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Win a Solo Exhibition in June 2026 + An Exclusive Interview!
Win a Solo Exhibition in June 2026 + An Exclusive Interview!

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By Deirdre O'Callaghan

Publisher: Prestel
Publication date: April 2026
Print length: 256 pages
Language: English
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Now available in a compact edition, Deirdre O’Callaghan: The Drum Thing brings renewed focus to a body of work dedicated to those who shape rhythm from behind the scenes. In this refined and accessible format, O’Callaghan gathers portraits and conversations that place drummers at the center of attention, revealing the individuals who anchor and propel the music we know so well. Long regarded as the quiet force within a band, the drummer emerges here not only as a musician but as a distinct presence, defined by discipline, instinct, and personal history.

O’Callaghan approaches her subjects in spaces that reflect their daily lives rather than constructed environments. Rehearsal rooms, home studios, basements, and improvised practice areas become intimate settings where each drummer feels at ease. This proximity allows the photographs to move beyond performance, capturing moments of stillness, concentration, or casual reflection. The diversity of these interiors mirrors the variety of musical paths represented, from jazz and rock to experimental and global traditions. Each portrait carries a sense of individuality shaped as much by environment as by gesture.

The book features an extensive range of influential figures, including Tony Allen, Ginger Baker, Cindy Blackman, Dave Grohl, Questlove, and Ringo Starr, among many others. Despite their differing backgrounds and styles, a shared commitment to rhythm connects them. O’Callaghan’s images highlight the physical and mental demands of drumming—the hands at rest, the posture shaped by years of repetition, the instruments worn through use. These details offer insight into a practice that often remains hidden behind the sound it produces.

Accompanying each photograph are excerpts from the artist’s conversations with her subjects, providing glimpses into their creative processes and personal philosophies. These exchanges add depth to the visual portraits, forming a dialogue between image and voice. In The Drum Thing, O’Callaghan assembles a collective portrait of a community defined not by visibility, but by its enduring influence on the pulse of music itself.

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