X8 Drums Blog

In the U.S., the startling number of children and adults "on the spectrum" has given plenty of reasons for research and implementation of various therapies, including music. In other countries, however, the journeys we see may be a reminder of just how pervasive this disorder is, and how much basic treatments can help patients, and family members, cope with autism. Thenational.ae discusses a recent documentary about the way that music therapy has helped a family in UAE with the various issues su …

Taiko drumming is a beautiful choreography of dance and rhythm that tingles all of the senses while astonishing its audiences with the power and message it holds. Now Toronto reports that an all-female Taiko group is taking the stage, and the lead, in bringing an awareness of Taiko drumming and the new face of "femininity" as a diverse and emotional response that no longer has a strict set of rules. Raging Asian Women is reclaiming an ancient art, while dispelling the stereotypes of women and dr …

In 2012, one of the most amazing viral videos running through the ranks was of a boy drumming his very soul out to a few amazing songs. Yahoo Canada reports that because of this video, and the cover of Pearl Jam's "Mind Your Manners," little Jaxon Smith was treated to a high honor at a recent Pearl Jam show in Canada. Jaxon was not only given tickets to the show, but, was put in the spotlight by Eddie Vedder, himself, who made a promise that he is going to have to keep. Read more here: Pearl Jam …

The sound of a drum set is the combination of many factors, but, it is the actual acoustics that can ruin a great solo, or, add something cosmic to the beat. A YouTube from Wikidrummer teleports a drummer through a myriad of different settings while he plays a simple rhythm on a simple drum set. The result is a stunning cacophony of the sound of drums, and the ways that sound continues to evolve, depending on its surroundings. …

There is so much information out in the world about the benefits of music on the brain, academics, self-esteem and so much more, we may all think that we know for certain that music is a good thing. However, a recent article on Huffington Posts also points out a few lesser-known reasons why music is good for us. Based upon different studies about music, creativity, sound, motor and reasoning skills, it is a wonder to see all of the ways that music positively benefits us, even those who prefer ro …

Whether you are a master of the sun salutation, or embracing the “child’s pose,” yoga is one of the most recommended ways to not only find inner peace, but, to help with a variety of physical ailments and issues. Yoga seems to be everywhere, and is recommended by friends, physicians and websites alike for its ability to calm the mind and body. In many of these same circles, drumming and rhythm have also begun to find a spot in the activity list for wellness, and by combining the two activities …

When it comes to the holiday season, there is always something special about what goes into those stockings that are hung around the house. For the drummer, percussionist or musician in your life, the chance to fill a stocking with more than candy canes or coal is an annual opportunity to give him or her a new kind of sound to spice up their beat. Plus, any instrument that is received while the members of family have gathered together is fair game for a fun drum circle. What are you waiting for? …

If you have a child, know a child, have ever seen a child or even are a child, then you may have heard the pleading for a first drum increase in volume over the past few months. Drums are everywhere and are one of the favorite instruments that kids ask for during the holiday season. For the parent, relative or caregiver who wants to encourage a healthy relationship with music and rhythm, it can be a little overwhelming to have to pick between drum sets, hand drums and other percussion instrume …

Drummers find all sorts of surfaces to drum on, including unusual spots in the natural world. Drumming can happen in water, or on the side of a tree, but, can drumming actually happen on ice, and be real? According to io9.com, a controversy of sorts over a Russian band's video of "ice drumming" has garnered some skepticism by people around the world. In the video proof, the rhythmic sounds of the ice drumming certainly resemble those of a djembe or other hand drum, but, are they real, or is it t …

Modern technology has created many great ways to enjoy the beat of a drum, but, there are certainly limits when it comes to the naturally enchanting rhythm that can be played on a djembe or other hand drum. This YouTube video shows that while it is entirely possible to construct a robot or machine to create a rhythm, there is a necessary human element that is missing from the entire experience. Our hats are off to the technology, but, hand drums should really just be played with hands. …