Patrick Carney became one of modern rock’s most recognizable drummers by doing the opposite of what most “famous drummers” do — he keeps it simple, raw, and locked to the song. As the drummer and co-founder of The Black Keys, Carney helped bring gritty garage-blues rock into the mainstream with a feel that stays primal even when the band gets huge.
Carney’s path into the band came through recording, not drumming. In a major Tape Op interview, he explained that in high school he and Dan Auerbach spent time messing around on 4-track recorders, and that Carney was originally more interested in becoming a recordist than being in a band. After buying a digital multitrack recorder in 2001 and learning it deeply, he recorded Auerbach’s band — but when the rest of the group didn’t show up for the session, Carney ended up playing drums himself. That demo turned into the beginning of The Black Keys. As Carney put it: “So, I recorded this demo… Then we got a fucking record deal, and I became a drummer!”
That DIY mentality became part of the Black Keys blueprint. Carney has said their first record (The Big Come Up) was finished and mastered before they even played their first show, and that the band spent years producing and recording themselves — often in basements and unusual spaces. One of the most legendary examples is Rubber Factory, recorded in an old General Tire factory building in Akron — a place Carney described as polluted and later demolished, but creatively perfect for the band’s sound.
Beyond drumming, Carney became known for his deep interest in production, drum sound, and the ethics of performance. He’s spoken openly about how modern editing can remove what makes music feel human, and how he prefers real timing — with rub, character, and energy — rather than moving every drum hit into place on a grid. That mindset shows up not only in The Black Keys records, but also in his career as a producer with artists such as Jessy Wilson, Tennis, The Black Lips, The Sheepdogs, *repeat repeat, and others.
What he’s doing now: Carney remains fully active with The Black Keys in the current era while also staying involved in production work and studio life.
Recordings / credits: Carney’s core legacy runs through The Black Keys catalog, from the early homemade records through later-era releases. He’s also closely tied to the band’s production approach, with collaborators such as Danger Mouse playing an important role in key recording eras.
Gear: Ludwig Drums; Paiste Cymbals.
Sources: Tape Op Magazine; Pitchfork; Ludwig Drums; Paiste.
Update: 1/22/26
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