album Forces, and Armoreta, a project shared with longtime friend and collaborator Dan Book, emphasizing original material and live improvisation.[11][14] These unnamed and short-term ensembles, often playing bars and small venues in the mid-Atlantic, allowed Halpern to refine his stage presence and adaptability across genres like pop-rock and alternative.[11] In 2008, Halpern briefly joined the instrumental progressive metal outfit Animals as Leaders after auditioning at the invitation of guitarist Tosin Abasi, contributing drums to just two live performances before the band entered a hiatus.[12] This short stint, though non-recording, exposed him to intricate technical demands and high-profile regional shows, further sharpening his skills in complex time signatures and ensemble dynamics.[12] Throughout the 2000–2008 period, Halpern's involvement in these early bands and tours—spanning dozens of East Coast dates—solidified his reputation in Baltimore's underground scene, fostering resilience through equipment challenges and varying audience sizes while transitioning from studio work to consistent live execution.[11]Periphery
Matt Halpern joined Periphery as their drummer in 2009 and has provided percussion for all of the band's studio albums and EPs thereafter. His debut contribution came on the self-titled album Periphery, released April 20, 2010, via Sumerian Records in CD, vinyl, and digital formats; in addition to drums, Halpern co-produced the album and engineered and mixed the vocals.[15][16] The following year, Halpern performed drums on the Icarus EP, issued April 19, 2011, by Sumerian Records as a CD and digital release, which included remixes and expanded tracks from earlier singles.[17][18] On Periphery II: This Time It's Personal, released July 3, 2012, through Sumerian Records (and Century Media in Europe) in CD, vinyl, and digital formats, Halpern handled all drumming duties, contributing to the album's complex progressive metal structures.[19] Halpern's drum work appears on the experimental Clear EP, distributed digitally January 28, 2014, by Sumerian Records, featuring atmospheric and ambient tracks distinct from the band's heavier output.[20][21] In 2015, he drummed on the double album set comprising Juggernaut: Alpha and Juggernaut: Omega, both released simultaneously on January 27 via Sumerian Records in CD, vinyl, and digital editions; the interconnected records showcase Halpern's dynamic playing across narrative-driven songs.[22][23][24] Periphery III: Select Difficulty, Halpern's next full-length effort, came out July 22, 2016, on Sumerian Records in multiple formats including CD and vinyl, where his precise rhythms supported the album's technical riffs and odd time signatures.[25][26] The band's sixth studio album, Periphery IV: Hail Stan, released April 5, 2019, by eOne Music (later reissued under 3DOT Recordings) in CD, vinyl, and digital, features Halpern on drums throughout its exploration of melody and aggression.[27] Most recently, Halpern contributed drums to Periphery V: Djent Is Not a Genre, self-released March 10, 2023, via the band's 3DOT Recordings label in CD, vinyl, and digital formats, emphasizing diverse influences beyond the djent subgenre.[28][29] Halpern has also programmed drums on select tracks across these releases, such as programming elements in "Icarus Lives!" from the Icarus EP and contributions to vocal production on the debut album.[17]Side projects
In 2012, Halpern launched The Mothership as a collaborative side project with Periphery vocalist Spencer Sotelo, focusing on rock-oriented material with Halpern handling drums and co-developing rhythmic structures alongside Sotelo's songwriting and production lead. The duo released demo tracks to promote the venture, emphasizing a shift toward accessible, riff-driven sounds, but the project remained dormant after initial promotional activities. In 2020, Sotelo revived it as King Mothership, expanding the lineup to include ex-Slaves bassist Tai Wright, with Halpern continuing on drums and contributing to the creative process through performance and arrangement input during recording sessions. The revival culminated in their debut album The Ritual, released October 2, 2020, via Century Media Records. As of January 2025, the band is finishing their sophomore album.[30][31][32][33][34] Halpern has also performed drums for the band Showing Teeth, including on their single "Labyrinth," released November 14, 2025.[35]Other pursuits
Educational activities
Matt Halpern has established himself as a prominent educator in the drumming community through regular clinics and workshops conducted worldwide. He frequently hosts in-store events and masterclasses, sharing insights into his techniques and performance philosophies. For instance, on April 2, 2025, Halpern led a drum workshop at Guitar Center Hollywood, where he discussed his journey with Periphery and demonstrated key elements of his playing style to an engaged audience.[12] These sessions, often sponsored by drum manufacturers like Mapex, extend to multi-city tours, such as his planned drum classes across the US in May and June 2025, emphasizing practical skill-building for aspiring drummers.