This study investigates the complex relationship of metre and tempo within contemporary drum practice, understanding how they interact and influence each other through the process of metric modulation. By exploring the subjectivity in individual perception, it elucidates the phenomenon of multiplicity in listening.

Multiplicity alludes to the multiple ways in which music is heard which can generate ambiguity in metric perception. The process of implied metric modulation is expanded upon, where the metre is manipulated to imply a change in tempo. A taxonomy of rhythmic modulation is established to identify related processes that disrupt the metre and question the listener’s sense of expectancy.

The drum kit has adopted a strong rhythmic role in contemporary music which serves to greatly influence the listener’s metric perception. An application of established processes to the drum kit demonstrates the aural effects in practice, with the use of drum kit transcriptions enabling in-depth analysis of rhythmic processes. This also identifies instances of discrepancy between the perceived metre and notated metre.

Analysis of rhythmic manipulation within contemporary popular music highlights the impact and potential of these advanced concepts. This study draws from seminal rhythmic theory and contemporary music practice to analyse manipulatory rhythmic concepts, including the contribution of original transcriptions and media to the domain.