Ian Chang

This drummer—known for playing in Son Lux and Landlady—is notable not only for his dizzying chops on the set, but for the depth of innovation he approaches his playing with. His newest setup, developed for his recent album Spiritual Leader, uses a system of highly sensitive triggers that link his acoustic playing to electronic sounds. Performing live, he then syncs his playing with an array of strobes placed around the kit. If that sounds extravagant, that's because it is—Chang has developed a performance style all his own, and it is no less than awe-inspiring.