X8 Drums Blog

That whole “stupid” stereotype that surrounds a drummer is baffling, especially considering all of the effort a drummer puts into play drums, as well as selecting all the right equipment to make a rhythm come alive. To the untrained, non-drummer ear, the nuances in sound, tone and decay from drums and cymbals can be easily written off, but, we know that there is no mistaking the sound of a set of drums for jazz music compared to those played in a metal band. The drums in those drum sets …

We all pick up drums for our own reasons. Some of us like to jam with friends, while others prefer a solo career covering favorite songs in a basement. Then there are the drummers who love the stage, or those who sit around in a circle, healing the earth and others. Drumming is fun, it is exercise, it is creative, and it is exceptionally therapeutic. Put 100 drummers in a room together and ask them about how drumming has changed their lives, and you’ll probably just hear 100 drummers dr …

There is something special about the cooler seasons of the year that bring out the best in everyone, including elaborate costumes and the fantasy worlds of times past. Renaissance fairs and festivals are a part of the lives of millions of people around the world, taking advantage of open air settings that once proved a glamorous backdrop for knights, queens, sorcery and so much more. At any point in the year, you can be assured of venturing into a Renaissance fair and seeing a wide rang …

We have seen tons of studies on the fitness aspect of drumming, most of which are focused on drum set drummers. More than likely, the obvious exertion seen in the faces of any hardcore drummer on a stage (determined, focused eyes, sweaty and breathing like they’ve been running a marathon) is the major reason for the focus on drumming as fitness and exercise. Plus, those drummers get the added benefit of music and rhythm without plugging into an iPod and wearing ear buds on a treadmill. The …

You can call it a wail or a scream, but, Robert Plant’s unmistakable cry at the beginning of “Immigrant Song” will remain a defining moment in Rock N’ Roll until the end of time. It is one of those moments in music that is not only an unforgettable experience, but, inspiration for millions of musicians, guitarists, drummers and vocalists around the world. When Led Zeppelin forged their path through rock music, undoubtedly, they knew the fans would follow. You cannot just create such …

It’s the most unusual, awesome and extraterrestrial thing to come to melodic percussion in the 21st century, of course. There are a lot of debates about these “drums” in the world of music, including whether a hang (pronounced “hahng,” or “hung,” per its German roots) is even a drum. However, since it is played through hitting the surface of the drum, it is a percussion instrument. Some would say it is an idiophone. We just say hanghang (the plural form of the word) are awesome. Hang …

Just ask any drummer about the most important sound from a drum set… and, you’ll get a different response each time. But, just because drummers cannot agree on what part of the drum set is the best, that doesn’t mean that drummers who prefer the bass drum are entirely wrong. If that is, of course, the answer, which we are assuming, solely so we can discuss our love for kick pedals. Kick pedals became necessary additions to a drum set back in the early 1900s, when drummers realized that b …

Having an impact in the world takes dedication, motivation and a selflessness that not everyone can embrace. This impact, this hard-hitting desire to create positive change is seen in all areas of life, from the environment to health concerns, education or awareness programs. For a drummer, a person who is used to creating a new rhythm through his or her own impact, giving back to a world that has allowed such freedom may be second nature. Drummers define the motivation of a song, just …

The phrase, “drumming up support,” is reflected in anything from PTA fundraisers to the drum circles that we saw during the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations, and for very good reason. These circles of musicians, dancers, singers and performers have a long history of working to get the attention of others for a good cause by joining people together with one purpose, and “creating a joyful noise” in the hopes of creating lasting change. The history of drum circles and drumming isn’t ent …

If you have been playing drums (or any instrument) for your entire life, or, you just discovered your passion for drums, immersing yourself in a drumming program in college could be your personal launching pad into greatness. There is a lot to be said for music education, either in the form of private lessons, or singing in a school choir, but for many, a few hours each week is not enough to satisfy the need to perform or express an inner rhythm. Hopeful drumming students have a wide rang …