X8 Drums Blog

New to djembe playing or looking for a new rhythm to play? Allow us to introduce you to the Yankadi rhythm! Yankadi is one of the most popular djembe rhythms, and it’s pretty easy to pick up, making it perfect for beginner djembe drummers.The Yankadi rhythm is said to originate from the Sosos in Lower Guinea. Traditionally a seduction dance for young women, the slow Yankadi rhythm was often played as young men and women demonstrated their dance moves for one another as a form of flirtation. Yank …

At X8 Drums, we love to hear musicians creatively incorporate the calming yet energetic rhythms of the djembe into genres in which you’d never expect to hear its exotic sounds. In fact, we’ve heard the African hand drum in metal percussion, trip-hop, a blend of classical and folk, and now, Celtic music.Seattle-based Celtic group the Gothard Sisters are known for their eclectic blend of traditional and contemporary Celtic sounds and equally unique combination of instruments. Willow Gothard play …

There is a gleam in the eye of any drummer who has discovered a new treasure, a drum set that proves it is beyond expectations. During our “test drive” of three new Gretsch drum sets at Wunder Audio in Austin, TX, we seemingly stumbled upon a drum set that was, in a word (or two), a home run: the Gretsch Marquee drum set.The Gretsch Marquee drum set is considered a mid-level kit, one that is perfect for studio musicians or for drummers with some experience looking to expand their tone and range …

Our X8 Drums Cajon Shootout continues with the Kitty Hawk Snare Cajon: Made in North Carolina, the Kitty Hawk Snare Cajon features a beautiful blue finish and is quality-crafted from birch wood. The head is screwed down really tightly, creating the same sound between the top center and the top edges. However, the cajon has a great punchy sound, a nice low end, and a sound that’s more open than the Schlagwerk’s. It also has a wide open, mid-range and low-end bass sound.Like the other cajons we’ …

Pro drummer John Blackwell recently stopped by the Drumeo studio to share his drumming knowledge through a lesson on Drumming Discipline & Improvisation. Playing on Tama Drums, Yamaha DTX Drums, and Zildjian Cymbals with Zildjian sticks, Blackwell delivers an inspirational studio performance that every aspiring drummer should take notes on. He also shares what he learned from the greats about solo improvisation and gives great tips on live performance discipline, such as knowing when to play …

The Mapex Raptor Direct Drive Pedal features a metal bar connecting the foot board straight to the cam and to the beater holder for a direct connection between your foot hitting the pedal and the beater hitting the drum. The direct design doesn’t lag like with a chain design.Features a round, dual way beater with a softer felt side for an open, boomy sound and a hard rubber side for more attack. Comes with a key for removing the beater if you want to switch it out. The beater itself features a …

Austin City Limits Music Festival, 2009. Photo bySteve Hopson at en.wikipedia via Wikiemedia Commons.While many communities struggled to maintain a strong economy during the recent recession, Austin managed to grow its economy by 10%, thanks, in part, to its live music scene. A 2012 study showed that Austin’s creative sector contributes just over $4.3 billion a year to the local economy, and about 38% of that amount comes from live music and music tourism alone.So how exactly does live music kee …

Austin Music Foundation empowers Austin musiciansand fuels the city's creative economy. Official AMF logofrom austinmusicfoundation.org.Whether you’re a musician who’s new to Austin or simply looking for new opportunities in the city’s renowned music community, the Austin Music Foundation (AMF) is your first stop for uniting with fellow Austin musicians and making a name for yourself in the city’s music scene.AMF helps make Austin the city for working musicians to survive and thrive by uniting t …

Here at X8 Drums, we're not only drawn to the cultural significance of the djembe drum, but its rich sound and rhythmic versatility. Originating from West Africa, djembes are traditionally used to provide rhythm for ceremonial and celebratory dances during weddings, funerals, and other occasions. Just as special occasions in Western cultures are associated with certain music, each occasion in West African culture has a corresponding djembe rhythm, such as the enchanting Kuku rhythm played in the …

Last night in Austin, TX, Zimbabwean musician and instructor, Joel Laviolette, shared a story with his audience about the cultural difference between American audiences and those of Zimbabwe. In the U.S. the audience plays a passive role - we sit back and enjoy being entertained. The artist is separated and elevated away from the audience, working to push their energy out to get a positive response.In Zimbabwe, the performer and audience are one unit. The music is a part of their everyday lives …