X8 Drums Blog

RhythmTech is turning 30, and X8 Drums is ready to celebrate! RhythmTech is known for its revolutionary improvements to percussion instruments and drums. The company began its musical journey in 1980 during an overdub recording session when Richard Taninbaum, the founder and president of RhythmTech, could no longer hold his tambourine after 15 minutes of steady play. Determining that it was the tambourine’s shape that was not conducive to long-term play, he worked up a prot …

For the professional or hobbyist bongo drummer, selecting the right drums for the gig or circle may be more than a matter of personal preference. Most people shop for bongo drums based on price, availability, looks, and ultimately, the sound the bongos produce. Since there are major differences in the performance needs between stage drumming, studio drumming and drum circle drumming, choosing the best drum for the event is one of the most important decisions a bongo drummer ca …

The mental and psychological changes that can occur though quiet periods of observation or reflective moments of silence are potent testaments to the power of meditation. Meditation is a tool for those seeking stress and anxiety relief, to connect with the subconscious or a higher spiritual power. It brings a calming, peaceful state of mind that enables the processing of external stimuli that can affect the mood and thoughts as well as strengthen the bond between a person and a …

Full drum circle at the Modern Drummer Festival today in NJ. Over an hour of great rhythm with some very talented drummers!Steve Campbell from Dancing Drum facilitated the drum circle at this year's Modern Drummer Festival in Upper Montclair, New Jersey. Over 50 people participated in the drumming just prior to the drum clinics hosted by Modern Drummer Magazine.The Djun Djuns and Djembes used in the circle were the Dancing Drum Signature Series by Tycoon Percussion. Other percussion instru …

In urban and suburban areas, the sounds of traffic and people and technology can be considered the pulse of the earth. These sounds punctuate the day as people attend business meetings, enjoy lunches with friends and unwind while watching evening television. These same people often retreat to more rural areas for vacations and getaways in order to escape a fast-paced, demanding lifestyle and reconnect with nature and the earth to reduce stress and relax. Aside from leaving …

Drums and percussion instruments have distinct personalities, in a sense, which can directly affect the drummer's ability to play within a drum circle, recording studio or on stage. Because of these differences in instruments, a drummer may face a difficult decision deciding which drum or percussion instrument is best for his or her particular style. Musical and drumming talent aside, one of the best ways to find your percussion soul mate is through the age-old practice of astrol …

Peter Marino is the One Hour Drummer!Degrees in Music and Music Education are the foundation for Peter's development of the "Kyo Method", a rhythmic protocol that has participants playing percussion in as many as 5 parts in as little as an hour. This simple and enjoyable learning method supports players at all skill levels and makes it possible for students to easily recall and play advanced rhythms that would normally take hours of practice to learn.Peter has developed a national …

Whether in the car, at a show, drum circle or in the comfort of one’s own living room, loud music is one of the guilty pleasures of fans and musicians alike. From the deep bass of rap and hip-hop to the screaming guitars of classic rock, if it’s too loud, you’re too old, so they say. The volume of music, however, is known to cause damage to the delicate anatomy of the ear. Hearing loss affects around 16 million Baby Boomers, a figure that is significantly impacted by the volu …

When listening to music, a variety of sounds and tones come together to create a multi-sensory experience that has a wide range of health and wellness benefits in addition to an emotional connection and the simple enjoyment of a song. Music therapists and educators have long since harnessed the power of music and rhythm to stress and anxiety, as well as draw people together much in the way the different parts of music combine within a song. While no one instrument is more …

Drumming, some say, is a distinct calling that requires a great deal of patience, dedication, and motivation. The act of drumming itself can illustrate the journey a drummer has taken to get to the point of performing in public through driving rhythms, emotional solos and the creation of a foundation for any other instruments to follow. This picture of a drummer is part of the draw to drumming, producing profound effects within the music and contributing to the overall fe …