Mike Laughlin

 

Keep up with Mike here:

www.myspace.com/cattledecapitation

 

 

 

 

Male 27yr old.  from Greensburg, PA

Elysium – first band (with future members of Zao) 1994

Twelve Cup/ Chapter – High school Godflesh influenced hard core band that would later evolve into Creation is Crucifixion 1995-1997

The Reason for the Neutron Bomb – Screamo almost rock w/ violin and metal drum fills.  1 show, 1 ep. 1997

Creation is Crucifixion – all releases – tech grind.1997 – 2003?

Cattle Decapitation – Uncorrupted Steel metal blade comp song, Humanure lp, The 31g The Birthday Party tribute comp song, Caninus/Cattle split 7″, Karma.Bloody.Karma lp. 2003-2006

 

 

Mike Laughlin Interview:

 

 

SD.com: How old were you when you started playing?

Mike: 7 yrs.I started messing around on my dad’s kit.

SD.com: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?

Mike: The Hempfield Area Marching band – grades 9-12. We played in places like L.A., Colorado, San Antonio and a Steelers game. Our drum instructor was rad. she would write “mosh” versions of drumbeats if we didn’t like the originals.

SD.com: Ever take any lessons?

Mike: Sort of: from my father and public school but, never private/full kit – I probably could still learn some proper techniques.

SD.com: Who are your top 5 influences?

Mike:

1.If it isn’t obvious by now, my Dad (his late 70’s cover band tape that has his drum solo).
2. Tomas Haake
3. Pete Sandoval
4. Dave Lombardo
5. Gene Hoglan (later Death albums)

 

 

SD.com: Assuming that influences doesn’t mean favorites, who are your favorites?

Mike:

Other than those 5,
1. Rob Proctor (Assuck)
2. Dave Witte
3. Nick Barker
4. Frost
5. Billy Cobham

SD.com: Let us know 5 CD’s that are in your current rotation

Mike:

1. Lamented Souls – The Origins of Misery
2. Zombi – Surface to air
3. Agalloch – Ashes against the grain
4. Iron Maiden – A matter of Life and Death
5. Ulver – Bergtatt

SD.com: Can you remember a night you think was your best playing ever? If yes, when and where?

Mike: No, I usually srew up something – I do recall one show in the U.C.C. church (in Philadelphia/Delaware??) I was playing in Creation is Crucifixion and a wall of people wiped out half of my kit.  After the show, one guy in the audience said “I want to marry you because you kept playing”  I guess I did a pretty good job there.

SD.com: Do you have a favorite brand of drums or cymbals?

Mike: I’ve been searching around a bit the past few years. Karma Bloody Karma  was recorded with a mid 90’s Ludwig maple classic kit – i really dug the sound of the toms on that recording.  I have an old Zildjian ride and always liked their chinas.  Lately, I’ve been using Sabian crashes.

 

 

 

SD.com: Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Mike: Just leg and wrist stretching, warming up on a practice pad and if needed a cliff bar or small size energy drink.

SD.com: If you could give one piece of advice to young drummers, it would be…

Mike: Play what ever style you truly enjoy (not just what seems cool) and always warm up.

SD.com: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?

Mike: That’s a toss up – Flo Mounier’s Solos were always cool to watch but, being 10 ft away from Dave Lombardo when Fantomas played in Pittsburgh in 1999 was very cool.

SD.com: If you had to stop drumming, what would you want to do with your life?

Mike: Build outrageous machines/robots/6 wheel amphibious atvs.