[36] Halpern's educational impact is further recognized through accolades from industry publications. He has secured multiple wins in the Modern Drummer Magazine Readers' Poll, including Best Metal Drummer in 2013 and Best Clinician/Educator in subsequent years post-2010, highlighting his influence in progressive and metal drumming circles.[37][7] These honors reflect his ability to connect with and inspire a global audience of musicians via structured teaching formats. In addition to live events, Halpern develops accessible educational content, such as technique videos and online masterclasses. A notable example is his 2021 session with Sweetwater, where he provided a crash course on essential drumming techniques alongside Nick D'Virgilio, focusing on fundamentals applicable to various genres.[38] His approach underscores a passion for teaching the balance of groove and complexity, as evidenced in the 2024 "Anyone Can Groove" MasterClass introduction at Stages Music Arts, a two-hour program designed to make rhythmic concepts approachable for all skill levels.[2] This content often integrates tools from his entrepreneurial ventures, like GetGood Drums software, to enhance learning experiences.[7]Entrepreneurial ventures
In 2012, Matt Halpern founded Bandhappy.com, an online platform that connected professional musicians with students for real-time video lessons across various instruments, enabling both virtual and in-person instruction.[39] The service featured established artists as instructors, including Periphery bandmates, and allowed users to archive sessions for ongoing review, aiming to bridge the gap between fans and performers in music education.[39] Halpern served as the primary creator, drawing from his experience as a touring drummer to build a marketplace for personalized learning.[39] The platform operated for nearly three years before shutting down at the end of 2014, as Halpern prioritized his commitments with Periphery, which demanded increasing time for touring and recording.[40] In 2016, Halpern co-founded GetGood Drums (GGD) with producer Adam "Nolly" Getgood, launching a company specializing in sample-based drum software for rock and metal producers.[41] GGD's core offerings include high-fidelity drum libraries and MIDI groove packs, with Halpern directly contributing by selecting and recording his preferred kits using professional setups to capture organic, dynamic tones.[6] The inaugural product, the Matt Halpern Signature Pack, debuted that year and became a cornerstone for emulating progressive metal drumming, featuring multi-velocity samples that support complex rhythms and heavy grooves.[42] Subsequent releases, such as expanded signature libraries, prioritize realism and customization, allowing users to tailor sounds for progressive styles through adjustable mixing and articulation controls.[6] Halpern has extended his entrepreneurial efforts into podcasting and digital media, co-hosting the Chocolate Croissants podcast since 2018, where he discusses self-improvement, business strategies, and the music industry alongside Jordan and Justin Goodman.[43] The show features guest appearances from musicians and entrepreneurs, emphasizing practical advice for creative professionals.[44] He also contributed to online content as a guest on the Unstoppable Recording Machine (URM) Podcast in 2020, sharing insights on mental health, practice routines, and production techniques during episodes focused on resilience in the music world.[43] By 2025, GetGood Drums had grown significantly under Halpern's involvement, releasing Modern & Massive 2 in April as a standalone plugin with enhanced workflows for layering progressive drum elements, including advanced velocity layering and room simulations tailored to intricate metal compositions.[45] This update builds on prior libraries by incorporating user feedback for broader compatibility and deeper customization in progressive genres.[46] Halpern's latest contribution includes the PV Grooves MIDI Pack, a collection of patterns drawn from Periphery's evolving sound, designed to facilitate authentic progressive drumming in digital productions.Musical style and influences
Drumming technique
Matt Halpern's drumming technique emphasizes groove mastery intertwined with polyrhythms and odd time signatures, creating a foundation that drives the progressive metal genre's rhythmic intensity. In Periphery's compositions, he integrates semi-polyrhythmic elements, such as layering kick-snare interactions over unconventional groupings, to maintain a locked-in feel amid structural complexity. This approach is evident in tracks like "Satellites," where odd groupings enhance the song's propulsion without sacrificing accessibility.[47][48] Central to his method are advanced sticking patterns, including hybrid rudiments that blend single-stroke rolls between hands and feet, alongside intricate double bass configurations adapted for endurance and consistency. Halpern prioritizes relaxed execution in these elements, using full-kit displacement to support double bass lines rather than isolating footwork, which allows for sustained power in extended performances. Dynamic control is a cornerstone, enabling him to modulate intensity from subtle hi-hat variations to explosive backbeats, ensuring live translations retain the nuance of studio recordings.