X8 Drums Blog

It can be exciting to finally find a drum that speaks to you. After months of searching, you finally know which drum set you would like to use to begin your percussion adventure. Or, perhaps you were immediately struck by the sound of someone playing a particular drum and knew that drum was the one for you. Regardless of how you and your drums come together, it is a time of joy. Learning to properly care for your drums is an important part of continuing a long, happy relationship with your inst …

Vibration causes certain injuries that drummers may experience as a result of indulging in their craft. An advice article on Drum! magazine’s website gives a breakdown of the problem and tips on how to prevent it. Because continuous exposure to vibration can cause particular health problems, drummers are encouraged to be mindful of it. While more difficult to control than seating position and technique, some things to consider are using anti-vibration drum sticks or wearing gloves while playing. …

image courtesy of http://www.goupstate.comA band called Zansa is leading the Afropop music scene in Asheville, North Carolina. The group is, so far, the only Afropop band in town, but with the release of their new album, that might change. GoUpstate.com recently reported that the members of Zansa visited the Ivory Coast for the inspiration of “Djansa”. The CD is full of danceable, celebratory music rooted in traditional African songs. Zansa’s distinctive sound blends traditional African instrume …

Music therapy has many benefits for people with autism. In many studies, music has been shown to reduce stress, enhance memory, and improve communication. It has also been used to support cognitive, emotional, and social development in people regardless of age or other classifying data. The Autism Science Foundation blog reports that a 2009 study found that when music is used, children with autism displayed a greater ability to follow directions and tune in to what was going on around them. Seve …

According to CNN, scientists and researchers are working to figure out how music affects the brain. Using twin studies and focusing upon patients with dementia, researchers have noticed that music helps reduce cognitive decline, but are still unsure about how it’s done. Musicians with a daily practice are able to keep their cognitive abilities longer, it seems, and the earlier one starts playing an instrument, the more beneficial it will be. People who begin playing an instrument by age 7 show a …

A musician turned doctor is helping patients alleviate pain through music. Andrew Isleib is a fourth-year medical student at Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine and leads a monthly drum session for patients who experience chronic pain. An article on nj.com shares that music triggers the pleasure center of our brain, which helps lessen our experience of pain. Melody Gardot, a prominent jazz musician, helped spur the institution’s support of music therapy after a car accident left her with severe …

Pearl Jam will soon release a new album and has uploaded videos to their youtube channel in anticipation. According to Noisecreep, there are two videos: one of drumming and one talking about the band’s sound. The drumming video features the band’s drummer, Matt Cameron, and his Yamaha Oak Custom kit. Cameron is a fan of Zildjian cymbals and has a pair of signature Vic Firth sticks sporting a barrel tip and elongated taper. Their new single, “Mind Your Manners”, came out of guitarist Mike McCread …

This year’s Sacred Music Festival in Jerusalem featured Nyabinghi drumming. Nyabinghi drumming is not well-known outside of the Rastafarian communities, as it is their sacred music and is generally not shared outside of the religion. But, some Rasta musicians are aiming to change that. Vivien Jones, a Jamaican reggae star, says that the music is important for everyone, as it speaks of love, peace, family, and taking care of one another. According to the Voice of America interview, Jones and drum …

The annual Japanese dolphin hunt has always been a controversial topic, but this year's event in Taiji was met with a certain drumming celebrity's promise to change the practice. In a recent article by Time Entertainment, Guns 'N Roses drummer, Matt Sorum, witnessed the dolphin hunt, itself, as well as the aftermath which may have included a food festival surrounding the hunt. Sorum has decided that in order to raise more global awareness of the practice, he will get more musicians involved. Re …

A single mother has launched an Indiegogo campaign to help her daughter go to London. SBWire reports that Luna is a talented 16 year old who got her first drums at six months of age. She currently plays the djembe, congas, cymbals, steel pan, cajon, bass drum, and a drum kit. She started taking formal drumming lessons at age seven and hasn’t stopped learning every percussion instrument she can get her hands on. Her school band is one of twelve that has been invited to play in London’s New Year’s …