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# Sleater-Kinney’s Janet Weiss: The Gear and Tech That Keep Her Going
- URL: https://www.hypebot.com/backline-with-janet-weiss/
- Published: 2017-01-19T10:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2017-01-19T10:00:00.000Z
- Description: In this interview we hear from Janet, drummer, backup singer, co-songwriter, and setlist maker for a variety of different bands, most notably Sleater-Kinney and Quasi about her preferences for hardware, software, and. Continue reading [https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2017/01/backline-with-janet-weis
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: DIY Advice & Tips, Live & Ticketing, Music Business, Music Tech, music, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-01-21 10:13

[![Jw-drums3](https://a3.typepad.com/6a016766638dee970b01b7c8cb3533970b-150wi "Jw-drums3")](http://a3.typepad.com/6a016766638dee970b01b7c8cb3533970b-popup?ref=hypebot.com)

In this interview we hear from Janet, drummer, backup singer, co-songwriter, and setlist maker for a variety of different bands, most notably Sleater-Kinney and Quasi about her preferences for hardware, software, and setup.

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**Janet Weiss* from [CASH Music](https://watt.cashmusic.org/writing/backlinejanetweiss?ref=hypebot.com)'s WATT*

### Who are you, and what do you do?

I’m Janet – drummer, backup singer, songwriting collaborator, setlist maker for lots of bands but mostly Sleater-Kinney and Quasi.

### What hardware do you use?

Funny to ask a drummer about hardware because to us that is a literal question. My hardware is all made by [DW](http://www.dwdrums.com/?ref=hypebot.com) – I prefer the lighter stuff – not sure why drum hardware is so heavy and cumbersome! I keep thinking I’ll work with a bike designer to come up with a completely new approach but haven’t yet. It all needs to fit into a small soft case and I must be able to lift it into the car myself – that is my one rule. In regards to drums, the sound in my head is a [1967 Ludwig maple kit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/30559980@N07/sets/72157634828039753/?ref=hypebot.com) so that’s what I play give or take a few years. I’ve had almost all the finishes at one time or another, but currently own a faded green sparkle and black oyster tiger stripe. My only sponsorship is for my snare – [a 14 x 6.5” Craviotto maple drum](https://www.craviottodrums.com/snare-drums?ref=hypebot.com) (RIP Johnny Craviotto!) Heads are strictly [Remo](http://remo.com/products/drumheads/?ref=hypebot.com) – coated ambassadors on the snare and toms and Powerstroke 3 on the batter side of the kick. Evans sent me every head they make and I just couldn’t find the right mix of crack and body. But thanks Evans. Cymbals are [Zildjian A Custom](https://zildjian.com/a-family/a-custom?ref=hypebot.com) and I guess the crashes are on the big side (two 20”) because the dude salesman at Guitar Center once asked me why I wanted a ride cymbal as a crash. My ride is 22” (although I have loved an old 1960’s 24” that I played on Dig Me Out) and the hats are standard size Quick Beats. I know it’s nitpicky but I absolutely prefer a round throne – [those saddle kind](https://reverb-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/s--a07VMfh4--/a%5Fexif,c%5Flimit,e%5Funsharp%5Fmask:80,f%5Fauto,fl%5Fprogressive,g%5Fsouth,h%5F620,q%5F90,w%5F620/v1414446745/kxsxhvy4mtlpjo7ebwbr.jpg?ref=hypebot.com) make me feel funny.

![](https://static-cashmusic.netdna-ssl.com/www/img/article/jw-drums1.jpg)

### And what software?

My basement writing rig is a goofy set of [Roland e-drums](https://www.roland.com/global/categories/drums%5Fpercussion/?ref=hypebot.com) that I run through a dock into my iPad Garageband. For demoing into the real computer I recently was gifted [Addictive Drum](https://www.xlnaudio.com/addictivedrums?ref=hypebot.com)software that makes the electronic pads sound pretty incredible. I choose from a number of Ludwig sounding kits recorded under much better conditions than what I’m accustomed to. For practice I play my iPod with headphones and also use the [Drummer’s Metronome](http://www.drummersmetronome.com/?ref=hypebot.com) app on my phone quite a bit.

### What would be your dream setup?

I pretty much have my dream setup as far as playing goes. My kit is a monster. A real area of improvement however would be recording works in progress in my practice space. I’ve never quite figured out a simple and easy solution that doesn’t sound like a caveman beating the shit out of sheet metal.