X8 Drums Blog

One of the most natural responses to feeling sad, or being caught up in a “case of the blues” is to turn on some music and let the beauty (or cathartic screaming) of a favorite song wash away those feelings. For those who suffer from depression, it’s never as simple as being a little sad or bluesy. Depression can affect all aspects of life, and those facing the disorder, treatments can vary in effectiveness. Music, however, is a favored way to help ease the issues …

With a career that spans over 30 years, countless awards and record sales, Annie Lennox has been an integral part of the musical landscape all over the world. Her vocal style and profound lyrics are only part of the total package, and Lennox has used her place in the music industry as a philanthropist, helping to bring music to those who may benefit from it on more than an entertainment level. Her belief in the power of music and the therapeutic value of instruments from flutes an …

In the midst of a drum circle or other performance, the sounds of the drums being used may need a little something extra. While the drummers drum on bongos, djembes or doumbek drums, it's possible to add extra accents to the beats with time-honored percussion instruments that may not get as much attention from drum circle participants. These instruments include claves, blocks, bells, shakers and many other hand-held percussion devices that add new tones and sounds. Wit …

When it comes to drum circles, banging the bongos or shaking a shekere provides hours of entertainment and fun for listeners and participants. The freedom in drum circles encourages complex rhythms, improvisation and the coordination of percussion instruments to create an original sound that can take over the imagination and transport the drummers into more receptive and creative states of mind. Many times, these rhythms move beyond the instruments, taking hold of the part …

The Rumba is a combination of cultural influences from both Cuban and African cultures. It is a sensual rhythm that focuses on the intimate relationship between a man and a woman, and can typically be broken down into three unique rhythmic types: yambu, guaguanco, and columbia. Yambu rumba is the slower style of the rhythm, imitating a gentle courtship between lovers. This rhythm was originally played on cajon drums and claves, giving it a simple sound that highlights th …

The didgeridoo has captivated people from around the world. A uniquely-designed instrument, the didgeridoo not only has a captivating look, but a sound unlike any other instrument. Plus, mastering the breathing technique needed to play the didgeridoo makes this indigenous Australian instrument all the more fascinating and mysterious. The earliest didgeridoo discovery dates back over 1500 years in Northern Australia, with ancient illustrations depicting its use over …

The astounding, positive effects of music on the brain are still being discovered and applied to various studies that involve different physical, emotional and neurological disorders. Music therapy has been part of these different treatment plans for years, with great results in rehabilitating and assisting with the development of skills that were lost due to accidents or disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease. Listening to music can help alleviate pa …

Fulfilling the lifelong drumming dreams for loved ones, friends and family does not have to be a difficult process, even during the holiday season. What better way to treat those closest to your heart than with the gift of music and percussion? Taking a trip through the classics that define this festive time of year, we have developed a little guide to ensure that your leaping lords and calling birds are all happily singing, dancing and, of course, drumming away the holidays …

There is never a bad time to start drumming, but as the year winds down and people begin to think of the “fresh start” of the next year, a window of opportunity opens, just waiting to be filled with rhythm and music. The start of a new year is traditionally a time where people vow to end bad habits, start new habits, or try to establish new goals for the year, and there’s really no better activity to introduce (in our humble opinion, of course) than drumming. As a publi …

Drumming is not just about music and rhythm, but can be a life-long pursuit of self-realization and awareness. The various traits that create a drummer are ever-evolving, from the earliest banging on pots and pans to the extended solo of a drum god, and are enhanced through the study, practice and performance of drumming. Not all drummers dream of stardom, while others are determined to make a name in the drumming world, yet, each drummer is part of a truly unique …