X8 Drums Blog

Learning to drum can be an exciting time for any musician. Whether a brand new love of rhythm or a need to learn more complex rhythms and techniques, the advice, insight and instruction provided by a drum teacher can make a huge difference in a drummer’s skill and foster a lifelong love of drumming. Choosing an instructor can be a challenging process for any musician, and drumming teachers are no exception to this rule. As with any style of music, there are teachers better …

With the sun breaking through the clouds, the birds chirping and the winds of spring in full swing, celebrations, parties and festivals may be on the minds of many. Whether the winter season was full of snow, or just gray and rainy, spring can be a great time to not only shake off the dust from the colder months, but also the perfect time to plan the next great celebration in life. As tradition dictates in many cultures, drumming has always been a large part of celebratio …

Looking for something to bring a whole new sound to your drumming? What about adding a layer of emotion to a drum circle, or a unique vibe to your next gig? The use of accent percussion in songs can take an already brilliant composition or trustworthy drum circle to the next level, effortlessly. Gongs are the flame to a crème brûlée, the jump that happens when a song strikes that emotional chord within the audience. Based on ancient techniques, surrounded by spirituality …

Drumming is a creative expression of one’s personality, emotions and a love of music that can reach into the hearts and souls of the audience or drum circle members. Even the most experienced drummer, however, can reach a point where inspiration is needed, and may wish to add new rhythms, drumming styles or performance techniques into an already stellar repertoire. When it comes to finding a new spark to drum, it can be as easy as following the beat of other drummers to g …

For many, music is an expression of emotion that is both personal, and can affect the lives of those listening. Through this basic belief in the power of music, an instrumental bridge, lyrical phrase or rhythmic expression can easily help to change a person’s mood or outlook. Many researchers study the effect of music on the brain, especially when it comes to disorders related to stress, anxiety or neurological issues such as Parkinson’s disease or Autism, trying to impro …

Most people understand the basics of how music can be used to treat various health and wellness concerns, particularly those where the mind is at the center of the issue. Disorders like chronic stress or anxiety, depression and insomnia can be particularly affected by the use of music, but what research has shown is that the benefits of using the brain’s own music can make great strides in reducing the impact of these wellness concerns.Brain wave music therapy is the pro …

Right now, in the cultural mecca that is Austin, Texas, an annual event is taking place that has been called, “life-changing,” by participants and “of the most influential happenings on the annual cultural calendar,” by CNN. South by Southwest, or SXSW brings together people from across the world for music, technology, art and so much more. But, perhaps, most importantly, is the presence of drummers and musicians throughout the event. Today kicks off SXSW’s music showcase …

The snow and cold temperatures are slowly changing into sunny days while the signs of spring are peeking through the earth. Much like the changes of the season indicate a new cycle has begun, many drummers are beginning to feel the familiar urge to get back into some serious drumming. These are the drummers that may have used the colder weather to practice in a more private manner, or who were unable to drum as much during winter due to holiday obligations or just the slo …

Everywhere you go, there is a rhythm that surrounds you. The songs on the radio or your iPod, the pace of your steps as you grab lunch or enter a classroom, the stop-and-go traffic pattern that signals your late arrival to work, again, are all measured reminders of the presence of the rhythm of life. These rhythms illustrate more than the string of activities experienced throughout a day, but also bring a sense of comfort and peace in the regular pace of life that continues …

Some believe that there is an instinctive connection between women and rhythm that is both mysterious and tangible. Women have long been part of musical celebrations throughout the world, bringing a mystifying essence that speaks directly to the hearts that are beating in time to the music. It is this connection to rhythm and drumming that has inspired groups of women to join together in celebration of the essence of femininity as can only be expressed through the beauty …