Hello, all you Sick Drummers!
My name is Mike “Machine” Mallais. I am 44 years old, from Canada, and have been playing since the age of 2. I got into Metal at 5! I come from a super small town and was born long before the internet, so let’s just say I scaled the back side of the mountain known as music to get where I am.
Who am I? I’m best known as the ‘World’s Fastest Foot Champion’ after setting all 3 WFD SINGLES foot records in 2007. True singles, no compound movements allowed! I am currently undefeated! So come get some, ALL you speed freaks!!! Haha. I currently play in 6 bands, but I have played 1000s of shows with 100s of bands.
I am also well known as a global teacher, having been recognized globally in Modern Drummer Magzine, and have students all over the world. If you’re interested in taking lessons with me, my website link is below. I also stream live on Twitch and will play any request.
Mike’s Links:
https://www.facebook.com/machine333
https://www.twitch.tv/mikemachine333
https://www.instagram.com/mikemallais
Mike Mallais Interview:
SDM: How old were you when you started playing?
Mike: I was 2 years old… luckily my parents are musicians.
SDM: Did you play in a school band or any drum corps?
Mike: I did basic music classes but wasn’t into reading much in those years.
SDM: Who are your top 5 metal influences?
Mike: Hmmm, in no order.
- Derek Roddy
- Chad Walls
- Nicko McBrain
- Bobby Jarzombek
- Brent Smedley
SDM: Who are some of your other favorites?
Mike: All of them, haha! But another top 5 overall would be…
- Vinnie Colaiuta
- Virgil Donati
- Lenny White
- Ronald Bruner Jr
- Tony Williams
SDM: Let us know 5 bands in your current personal rotation.
Mike:
- Death
- Megadeth
- Dio
- Planet X
- Slayer
SDM: What do you do to warm up before a show?
Mike: I like to stretch. I’ll play warm-up exercises for blood flow, but never to a max. I’m always relaxed.
SDM: Do you read music? Regardless of answering yes or no, please tell us how it might have affected your playing.
Mike: Yep, I read fairly strongly. I didn’t get into it until about 15 years ago, but it’s been really great to be able to soak up other approaches without having to create them or learn songs.
SDM: Can you tell us about the gear you use?
Mike: Gladly! I am a proud endorser of the following companies:
- Yamaha – All drums, electronics, and hardware
- Sabian – All cymbals
- Evans – All drumheads
- Headhunters – MM Signature drumsticks
- Trigmic – Kick triggering
- Sweetspot – MM Custom toppers
- Kelly Shu – Kick mic mounts
- Gonbops – Percussion
- Trick – All drum pedals
SDM: If you could give one piece of advice to younger drummers, it would be?
Mike: Learn to accept adversity. Our attitude is everything! If you learn how NOT to dread the daily grind, you’ll find yourself always halfway to the goal instantly.
SDM: Who gave the best live performance you’ve ever seen?
Mike: In metal? Inferno.
SDM: Aside from drumming, what else do you like to do?
Mike: I’m down with lots, but I love my old Chevy Vans, dirtbikes, seeing live shows, and playing chess. Haha. But when I’m not playing or teaching, I mostly spend time with my wife, family, and friends!
