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This is Joe Wong. Welcome to the Trapset, where each week we explore the lives of drummers.

I'm going to play something for you. You're hearing the suspense.

You're hearing Mammoth by Interpol featuring my guest Sam Fogarino on drums.

Formed in 1998, Interpol quickly rose to the top of the competitive and robust New York rock scene,

at a time when all eyes seemed to be on that city's musical output.

Their early sound drew comparisons to seminal Manchester bands such as Joy Division and the Smiths.

But with each successive album, Interpol has expanded its already impressive sonic palette.

Interpol writes as a group instead of having a principal songwriter, so Sam isn't only the drummer.

He's an integral creative partner in a collaborative collective.

But as a drummer, Sam's hypnotic and hook-laden playing could be considered the foundation of the band's success.

And his background as a recording engineer

helps him craft a distinctively powerful sound. I recorded this interview in Sam's room at the

Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Sam was gearing up to perform at Coachella and was gracious

enough to make time for me before playing in front of thousands of people later that day.

I found Sam engaging in affable, and he even ordered me an iced coffee, which you can hear clanking in the background.

And now our interview with Sam Fogorino.

My mom was a bartender, and my father was a welder.

...