X8 Drums Blog
Seeing Double: The Bongos and You
Are you a bongocero, a fan of the bongos, a lover of paired
percussion? We sure are. But, we get that not everyone wants to sit behind a
drum set and pound away on snares, toms and cymbals. Just like not everyone
wants to sit on a box and play the cajon, or walk around with a djembe strapped
to their neck. We think those people are all a little nuts, but, we love all the drums, so, we’re a bit biased.Some of our favorite drums come in small packages, and even
better, they come in sets. Like
…
25th Feb 2015
Which Mallets are Right for Me?
There are as many mallets to choose from as there are keys
on a marimba, and really, there are probably more than that. For anyone who is
just getting into the wonderful world of idiophone percussion instruments, like
the marimba, xylophone or vibraphone, you’ve probably already realized there is
a lot more to these instruments than you first thought. Most percussion
instruments are seen similarly – after all, how hard can it be to bang
something to make a sound?It’s not easy. In fact, eve
…
19th Feb 2015
When Should You Start Teaching Drums?
Being a drummer, percussionist or rhythmic artist has a lot
of perks. You get to have the entire spotlight on your talent, be seen as the
center of the band or the raging force in the drumming community. You are the
greatest thing since music was first heard and your skills on that djembe, the
congas or behind the drum set are unparalleled. Then, someone comes along and
asks you to teach them how to be just like you.What do you do?If your first answer was something like, “no way you’re
goi
…
18th Feb 2015
Why You Need Taiko Drums in Your Life
There are so many reasons to drum and be one with the beat,
we’re often caught off guard when anyone says they don’t “get” drummers. So,
maybe you aren’t the kind of person who can spend hours behind a drum set,
pounding away with your drumsticks and learning the intricacies of the hi-hat.
Maybe you’re not that much into drum circles, or djembe drums and the fun of
community drumming. Maybe the obvious drumming traditions aren’t all that
exciting for you, and you need more pomp and splendo
…
13th Feb 2015
Handpan Drums: Resonance Unleashed
Handpan or Hang drums are pretty great. They’re new, funky, and the
more that people get into them, the more varieties are developed. The original
PANArt Hang Drum was just the beginning, and it wasn’t even that long ago that
it busted onto the drumming (hand percussion, idiophone, music) scene. In 15
years, the delightfully odd and harmonic sound of handpan drums has captivated
more than just street performers and drum circle attendees. These crazy percussion
instruments are finding their
…
11th Feb 2015
What’s the Best Instrument for All Ages? Shakers, of Course!
We don’t want to toot our own horns, but, we’re pretty smart
when it comes to drums and percussion. We love the smiles and fun that a drum can
bring into the mix and the unstoppable benefits of rhythm for the brain. We
support music education for all ages (you’re never too old to groove!) and as
advocates for drums and rhythm, we’re often asked what the best instrument is
to tie it all together and make some noise, from preschool through the golden
years.Well, drums, of course… djembes, bo
…
6th Feb 2015
Feelin’ Sporty? How about Some Drumming?
Exercise can be fun, or tedious, depending on who you ask,
when you ask, or even why you’re asking. Some people exercise because they are
inherently physical people with abundant energy, a love of sports or because
they like how it feels mid-sprint. Other people exercise because it reduces
stress, helps keep weight gain at bay, or because they bought a gym membership
on a whim. These same reasons (except the gym membership, of course) are also why
people pick up a drum or start hammerin
…
4th Feb 2015
Get Inspired, Get Schooled, Get a Drumming Teacher!
Having a teacher or mentor is important in life. Usually,
when we get into music or playing an instrument, we find an artist (or 10) who
we can relate to – whether it is their style of music, personal story or the clothes
they wear. For drummers, much of that inspiration comes from the greats like
Buddy Rich or Bonzo, or even from an inspired historical love of hand drumming
and African culture. The problem that comes is that while we can be inspired by
those drummers who have gone befo
…
29th Jan 2015
Ready to Busk Out? Tips for Street Drumming and More!
Busking is a pretty familiar sight around the globe. It can
be a representation of the need to “busk a move” when the music hits, or, a way
to earn a little extra cash. Some people busk because they just can’t help but feel
the music, or love the adoring crowds that street performing (especially drumming!)
can pull together. Whatever your reasons are for jumping into busking, there
are always good and bad ways to go about it. First, if you’re going to be a street drummer or a busker,
you n
…
28th Jan 2015
Get Your Drum Strap On!
Drummers have to contend with a lot of aches and pains in
the process of creating beautiful rhythm. While we may appear to have unlimited
energy and a spirit of folly at times, that doesn’t mean we don’t have the same
feelings as the rest of the world – especially when it comes to our bodies.
Drumming is hard work, and even if we’re the drummer who sits behind a drum
set, we can feel the burn in our legs, arms, neck and back.
But, this isn’t about those drummers who sit… thi
…
23rd Jan 2015