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The Leader in Djembe, Cajon & Hand Drums for Beginners and Pros.

X8 Drums Blog

Mike Meadows wins 2017 Austin Music Award for Best Drummer/Percussionist

Mike Meadows wins 2017 Austin Music Award for Best Drummer/Percussionist

Congratulations to our good friend and amazing musician Mike Meadows for winning the 2017 Austin Music Award for Best Drummer/Percussionist! Mike Meadows is a professional percussionist and drummer who is sought after by recording and performing artists for his skill level with world percussion instruments. During his long career as a performer, he created an extensive wish list for customized musical instruments. In 2007 his wish list became a reality as he co-founded Swan Percussion wh …
14th Mar 2017
SXSW World Music Showcase Features X8 Drums Djun Djuns

SXSW World Music Showcase Features X8 Drums Djun Djuns

X8 Drums is proud to supply Rattletree with the djun djuns that will be used during their SXSW World Music Showcase this Wednesday at Russian House. No wristband required!Photo credit Ismael QuintanillaDrums used X8 Drums Djun Djuns …
12th Mar 2017

Thanks to The Birmingham Zoo!

Thanks to the The Birmingham Zoo who added more X8 Urban Beat djembes to their collection this week! And... new West African Djembes + my Meinl Percussion pick of the day!Meinl Percussion Pick of the DayLuis Conte Studio ShakerLuis Conte Live ShakerLuis Conte Stadium Shaker …
15th Jan 2016
Get to Know Us & Ticket Giveaway!

Get to Know Us & Ticket Giveaway!

FREE TICKETS to WORLD PERCUSSION PERFORMANCE in Austin, TX Hi, I'm Kristin. My husband, Mark, and I run X8 because we're passionate about percussion. In my personal life, I fell in love with the joyful sounds and high-vibration of African Marimba and Zimbabwean hosho shakers. For the past 2 years I've been studying and performing with the Rattletree School of Marimba ( www.learnmarimba.com) in Austin, TX.This weekend is the culmination of so much hard work by me and m …
16th Sep 2015

The Passion of Drum Corps International

Drum Corps International is the non-profit governing body managing the North American drum and bugle corps circuit for members aged between 14 and 22. Founded in 1972, its mission is to impart a life-changing experience for the junior corps through music and performance. Drum Corps International represents "excellence in performance and in life" for more than 7 million youth in the US participating in musical arts programs. DCI is composed of a small group of full-time executive …
18th Jun 2015

Artist Profile: Philip “Fish” Fisher

There is nothing like a little ska, reggae, punk and funk rock to brighten up the day, and few know the keys to true alternative rock better than Philip “Fish” Fisher. Fisher, a founding member of Fishbone, the band hailed as the most underrated group of the 80s, is the drumming genius behind songs like “Bonin’ in the Boneyard,” “Everyday Sunshine,” and “Freddie’s Dead,” to name a few. Fisher has played with the best of the best since leaving Fishbone in 1998. His list of credits …
18th Jun 2015

Artist Profile: Michael “Leroy” Bram

When he is not touring with superstars like Jason Mraz, recording with Joss Stone or blues great, Watermelon Slim, Michael “Leroy” Bram performs regularly with his blues band, Michael Bram and the Alternators and many others in New York. A musical inspiration in his own right, Bram has not only mastered the drums, but is also an accomplished singer, harmonica player, “coffee shop guitarist,” and harp player. Bram started drumming at the early age of four, after receiving a drum set for …
18th Jun 2015

Jazz Drumming & Cymbal Selection

Modern jazz drumming is an evolution of the styles of drumming most noted in turn of the century (the 20th century) swing drumming, which was a combination of military drumming patterns, African drumming and European music. The main function of an early jazz drummer was to keep time for the rest of the instruments, much like the drummers in a marching band. Today’s jazz drummers, however, are known less for the ability to keep a rhythm or band intact, and more for the unique rhythms produced, …
18th Jun 2015

How to Clean Cymbals

Whether cymbals have been kept in storage or carried around from gig to gig, they can develop a layer of dirt or grime that affects not only the appearance, but also the sound of the cymbals. Most professionals caution against cleaning cymbals, as the process of cleaning the metal may, in fact, hurt the finish and cause irreparable to the metal used, but there are times that call for a thorough cleaning, as well.For cymbals that have been in storage, weather conditions, dust or even pollen can t …
18th Jun 2015

Artist Profile: Rodney Holmes

Whether you are a fan of Clyde Criner, The Steve Kimrock Band or Santana, chances are that you have heard Rodney Holmes take drumming to an entirely different level that crosses the boundaries between jazz, rock and even techno and ambient drumming. This artist is as creative and diverse as the audiences who come to see him play with SKB, bringing a powerful sound and structure to a wide assortment of musical genres.Holmes was raised in a musical family, giving him the ability to appreciate many …
18th Jun 2015