[47][49] His signature style fuses raw power with technical complexity and an innate sense of feel, often described as "deep-pocketed" and authoritative, allowing grooves to "breathe" through natural body motion. This is showcased in the 2021 drum playthrough of King Mothership's "Pinstripes," where Halpern navigates shifting rhythms with effortless transitions, balancing aggressive double bass bursts against melodic fills to evoke both ferocity and musicality.[12][50] Halpern's technique has evolved from the high-energy, exploratory patterns of Periphery's early albums to a more polished integration of groove and precision in later works, with refinements evident in 2023-2025 live demonstrations and workshops focusing on ergonomic efficiency and adaptive phrasing for complex arrangements. These developments prioritize looseness and intuitive song service, enhancing his ability to embody the "beat" in increasingly demanding progressive contexts.[12][51]Key influences
Matt Halpern's drumming style was shaped early on through private lessons starting at age 3, which provided a foundational knowledge of drumming across various genres, complemented by self-study that exposed him to fusion and progressive music traditions.[1] This early immersion allowed him to explore complex rhythms and technical demands characteristic of those styles, drawing from drummers who emphasized both innovation and musicality.[52] In a 2019 MusicRadar interview, Halpern highlighted 10 contemporary drummers who profoundly impacted him, including Benny Greb for his creative approach, Matt Garstka for precision in odd time signatures, Billy Rymer for dynamic control, Ryan Van Poederooyen for progressive fusion elements, Mark Guiliana for electronic-infused grooves, Arthur Hnatek for experimental textures, Mike Johnston for session versatility, and Chris Deviney for band integration.[53] These influences contributed to his technical prowess and ability to blend intricate patterns with emotional depth. Halpern has frequently cited fusion icons like Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Dennis Chambers as key figures for their technical mastery and soloing innovation, which informed his focus on power and precision in progressive metal contexts.[12] For groove elements, he draws from pocket specialists such as Steve Jordan, whose laid-back feel and subtle dynamics influence Halpern's emphasis on maintaining a solid "pocket" amid complex arrangements.[12] This synthesis is evident in his playing, where high-energy fills coexist with unwavering rhythmic stability. Halpern's appreciation for these influences persists, as demonstrated in 2025 clinics where he discussed ongoing inspirations from peers like Eloy Casagrande and Matt Garstka, alongside classics like Jojo Mayer and Steve Smith, underscoring their role in his evolving blend of technical flair and groove-oriented performance.[12]Equipment
Drums and hardware
Matt Halpern has been an endorsed artist with Pearl Drums since switching from Mapex prior to 2021.[54] As of May 2025, he primarily uses Pearl's Masterworks Maple Gum series kits, featuring all-maple shells for warm tone and projection suitable for progressive metal.[55] A current configuration features two 22 x 16-inch bass drums, 12 x 8-inch rack tom, 16 x 16-inch floor tom, and 18 x 16-inch floor tom, in Satin Rose Gold finish for studio and touring applications.[55] Halpern's signature snare drum, the Pearl Matt Halpern "Wraith" model, measures 14 x 6 inches with a 1.5mm brass shell coated in black powder for a dry, articulate response and controlled sustain.[56] This snare incorporates custom STL55MH/B swivel tube lugs, MasterCast die-cast hoops (DCB1410/1410S), an SR150 Click-Lock strainer, and three strategically placed air vents to enhance projection and even response under heavy playing.[56] For hardware, Halpern employs Pearl's ICON multi-clamp rack system for modular stability, along with H1050 hi-hat stands and a D-3000 adjustable throne to support complex setups in live progressive performances.[57]Cymbals, sticks, and accessories
Matt Halpern has been endorsed by Meinl Cymbals since aligning with the brand as a signature artist, utilizing their hand-hammered Byzance series for its dark, versatile tones that complement his progressive metal style.[58] His setup prominently features the Byzance Dark line, including a 20-inch ride for defined stick definition and warm wash, as well as crash cymbals that provide quick decay and controlled sustain.[59] A key element is his signature 21-inch Byzance Dark Double Down Crash-Ride, a B20 bronze cymbal designed in collaboration with Meinl, offering dual functionality as a crash for explosive accents and a ride for articulate patterns, with hand-hammering enhancing its dynamic response.[60] Additionally, Halpern incorporates the Byzance Dark Double Down Stack, a 17- or 18-inch effect cymbal stack that delivers a sharp, metallic bite ideal for rhythmic punctuations in complex grooves.[61] For drumsticks, Halpern endorses ProMark's TXMH signature model, crafted from American hickory with a 16-inch length and 0.630-inch diameter, sized as a 2B but engineered to feel and perform like a 5B for enhanced power and reach during extended sessions.