From the moment he got his first snare drum at age 10, Malcolm Travis was hooked. A lifelong drummer influenced early on by the British Invasion, his first full kit was a Ludwig—chosen, of course, because that’s what Ringo played. He still owns the Supraphonic snare that came with it.

In high school, he played in a string of bands with fellow students, cutting his teeth on Beatles covers and classic rock essentials. After a year at Berklee College of Music in Boston—where he found himself humbled but inspired—he returned home, dedicating himself to serious practice and study. That dedication paid off.

By 1976, Boston’s underground music scene was erupting, and Malcolm Travis became a founding member of the innovative and irreverent band Human Sexual Response. The group toured extensively, released three records, and left a lasting imprint on the era before disbanding in 1981.

From its ashes rose The Zulus, a power trio known for tight grooves, odd time signatures, and unpredictable turns. It was during this time that he acquired what would become his signature instrument: a black lacquer Noble & Cooley 14x5 Classic SS maple snare. Since 1986, it’s been his go-to on every recording—a world-class piece of craftsmanship that found its perfect moment on Sugar’s seminal album Copper Blue, with Bob Mould at the helm.

Today, Malcolm Travis continues to record, perform, and inspire with a rhythmic voice that’s deeply seasoned yet always searching for the next musical surprise. And yes—that Noble & Cooley snare still sings on every track.