Mike O’Hara

 

Keep up with Mike here:

www.myspace.com/expulsiveincision

 

 

My name is Mike O’Hara. I’ve been playing drums since I was about two years old. It was a Ludwig kit, and I still have it. Haha. I didn’t start playing death metal or grind until recently. About two years ago. But I really got involved and focused on it within the past year. Two years ago, it was just play as fast as I could. I play in a band named Expulsive Incision based out of Levittown, NY (Long Island). And we play death-grind-gore. 

My main influence is death metal/grind. But I do listen to all types of music. I grew up listening to bands like Stone Temple Pilots, Blind Melon, Rush, Metallica, Pantera, Nirvana and Pink Floyd. But recently, I’ve been listening to (other than death-grind music), The Beatles, Stone Temple Pilots (again), and Jane’s Addiction. 

So, if you’re into death metal/grindcore, definetely check out Expulsive Incision. And hopefully, we’ll be able to play in your area soon enough. Until then, drop by our MySpace and listen to our stuff, and let us know what you think. We love hearing some feedback from the fans. And keep checking in on Sickdrummer.com! One of the very few sites there is when it comes to checking out extreme drumming. Thanks Sickdrummer!

 

 

Mike O’Hara Interview:

 

 

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

Mike: I pretty much grew up on a kit. My father’s been a drummer since he was 16, so when I was born, he already had had five years of experience with drumming. I never really got my first kit until I was about 2… It was a Ludwig.

 

 

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

Mike: I was in Marching Band for like two weeks, I tried out for snare, didn’t make it, then bass drum, I made it, but they “weren’t comfortable” with me playing bass drum, so they put me on a xylophone, and I just dropped it at that point.

 

 

SD.com: Who are your top  influences?

Mike: My Father, Tim Yeung, Marco Pitruzzella, Eric Park, Justin Rousselle, Flo Mounier.

 

 

 

 

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

Mike: Neil Peart, Derrick Roddy, Mike Smith, Pete Sandoval, Carter Beauford.

 

 

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

Mike:

Origin – Echoes of Decimation,
Necrophagist – Epitaph
Gojira – From Mars to Sirius
Devourment – Butcher The Weak (Reissue)
Heinous Killings – Hung With Barbwire

 

 

SD.com: Do you practice any particular rudiments or combos on a regularbasis?

Mike: Lately I’ve been very focused on mastering all types of rolls, whether it be topping out with speed with both hands, or trying to master one-handed roll techniques (all of them). In the past month, I noticed advancement in my one-handed roll technique using the rim… I saw a video of Johnny Rabb doing it.

 

 

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

Mike: Drums, I’d have to say Tama Starclassic Maples. And for cymbals, my favorite sound is Paiste, although I just got a whole bunch of heavy Sabians. (Two 18’s and a 16) And for china’s, Wuhan. I love trashy china sounds.

 

 

 

 

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

Mike: Be patient, consistent, and really accomplish any goals you have. And listen to all types of music. You’d be surprised with what you can pick and use from what your hear with any genre.

 

 

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

Mike: Flo Mounier. It was the first show back with Lord Worm, and it was absolutely amazing.

 

 

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

Mike: Play guitar, I’ve been playing for ten years.