X8 Drums Blog

Modern jazz drumming is an evolution of the styles of drumming most noted in turn of the century (the 20th century) swing drumming, which was a combination of military drumming patterns, African drumming and European music. The main function of an early jazz drummer was to keep time for the rest of the instruments, much like the drummers in a marching band. Today’s jazz drummers, however, are known less for the ability to keep a rhythm or band intact, and more for the unique rhythms produced, …

Whether cymbals have been kept in storage or carried around from gig to gig, they can develop a layer of dirt or grime that affects not only the appearance, but also the sound of the cymbals. Most professionals caution against cleaning cymbals, as the process of cleaning the metal may, in fact, hurt the finish and cause irreparable to the metal used, but there are times that call for a thorough cleaning, as well.For cymbals that have been in storage, weather conditions, dust or even pollen can t …

Whether you are a fan of Clyde Criner, The Steve Kimrock Band or Santana, chances are that you have heard Rodney Holmes take drumming to an entirely different level that crosses the boundaries between jazz, rock and even techno and ambient drumming. This artist is as creative and diverse as the audiences who come to see him play with SKB, bringing a powerful sound and structure to a wide assortment of musical genres.Holmes was raised in a musical family, giving him the ability to appreciate many …

As every drummer knows, a drum kit is only as good as the care given to it. Since most drum kits consist of drums, cymbals and hardware that puts it all together, it is important to protect the various components within the kit from damage during transportation, including the cymbals. Cymbal damage usually occurs during transportation or storage, but by following a few guidelines, this damage can be reduced or eliminated.The metals used in cymbals are sturdy, but can still be damaged by im …

They shine and gleam, whether metallic, glossy, matte or grungy, beckoning the novice and professional drummer to sit and sample the sound of a simple, yet complex, round of metal goodness that can inspire the rhythmic charms only a cymbal can. These signature beacons of drumming excellence bring a mystery to a drum kit, providing unique variances and tones that are described as anything from mellow and sensitive, to dark, cutting or symphonic. A cymbal is more than the accent to a fill …

Divine Empire, Aura Borealis, Malevolent Creation, and Meinl Cymbals all have one person in common, Derek Roddy. Known as one of the fastest drummers alive due to his ability to keep up not only the speed of death metal drumming, but also keep up those speeds for minutes at a time as well as hitting “blast beats,” on the bass drum using only one foot, a drumming technique that usually requires both feet. Roddy has released a DVD that seeks to educate others on how to hit blast beats, and docu …

Christopher James Adler, more popularly known as Chris Adler, is the drummer of the metal band Lamb of God and the older brother of Willie Adler, the band's guitarist. Chris was born on November 23, 1972 in Washington, D.C. He went to Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia. He attended college at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia where he was planning a career on network engineering. While in the university, he met his current bandmates John Campbell and Mark …

It’s not too late to enter the Zildjian Drummer Love contest! Win incredible prizes just by showing your love for your favorite brand of cymbals, Zildjian!Entering the contest is easier than you think. In 500 words or less, tell Zildjian cymbals how awesome their products are or why you really want to own your own set of Zildjian cymbals. Make a video of your best drum performance, ever, no matter if you’re in your bedroom, garage, on a stage or under a bridge! Submit your video (up to 3 m …

Drummers come in all styles, from basement shredders to wedding band rockers to jazz ensemble rhythmists. Most drummers find success comes through hard work, determination, and even a little bit of luck, and it is with these drummers in mind that the Drummer of Tomorrow contest has arisen, seeking the next greatest drummer.Brands like Mapex, Zildjian, Remo, Alfred and Vic Firth are providing prizes packages that total over $50,000 to lucky U.S. winners that submit videos to the Drummer of …

Northern California may never be the same again after the dust settles from the 2011 Drum! Night premier drum event. The evening promises to showcase some of the finest known drummers, including the rhythm section of Santana, Raul Rekow and Karl Perazzo, Thomas Lang, and Terry Bozzio as well as Street Drum Corps Presents BANG! and Armando Peraza. Along with performances by these percussionists, the 2011 Drum! Night event will provide opportunities to learn from these greats, try out new …