Chris Barnes
I'm MusicRadar's eCommerce Editor. In addition to testing the latest music gear, with a particular focus on electronic drums, it's my job to manage the 300+ buyer's guides on MusicRadar and help musicians find the right gear for them at the best prices. I dabble with guitar, but my main instrument is the drums, which I have been playing for 24 years. I've been a part of the music gear industry for 20 years, including 7 years as Editor of the UK's best-selling drum magazine Rhythm, and 5 years as a freelance music writer, during which time I worked with the world's biggest instrument brands including Roland, Boss, Laney and Natal.
Latest articles by Chris Barnes

NAMM 2019: Tama hits the mark with trio of sub-£120 steel snare drums
By Chris Barnes published
Grab a slice of black magic

NAMM 2019: Has Meinl made the ultimate busking tools for drummers and percussionists?
By Chris Barnes published
Pickup-toting cajon makes live amplification a breeze

NAMM 2019: Zildjian Cymbals enters the in-ear monitor market
By Chris Barnes published
Not all of Zildjian’s NAMM launches are made of metal...

NAMM 2019: Evans aids quiet practice with SoundOff mesh drumheads
By Chris Barnes published
Lower the volume of your drums with a quick head change

NAMM 2019: Meinl unveils ‘sonically rich’ Turkish-made Byzance Foundry Reserve cymbals
By Chris Barnes published
Unique hammering and lathing lies at the heart of these handcrafted metals

NAMM 2019: Walnut/birch hybrid shells and funky finishes are order of the day for Tama’s Starclassic line
By Chris Barnes published
The future looks really, really bright

NAMM 2019: Gretsch Drums debuts portable Brooklyn Micro kit
By Chris Barnes published
Play 'That Great Gretsch Sound' practically anywhere

NAMM 2019: Zildjian relaunches FX line with FX Stacks
By Chris Barnes published
Plus, Oriental Crash Of Doom unleashed in 22" size

NAMM 2019: Drum Workshop adds Pure Almond shell option to Collector's Series
By Chris Barnes published
Rarely used hardwood delivers extra punch and brightness

Architects' Dan Searle: "Once Tom left us we needed to get back to some kind of normality"
By Chris Barnes published
The Brighton metaller on how Architects' magnum opus, Holy Hell, came into being in the wake of unimaginable tragedy

Session ace Geoff Holroyde: "Sometimes with a terrible drum kit you can play into that sound and make something of it"
By Chris Barnes published
From recording with S Club 7 to Feeder, we meet one of the most prolific British session drummers you’ve never heard of

Aric Improta’s Guide to drumming showmanship
By Chris Barnes published
From backflips to slam dunks

Kasabian's Ian Matthews: We always go about every gig like it’s the biggest, even if it’s the smallest gig
By Chris Barnes published
Mega gigs, movie sessions and the British Drum Co

Josh Dion: "You’re constantly learning about the choices you make, how to make an impact and how to listen to others"
By Chris Barnes published
The drum world’s newest sensation discusses his musical upbringing

Fall Out Boy's Andy Hurley: “For a long time, I had doubts that I could play drums anymore”
By Chris Barnes published
Drummer reflects on his evolution as a player and the importance of heavier side projects

Cassell The Beatmaker: "I go from touring to teaching to production; If I was just playing drums I’d probably be working in Sainsburys"
By Chris Barnes published
From touring the world and producing hits to mentoring and inspiring the next generation

Jamie Lenman and Dan Kavanagh talk double drumming and the most exciting beats in British rock
By Chris Barnes published
Two players are better than one?

Paramore drummer Zac Farro on rejoining the band, HalfNoise and his birthday gift from Taylor York: "It’s been an incredibly cool process"
By Chris Barnes published
Farro discusses his return

Mike Joyce: “When I started I had three styles of playing: fast and loud, faster and louder and fastest and loudest. The Smiths was a shock”
By Chris Barnes published
The Smiths went from indie rock innovators to cult heroes in just six years. Drummer Mike Joyce looks back on his rhythmic contributions that helped fuel the musical magic

Ash Soan talks revolutionising the drum session world from his back garden: “This place was basically built to get my crap out of the house"
By Chris Barnes published
Session hero on home studios, The Voice and much more

Steven Wilson’s Craig Blundell: 10 drumming albums that changed my life
By Chris Barnes published
Prog drumming virtuoso picks the albums that shaped him

Jonathan Ullman’s secrets for drum session success
By Chris Barnes published
Boston drummer shares his top tips
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