[2026] Summary of Popular Female Drummers Overseas

BrackishMercedes Lander

Kittie Brackish Official Video

Mercedes Lander, who formed the heavy metal band Kittie in 1996.

She is a co-founder of the band, and her sister Morgan is known as the vocalist and guitarist.

They first made their mark with a sound rooted in nu metal, later evolving their style toward groove metal and death metal.

Their debut album, Spit, released in 1999, was a major hit, selling over 600,000 copies in the United States.

As an individual, she was nominated for Drummer of the Year in 2002, underscoring her proven talent.

The dynamic, powerful groove she delivers is the very core of the band’s aggressive sound.

Her weighty playing, honed over a long career, is sure to captivate anyone seeking powerful drums.

Nikki Glaspie

Zildjian LIVE! – Nikki Glaspie

Nikki Glaspie, whose grooves are rooted in gospel and whose virtuosity has supported many top artists, is also well known as the drummer for Beyoncé’s backing band, Suga Mama.

She grew up playing drums in church and, after graduating from Berklee College of Music, launched her professional career in earnest.

Passing Beyoncé’s band audition in 2006 led to nearly five years of touring the world starting in 2007.

With her own band, The Nth Power, she has released albums such as Abundance while also taking on production work.

She has even performed on Grammy-winning recordings.

Her drumming—both powerful and nuanced—is perfect for listeners who want to feel the vibrant energy of funk and soul.

Thriller (Michael Jackson Cover)Sarah Thawer

“Thriller” by Michael Jackson (Sarah Thawer Drum Cover)

Hailing from Toronto, Canada, drummer Sarah Thawer began playing percussion at age two and made her stage debut at five, showcasing her talent from an early age.

She grew up immersed in music across genres—jazz, funk, and even traditional Indian music—without drawing boundaries between them.

As a freelancer, she has performed with artists such as Jacob Collier and Steve Vai, and she drew attention for contributing to the soundtrack of the Disney/Pixar film Turning Red.

A 2021 JUNO Award nominee, she is a formidable musician whose playing balances rock-solid groove with thrilling improvisation.

Her drumming—born of exceptional technique and a deep curiosity for music—offers fresh discoveries to many music fans.

Too Many ThingsMila de la Garza

The Linda Lindas – Too Many Things (Live on KEXP)

Mila de la Garza, the drummer for the pop-punk band The Linda Lindas, grew up in a musical family with a father who’s a music producer and is known as the band’s youngest member.

A live video filmed in a library in May 2021 went viral worldwide and led to a deal with Epitaph Records.

The song they performed then—co-written based on their own experiences—won Best Punk Record at the Libera Awards.

Her direct, emotionally charged drumming forms the core of the band.

She’s also garnered recognition in other areas, with their song Little Bit O’ Soul, made for a film, earning a nomination.

On the album No Obligation, she also takes on vocals—if you’re into punk, her powerful playing is something you should experience at least once.

Domino Santantonio

Domino Santantonio Hears Slipknot For The First Time

Domino Santantonio, a Canada-born artist who took off globally thanks to TikTok, is active on multiple fronts—centered on pop and rock—as an official Drumeo coach and a studio musician.

Her turning point came in March 2020 when a cover of a Shakira song she posted on social media—despite her initial reluctance—racked up millions of views within hours and became a huge breakthrough.

Her skill and influence have been highly recognized, earning her nominations in two categories at the Drumeo Awards 2021, including Pop Drummer of the Year.

Her powerful playing, influenced by Travis Barker, and her genuinely joyful smile are truly captivating.

She’s the perfect artist for those searching social media for new talent or anyone who loves energizing, feel-good drumming.

The Only OneNandi Bushell

The Only One

A multi-instrumentalist who rose to global prominence after posting cover performances on YouTube, Nandi Bushell is known for her powerful, rock-centered drumming since she began around 2018.

Her drum battle challenge to Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl became a huge topic on social media.

In August 2021, she performed live with Foo Fighters, delivering a breathtaking performance before about 20,000 spectators that won acclaim worldwide.

That same year, she also became the youngest person to appear on the cover of Modern Drummer magazine, a testament to her remarkable talent.

Her radiant smile and the way she throws her whole self into the music are inspiring to watch!

Before I Forget (Slipknot)Kristina Schiano

Slipknot – Before I Forget – Drum Cover

Kristina Schiano is a session drummer based in New York.

She’s a female drummer who excels at metal-style drumming.

She effortlessly nails Slipknot songs, which are known for their complex, high-note-count parts! It’s amazing to see someone so slender play Joey Jordison’s phrases…