It seems we can't get enough of Matthew Hayden these days, but that's because he's doing a lot of cool stuff. Hayden and his Molly Picture Club cohorts are this week's Artists on Trial, and today we get to spend a bit more time with him.

Matthew Hayden: My dad was a drummer, so when I was young there was always a drum set around. He would jam with friends in a special room dedicated to music in our house growing up. We referred to it as the band room.

The Deli: A lot of drummers talk about locking in with their bass players, but Molly Picture Club doesn't have a bass player. What do you listen for?

Matthew: When we started MPC the idea was to make pop tunes with an electronic element. I had programed electronic music for awhile but had never incorporated it into a live setting before. After the writing process we had to figure out how to perform these tunes. We decided to embrace technology and use a laptop running Ableton Live with some backing tracks, mostly bass and some electronic elements. Mike [Tipton], our guitarist, plays very rhythmically; I lock in with that and the track. Plus, as a drummer you certainly have to listen to the vocal lines to determine your dynamic approach and changes.

The Deli: It takes a great deal of talent and coordination to run backing tracks and play drums, but you make it look like a walk in the park.

Matthew: So far it has seemed to work pretty well. When we first started, we were kind of doing MPC on the side as we were all working on other projects. We practiced for 6 months before we ever played a show. During that time we figured out how we could make it work. This is my first project incorporating that aspect so I am still learning and trying to figure out new ways to do it. Sometimes it can be tough because I can never really tell how we sound at the front of the house, from behind the kit, but usually the response is positive. With backing tracks you rely on the sound man a lot to get the mix right. Also, it can be easy to lose the groove if you're not feeling the tune. I am huge on dynamics so when playing with a track you must have good dynamics to control the mood or how a song feels. We have been playing for over 2 years now so we have definitely had some fuck ups, but for the most part it's been pretty smooth sailing.

Matthew: Thanks. Paz y música.

Dude, this is America. Cut it out. Just kidding, amigo.

If you like dancing and if you like good music and if you like Matthew Hayden (and, really, who doesn't?), then be sure not to miss him in action with Molly Picture Club at the recordBar this Saturday, September 22 and then again at The Riot Room on October 4. You can also find him with Found a Job at recordBar on October 30.

--Sergio Moreno

Kriss Ward has been one of the toughest, most animated drummers in Kansas City for several years. This Friday, September 14, he'll be playing his last show with Federation of Horsepower before he moves to Austin. We talk to Kriss about his rock n roll career in town and see what's ahead.

Kriss Ward: My first instrument was bass guitar, then I dedicated a lot of time to vocals before finally doing what I always wanted to do. I started playing almost 20 years ago and went right to work.

The Deli: Besides Federation of Horsepower, what other bands have you drummed in?

Kriss: I've played with The Last of the V8s, The Lustertones, Ramalamas, Phaze II, Savage 7, Bloodfeast (Misfits tribute), Funhouse (Stooges tribute) and various cover bands.

The Deli: You're one of the most powerful, emotive drummers I've ever seen around here. Where does all that energy come from, and what's your approach? 

Kriss: I'm a show drummer. I want people to get off on the beat! I just play every show like it's my last, and at my age I never know! Haha! My approach to drumming is to let fucking loose!

Kriss: I always find myself in a project no matter where I go, it's just natural. There's no doubt that I will play in Austin, but nothing lined up right now.

The Deli: Say Gregg [Todt] calls you up in 10 years for a 20-year Federation reunion. You up for it? 

Kriss: Gregg is my big bro. We have the same rock heroes and take the same approach to the stage. The connection between the front man and the drummer is what the "rock show" is. We will play together again, I know we will.

The Deli: Is there anything you'll miss about KC music?

Kriss: I will miss Davey's Uptown. The KC scene has always been modern and artsy; Federation of Horsepower is neither one of those.

Kriss will be pounding out the beat with Federation of Horsepower at The Brick this Friday. The lineup will feature The Buddy Lush Phenomenon, followed by an evening of songs by every former and current member of Federation. This show and Kriss's brilliant drumming is definitely not to be missed.

--Michelle Bacon