The Roots’ Questlove, Brian Chase of Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Death Grips’ Zach Hill are all captured unleashed at their respective kits in this series that takes a look at the oft-ignored life of the drummer. The dependable beat-maker at the back of the stage rarely gets his or her moment in the spotlight, but photographer Deirdre O’Callaghan's project, The Drum Thing, focuses on these musicians who are integral to a variety of successful bands. “It’s interesting to focus on the characters obscured behind prolific acts,” O’Callaghan, who started a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign to help turn the project into a book. “To talk with these musicians who may not be front and center but nonetheless essential.” The Irish photographer was awarded Book of the Year by The International Centre of Photography, New York and Rencontres de la Photographie d’Arles in 2003 for her book Hide That Can, which followed the Irish emigrant community in north London. For her current project, she traveled to the UK, Ireland, Germany and Jamaica, as well as across the United States, shooting over 50 drummers, and planning to capture 20 more. Along the way she has been star-struck by John Densmore of The Doors—“I mean, I was in the same room with someone who was in the same room as Jim Morrison!”—and had a go on George Hurley of The Minutemen's kit. “The drums are a very visual instrument,” says the photographer. “Some people have a knack for playing with a dramatically visual style, while others are more subtle and reserved. I just love how their personality translates into the way they play.”