[62] The sticks feature a short-to-medium taper and large round wood tip, promoting a front-weighted balance that optimizes speed and produces full, robust tones on cymbals and drums while prioritizing durability for his high-endurance playing.[63] A nylon-tip variant (TXMHN) is available for brighter articulation on rides and hi-hats, aiding in precise control during live performances.[63] Halpern relies on Evans drumheads for their durability and tonal consistency, particularly the Heavyweight series tailored to his aggressive technique.[64] On bass drums, he uses the EMAD Heavyweight batter head, a double-ply 10-mil film design with an externally mounted adjustable damping ring, delivering punchy attack and focused low-end response suitable for his double-bass patterns.[65] For snares, the Heavyweight or Heavyweight Dry heads provide a crisp, sensitive crack with reduced overtones, often tuned low for a fat backbeat that cuts through dense mixes without muddiness.[66] He employs custom tunings across toms and bass drums using clear G2 batters for clarity and resonance, ensuring even projection in both studio and stage environments.[64] Among other accessories, Halpern incorporates Shure Beta series microphones for reliable monitoring and recording, such as the Beta 91A half-cardioid condenser inside the kick drum for capturing tight, accurate low frequencies, and the Beta 57A dynamic on the snare top for its focused midrange punch.[54] For double bass, he favors the Pearl Eliminator Redline pedal, a chain-drive model with adjustable spring tension and interchangeable cams, allowing customized feel and response to match his rapid, intricate footwork.[54] These choices integrate seamlessly with his overall kit, emphasizing precision and endurance in high-stakes performances.[57]Discography
Periphery
Matt Halpern joined Periphery as their drummer in 2009 and has provided percussion for all of the band's studio albums and EPs thereafter. His debut contribution came on the self-titled album Periphery, released April 20, 2010, via Sumerian Records in CD, vinyl, and digital formats.[15][16] The following year, Halpern performed drums on the Icarus EP, issued April 19, 2011, by Sumerian Records as a CD and digital release, which included remixes and expanded tracks from earlier singles.[17][18] On Periphery II: This Time It's Personal, released July 3, 2012, through Sumerian Records (and Century Media in Europe) in CD, vinyl, and digital formats, Halpern handled all drumming duties, contributing to the album's complex progressive metal structures.[19] Halpern's drum work appears on the experimental Clear EP, distributed digitally January 28, 2014, by Sumerian Records, featuring atmospheric and ambient tracks distinct from the band's heavier output.[20][21] In 2015, he drummed on the double album set comprising Juggernaut: Alpha and Juggernaut: Omega, both released simultaneously on January 27 via Sumerian Records in CD, vinyl, and digital editions; the interconnected records showcase Halpern's dynamic playing across narrative-driven songs.[22][23][24] Periphery III: Select Difficulty, Halpern's next full-length effort, came out July 22, 2016, on Sumerian Records in multiple formats including CD and vinyl, where his precise rhythms supported the album's technical riffs and odd time signatures.[25][26] The band's sixth studio album, Periphery IV: Hail Stan, released April 5, 2019, by eOne Music (later reissued under 3DOT Recordings) in CD, vinyl, and digital, features Halpern on drums throughout its exploration of melody and aggression.[27] Most recently, Halpern contributed drums to Periphery V: Djent Is Not a Genre, self-released March 10, 2023, via the band's 3DOT Recordings label in CD, vinyl, and digital formats, emphasizing diverse influences beyond the djent subgenre.[28][29]Spinfire
Spinfire, an alternative rock band co-founded by Matt Halpern in 2000, released its sole recording, a self-titled EP, that same year through the independent Spinfire Records label.[13][67] Halpern, then 17 years old, performed as the band's drummer on the release.[13] The EP was self-produced and distributed locally within the Baltimore, Maryland music scene, reflecting the band's early independent efforts.[13] The tracklist for Spinfire consists of the following six songs:| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lettin' It Be | 3:22 |
| 2 | Feeling Beautiful | 2:21 |
| 3 | Weak Nights | 2:55 |
| 4 | There You Aren’t | 3:29 |
| 5 | Quitter | 3:36 |
| 6 | Prove Me Wrong | 3:25 |
The Underwater
Forces is the debut full-length studio album by the rock band The Underwater, released independently in 2008.[14] The album marked the group's first LP following two earlier EPs, Bleed Me Blue and Lungs, and showcased a blend of pop-rock elements with heavier riffs and dynamic arrangements.[68] Recorded with contributions from multiple producers, including Grammy winner Mark Opitz on select tracks, it highlighted the band's versatility and production polish aimed at broader appeal.[69] The tracklist consists of 11 songs, emphasizing melodic hooks, introspective lyrics, and rhythmic drive:- "Dying Every Day" (3:54)
- "Maybe Love" (3:59)
- "Red White and Blind" (4:04)
- "Render" (3:32)
- "Fallen One" (3:25)
- "Let Go" (3:36)
- "Losing Me" (3:31)
- "Bring Me You" (3:48)
- "Breathing" (3:32)
- "Where Love Should Be" (3:35)
- "Redemption" (4:45)