X8 Drums Blog

To the uninitiated drummer, cymbals may not seem like much in the way of instrumentation. These metallic disks have a shine and glow to them, and make a loud noise, but, they may very well be the best kept secret about drumming. However, for any drummer worth her or his chops, the cymbals on a drum set are possibly the most important way to define a personal sound, and even an entire genre of music. Cymbals come in many different shapes, styles and sizes and are essential for the emotive elemen …

Music therapy is helping countless people with a variety of medical and health issues find a peace within the melodies and rhythms being played. It is the success rate seen with patients that are exposed to music and drumming while facing health problems that continues to grow, enhancing lives of adults and children alike. In a recent article on the Detroit Free Press, one music therapist explains her own personal devotion to music and helping those with health issues, especially hospice patient …

For fans of metal, the dangerous "hum" of the bass drum can be considered a lullaby that increases the overall impact of the song. Metal drummers create this sound effortlessly, it seems, but, can these masters of the double bass pedal be replaced by a computer? The Wall Street Journal reports that while there are still many metal drummer purists out there, the trend has turned toward creating the rhythm tracks on a computer, essentially "out drumming" what a live drummer is physically capable o …

Many drummers can remember the first time playing along with a favorite song, marking the entrance into the world of rhythm, percussion and passion for drums. In a recent YouTube, a six-year-old boy shows that while he may be a little young to understand the place Guns N Roses once held in the music scene, that isn't stopping him from drumming alongside this iconic band. …

The end of the year always spells out one thing: a time to make resolutions for the magic moment when a brand new year begins. So, drummers, what are you pledging to take on in 2014? Music Radar has compiled a list of drummer resolutions for 2014 that can get those creative and rhythmic juices flowing, even for the percussion player who has just received a djembe, new snare or other drum for the holidays. 2014 is the year of the drummer, it seems, so rock it out with some sage advice from the ex …

At-risk youth programs are always seeking new ways to reach these kids who may just need the extra attention of someone who understands their troubled histories in school, at home or with criminal behaviors. Rocky Mount Telegram reports that a man who was once expelled twice from school has taken his love for Taiko drumming and turned it into a powerful program for today's teens who have experienced similar situations in school. This Taiko drumming program focuses on the discipline and commitmen …

Drumming is a unifying hobby across the world, with each country having its own culture as it relates to music, storytelling and rhythm. This is one reason why drummers love to watch how the borders fade away when it comes to learning rhythm from different areas of the world. Ecns.cn reports that a teacher in China has been teaching students about djembe drums and drumming, finding his love of the instrument is bringing them joy and so much more. Read more here: Learning to an African beat …

Throughout history, there are legends attached to objects that share the “goblet” form, whether as a holy article for worship or a simple container for carrying water. Variations of these chalices, cups and other vessels can be found in all continents around the globe, and are often noted for the connection to emotion, life and spirituality. As an evolution of the chalice, in a sense, many of the hand drums we see today have the same goblet shape. Djembe drums, for example, are shaped much like …

Each and every one of us has a talent or two (or more!) that is just waiting for its chance in the spotlight. Some of us are amazing chefs, while others can truly teach new tricks to old dogs. These talents and other personal strengths are what make each of us unique, interesting and inspirational people. When it comes to allowing ourselves the time for personal development, it can seem almost impossible to get into a groove for our own well being, however. Yet, giving ourselves the focus and t …

Djembes come in all different sizes and styles, giving everyone the ability to pick and choose the best drum for their needs within a private setting, on stage or in a drum circle. Since djembes and many other hand percussion drums are tunable, it is always beneficial to understand the techniques needed to keep a drum sounding its best. While many new djembes may already be tuned, becoming familiar with the reasons to tune the drum and how to get the best sound through tuning a djembe is importa …