X8 Drums Blog

A lot has happened over the past few months, and most of it has been inside our homes, sheltered from the winter that won’t seem to end. But, spring is upon us and the signs are clear; the sun is peeking out, there are flowers in bloom, and your djembe drum is calling your name!Here in Austin, the home of X8 Drums, we have already begun planning our next Community Drum Jam, and are so excited to see familiar and new faces as we celebrate spring, show off our new drums and just enjoy the rhythm o …

Maracas are exceptionally popular hand held percussion instruments. This is perhaps because they are some of the easiest and most fun instruments to play. Maracas are thought to have originated in Brazil, Columbia, Puerto Rico, and West Africa and have long been used in the musical traditions of these cultures including ceremonies, festivals and celebrations. As a defining sound in Salsa music and dance, the use of maracas has spread to other genres and venues over the years. These instruments a …

Looking for a new source for insightful commentary on the artistry of drumming? Allow us to introduce you to The Drummer’s Journal, a free, independent drum magazine that focuses less on product reviews and bland interviews and more on the role that rhythm and the art of drumming plays in people’s lives through the opinions, experiences, and perspectives of professional drummers, drum enthusiasts, and talented writesr The small yet vibrant journal focuses on illuminating interviews with pro …

When it comes to a natural sound, nothing beats the vibe of an acoustic drum. While electronic drums certainly have their own benefits and range of use in performance and recording, the sound of a drum set or hand drums like a djembe, congas or a cajon can bring the beat to life in a more personal manner. Acoustic, hand percussion instruments may be commonly seen in drum circles and drum jams, but, these drums are a staple in Latin and all other genres of music. These instruments add depth and c …

At X8 Drums, we believe in percussion music’s ability to create a sense of togetherness, strengthen bonds, generate excitement, and help people express what they can’t put into words. The Rhythmic Art Project (TRAP) shows us yet another use for percussion instruments and the rhythm they allow us to create.After using drumming and rhythm to help him recover from an accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down, TRAP founder and director Eddie Tuturi started looking for ways in which he coul …

We recently found a cool video in which percussionist Oscar Santiago (drummer for Ill Niño, Puya, and Ankla) demonstrates how to incorporate Latin percussion into heavy metal. And yes, we know what you’re thinking: Latin percussion and heavy metal? That’s crazy!As crazy as it sounds, Santiago seems to make it work. In the first half of the video, Santiago demonstrates the combination of heavy metal music and Latin percussion by blending two videos of himself: one in which he plays heavy metal on …

Like any art form, music has long been a means of expression and a way to release emotions we sometimes can’t put into words. Percussion is no exception. What better way to let out your anger, frustration, sadness, or even excitement than banging on a drum? According to music therapist Arvis Jones, assistant director of the Center for Grief and Loss for Children at the mental health agency Hathaway-Sycamores, music is the best way to release painful emotions, especially for children grievin …

Some drummers are content to stay at home and play along with favorite tracks, or to drum amongst friends, creating rhythms for personal reasons. Then there are drummers who seek adoration and acclaim, waiting for the right moment to spring their ultimate groove upon the world of music. These men and women have watched as other drummers and musicians have been vaulted into the spotlight through fandom, and feel their skills are going unnoticed. Therefore, we present some “tricks of the trade” in …

In the April issue of Rhythm! Scenes magazine, Arthur Hull provides a few tips on how to properly facilitate a drum circle. Being a good drum circle facilitator is more than being a good drummer. “It takes a deep kind of listening and understanding of the constituency that you’re serving,” Hull said. With so many different forms of world music and drums seeping into drum circles, deep listening and understanding ensures that every type of drum and culture is heard, especially when sma …

Claves are one of the most basic and one of the easiest to play hand percussion instruments. They consist of two wooden sticks, or dowels, that can be struck together to produce a loud clicking sound. Variations of this simple instrument can be found in almost all cultures and musical styles; however these instruments are most commonly used in connection with Cuban music. Today the claves are a staple of modern Latin American music and dance. The word clave means “keystone” in Spanish, suggestin …