Stuart Williams
I'm a freelance member of the MusicRadar team, specialising in drum news, interviews and reviews. I formerly edited Rhythm and Total Guitar here in the UK and have been playing drums for more than 25 years (my arms are very tired). When I'm not working on the site, I can be found on my electronic kit at home, or gigging and depping in function bands and the odd original project.
Latest articles by Stuart Williams
10 common electronic drum set issues and how to troubleshoot them
By Stuart Williams published
Don’t let annoying gremlins spoil your playing. From no sound to too much noise, most problems can be solved with some simple settings or affordable upgrades - here’s how
Best electronic drum sets 2024: Top picks for every playing level and budget, tested by drummers
By Chris Barnes last updated
Our expert guide to the best electronic drum kits available today - plus full reviews, buying advice and video
How to recreate classic recorded drum sounds from The Beatles, Metallica, Nirvana and more
By Stuart Williams published
ArtOfDrumming shows you how to make your drum recordings sound like the greats
“What we get here is the essence of Alesis’ flagship electronic drum set, with all the great features, minus the stuff that is likely to be ‘nice-to-have’ rather than essential”: Alesis Strata Core review
By Stuart Williams published
Alesis is back with a cut-down addition to the Strata line-up, but with BFD multi-sampled sounds, a touchscreen and a saving of around $/£1,000, I’m looking for the catch
Roland just unveiled its V-Drums Quiet Design VQD106 kits, delivering “the lowest playing-noise in the history of electronic drum kits”
By Stuart Williams published
The electronic drums giant claims the VQD106 is 75% quieter than a regular electronic kit
“Sounds aren’t just ‘good for a module’, they’re genuinely useable, realistic and ultimately very enjoyable to play": Roland TD716 review
By Stuart Williams published
Roland is back with a flagship replacement for the TD-50X. There’s a new module and new pads, but does it have the same old problem?
Roland overhauls its high-end electronic drum sets with the introduction of the 7 Series V-drums and VAD kits: “a dynamic new chapter in the V-Drums legacy”
By Stuart Williams published
The TD-716, TD-713 and VAD716 are powered by the new V71 module and there’s a lot of new features!
DrumCraft reintroduces its Bell Brass snare drum, offering you the snare sound of Metallica, Nirvana, RATM and more for under £800!
By Stuart Williams published
At 12kg, it might break your back, but it won’t necessarily break the bank
Alesis Nitro Pro expands on the BFD-derived Nitro Max to offer "Unmatched flexibility and features at an accessible price point"
By Stuart Williams published
Bigger pads and more playing zones usher-in the newest Nitro electronic drum set
“We’ve got a new drummer, his name is Dave, he’s the best drummer in the world!”: the story of Dave Grohl's drums on Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
By Stuart Williams published
The drum part that introduced Nirvana and a drummer named Dave Grohl to the world was released on this day in 1991
“I should have done that, that’s way cooler!” Gregg Bissonette hears and plays System of a Down's Toxicity for the first time, here’s how it unfolded
By Stuart Williams published
Ringo Starr's drummer takes on the nu-metal classic
"The Hybrid Theory re-release and Papercuts release, he didn’t show up for anything": Mike Shinoda on why Linkin Park drummer Rob Bourdon isn’t returning for the band’s reunion
By Stuart Williams published
Producer and drummer Colin Brittain is the new drummer in Linkin Park
Former Oasis drummer Alan White teases photo of Don’t Look Back in Anger bass drum head ahead of Oasis reunion
By Stuart Williams published
Meanwhile, original drummer Tony McCarroll says, "To be honest, I'm not holding my breath"
Best drum practice pads 2024: Sharpen your chops, anywhere
By Stuart Williams last updated
Play quietly and supercharge your hand technique with our tried and tested pick of the best pads for drummers
The drummers of Oasis: if the reunion rumours are true, these are the favourites to play drums
By Stuart Williams published
From the founding member who tried to sue Oasis, to the son of a Beatle, these are the drummers who provided the Gallaghers' groove
Best drum thrones 2024: top stools for comfort behind the kit
By Stuart Williams last updated
DW, Roc-N-Soc and Gibraltar are among the budget-spanning brands vying to be crowned king of the drum thrones – but which one is right for you?
“We have a completed, mastered album, but this might be a little soon.”: Dave Navarro talks unreleased material from NHC featuring Taylor Hawkins and Chris Chaney
By Stuart Williams published
The Jane's Addiction guitarist is hopeful that the songs will see a full release eventually
Alesis' Strata Prime's V1.1 software update unlocks a key feature that was missing at launch
By Stuart Williams published
One of 2024’s best electronic drum kits so far gets a connectivity upgrade
"These are the antithesis of common-or-garden cymbals, but they deliver exactly what you’d hope, at a very affordable price point": Zultan Dune series cymbals review
By Stuart Williams published
Dark, dry, B20 bronze cymbals with prices starting at less than £100
Mary Berry on taking a drum lesson from Rick Astley
By Stuart Williams published
The veteran cook swapped bakes for breaks for a showstopper in 2018
“I feel like if I don’t approach it from a fun angle right now, I’ll just freak out!”: The Mars Volta’s Philo Tsoungui plays drums to Rush, LimeLight after hearing it for the first time
By Stuart Williams published
The German-born drummer happened to use Neil Peart signature sticks, despite never having heard the Rush song before
Tama is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a star-studded live event in London this November
By Stuart Williams published
The line-up features Billy Cobham, Beanie, Jeremy Stacey and more
Best Roland electronic drum sets 2024: top Roland V-Drums for beginner to pro drummers
By Chris Barnes last updated
Our comprehensive guide to the best of Roland electronic drum kit line-up
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