“To play the unplayed ”. That is the self-proclaimed lifelong aspiration of drummer/producer Thomas Lang. Given his astonishing independence of limb and his stalwart dedication to improving his craft – Lang’s aspiration is more than well on the way to reality.

A native of Vienna, Austria, Lang took up drums at the tender age of five after seeing a heavy metal band on television. In addition to years of private tuition, Lang was formally educated at the Vienna Conservatory of Music where he was the youngest student enrolled at the legendary institution. After leaving the conservatory, Lang began working professionally with artists including Falco, John Wetton, Bonnie Tyler and, in 1995, his solo release, “Mediator” topped the charts in Europe and garnered rave reviews for its innovative Jazz/Dance/Prog Rock sound.

Despite his grueling touring and rehearsal schedule, Lang remains committed to a rigorous daily practice schedule. “I religiously follow a constantly-evolving practice routine. It’s not glamorous, but for me daily practice is a principle source of growth and inspiration in my playing.”

Lang’s daily practice regime eventually became the basis for his 2-part series of instructional videos, “Ultimatives Schlagzeug I & II” which were originally released in 1995. Due to overwhelming demand, these videos were re-released on DVD in 2004 by Hudson Music (www.hudsonmusic.com). Lang’s instructional DVD “Creative Control” (Hudson Music) is now one of the biggest-ever selling instructional DVDs of all time. His highly anticipated follow-up DVD, "Creative Coordination & Advanced Foot Technique" (Hudson Music) was released in November of 2006 and is available through his official merchandise site, www.muso-mart.com.

Thomas Lang currently plays Sonor drums, Meinl cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, Remo drum heads, Roland electronics, Gibraltar hardware, Hardcase road cases and AKG microphones and his album, "Along These Lines" is scheduled for release in early 2007 along with a music-inspired clothing line.

Despite his reputation as an innovative and prolific drummer, Lang has a surprising take on technique. “Technique has nothing to do with music. It’s like a tool, like a hammer. You can build a shed – or you can build the Sistine Chapel,” Lang told Modern Drummer magazine. “Some days I want a shed – some days I want the Sistine Chapel – or a villa or maybe a bowling alley! 

Thomas Lang's official website is: www.sticktrix.com and his myspace page is: www.myspace.com/thomaslangdrummer