X8 Drums Blog

Tycoon recently released a new cajon to add to their many cajon options. While a new cajon might not seem so special and exciting, Tycoon’s Crate Cajon offers a variety of creative, one-of-a-kind features, starting with its vintage wooden crate shell handcrafted from 100% eco-friendly Siam oak. Not only does the crate-like shell add unique aesthetic but, according to DRUM! Magazine, brings the cajon back to its roots. African slaves working on 18th century Peruvian farms weren’t allowed to pl …

Drumming is knowing I am part of history and years of a way of life. It's spiritual to me and takes me to a serene place. When we are at the drum circle, we are all drumming and really "feeling" the sounds everyone is smiling and having fun. It's a wonderful beautiful moment and gives me peace. I look forward to drum circle every month! I am still learning the rhythms and while it is frustrating, I wouldn't give it up for anything! My daughter was the person who introduced me to …

Understanding the Traditional Rope-Tuned Djembe Djembe drums or djembes are primarily of two types - djembes with key tuning and rope tuned djembes. Rope tuned djembes are traditional as compared to their key-tuned, modern counterpart. Many players prefer the traditional rope-tuned djembe because they feel it has a more authentic and 'true to itself' sound. Others find the bolt or key-tuned djembes to be hard to play because of their metal rim that protrudes and causes hindrance …

Looking to learn a new rhythm for your Djembe? Have you tried the Fanga beat? Fanga is a Liberian welcome rhythm in which the lower beat is said to mime “the action of a cook pulling hot pieces of food from a steaming pot,” welcoming guests to join in a meal with their hosts. It is a peaceful and fun rhythm that invites dancers and other musicians to join in the song and celebrate together. The lyrics are in Yoruba, a language from West Africa and they call to welcome visit …

Many seeking their own hand drum or djembe have experienced the magic of drumming and drum circles. While the djembe has been used for thousands of years in celebrations, rituals and ceremonies, the modern day healing powers of this drum are touching and connecting new people around the world every single day.Studies now show that hand drumming helps to relax the tense, energize the tired and heal the emotionally wounded.In working with holistic practitioners, certified drum circle facilitators …

The New X8 Vintage Series Handpans features a two-tone finish (key dimples are gold, pan is silver), a double layer ding dome for longer-lasting tuning and a fastener on the "belt" with X8 logo.The unique, ethereal and mysterious sound of the steel handpan captivates everyone. The soothing tones take the listener on a spiritual journey. We're seeing this instrument used in modern, EDM, sound therapy and as musical accompaniment for spiritual activities such as yoga or meditation.X8 Pro Handpans …

The new X8 Play-Along Series is being produced for our musician friends wanting a fresh way to work on their technique and ideas. We know that without fresh motivation, it can be hard to keep practicing alone while waiting for "social distancing" to become a distant memory! Our first Series features the African Rhythm, "Baga Gine."  Each track in this series is based on the Baga Gine rhythm at a set tempo (110 bpm) that, by design, leaves space for you to try out lead lines or suppor …

You’re heading to your first drum circle, excited that you’ve finally found your “tribe” of people and a place to express your creativity and spirituality through the magic of drumming. It is an exciting time, and if you have not ever been to a drum circle, you may not know exactly what to expect from the experience. Just like drums and people, drum circles vary in many ways. There are different types of drum circles, each with its own set of guidelines and purposes, so be …

The second week of November has been designated, “Dear Santa Letter Week,” by the people who plan our calendars and remind us that the holiday season is happening right now… as if the holiday decorations in stores after Labor Day weren’t enough of a clue. There is a bright side to this week of gluttony, though; even if you’re not a Christmas person, this is a really good time to get your priorities straight and demand what you want out of life – especially the drums and hand percussion ins …

As adults, we want to be sure that our children are given the best tools for success in life. We watch, eagerly (and, maybe cringe a little) as those little minds and bodies develop their own interests, opinions and voices that are such important parts of the personalities we have pledged to love, no matter what. Then, one day, those little hands start slapping or tapping on a bucket, a pot or even on our own drums. In that moment, we realize, life has come full circle. My kid is …