Report by Greg Phillips
This year marks respected local drummer’s magazine, DRUMscene’s 30th anniversary, a remarkable milestone in Australian music publishing. What began in April 1995 with their inaugural issue featuring Virgil Donati has evolved into an Australian icon within both the music publishing industry and the global drumming community.
Publisher Frank Corniola, an acclaimed drummer himself and owner of the fabulous Drumtek music store has done an incredible job building the magazine into an internationally recognised title, since issue one in 1995, the same year Australian Musician began. Whenever Australian Musician is at a NAMM show and speaking with legendary drummers, they always ask about Frank.
Frank issued a statement this week saying that not only is this issue (Issue #108) celebrate 30 years of publication, it is sadly also the final one to come off the presses. While Australian Musician went digital ten years ago, Frank hung in there and kept printing his acclaimed magazine right through til the end. An amazing achievement.
Here’s part of Frank’s announcement:
“Over the past three decades, we have published 108 issues comprising more than 10,000 pages of content—featuring in-depth interviews, special features, educational materials, music Play-Along CDs, product reviews, gear announcements, artist news, and promotional giveaways. Beyond print, DRUMscene has proudly presented numerous international band performances and educational clinics throughout Australia.
I am particularly proud that every issue has been archived in the Australian National Library in Canberra, ensuring future generations can explore our vibrant music scene and drumming community.
After careful consideration, I must announce that DRUMscene will now cease publication. This decision, though extraordinarily difficult, comes at an appropriate time as we reach this significant 30-year milestone.
A Heartfelt Thank You
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the exceptional individuals who have contributed to DRUMscene’s success over the years:
To our editorial and content team, including Simon Higgins, Alex Deegan, Gary France, Graham Morgan, Alex Pertout, Ray Deegan, Dom Famularo, Rob Wallis, Joe Bergamini, David Garibaldi, Brian Czempinski, Darryn Farrugia, Will Dower, Daniel Luttick, Rick Van Horn, Paul Matcott, Andrew Dickeson, James Barwick, Brad Willats, Matt Gibson, Justin Malseed, Dave Goodman, Vinnie Crea, Greg Phillips, John Zak, Simon Ert, Nat Grant, Damien Ellis, Leigh Fisher, Claus Hessler, Dan Kerby, Justin Humphries and many others.
To my wife Rosanna for her unwavering support and dedication; to my sons Anthony, Damian, Peter, and Marcel for their constant inspiration; to my entire family, particularly my sister Dina, my brothers Vince and John, and my late brother Mario, for their steadfast support.
Special acknowledgments to Erika Lambert for her meticulous editorial proofing; to Victor De Propertis and Robert Silvio at Creative Pixel for their artistic design work; to Mary Giblin and the team at Print Graphics; to our distributors Gordon & Gotch and AIR.
To our contributors, loyal readers, and industry partners, including Craig Stamford, Kevin Hague, Brad Willats, Greg McNamara, Mark Trask, Bob Wiczling, Kim Pang, Alan Vater, Chad Brandolini, Dayne Marshall, Don Lombardi, John Good, Dave Black, Hudson Music, Danny Boldiston, Tony Italia, Jamie Goff, Simon Ayton, Mark Inglese, Ian Evans, Nick Mitchell, Clint Quan, Matt Corazzol, Ryan Kerr, Laurent Loaisiga and many others – thank you for your enduring support.
Most importantly, to all the extraordinary artists who have shared their life stories, passion, expertise, and dreams with us over these 30 years—our deepest appreciation.
I look forward to embracing new opportunities and spending more time with my family in this next chapter.
With gratitude and best wishes,
Frank Corniola”
On a personal note, I was honoured to have contributed articles to DRUMscene on number of occasions and thank Frank for his contribution to the Australian music industry. A top bloke and an Australian publishing pioneer. Issue #108, the final issue is out now. https://www.drumscene.com.au/
Note: DRUMTEK – The Drummers HQ in Northcote continues to operate and welcomes your ongoing patronage.