X8 Drums Blog

Each winter, millions of people around the world grabs snacks, drinks and friends to watch the greatest football game of the year: the Superbowl. DC 101 reports that this year's Superbowl will not only show of the prowess of great athletes and a visual array of competitive commercials, but that the halftime show will be one nobody should miss. With a nod to Bruno Mars, Chad Smith followed up the announcement of Red Hot Chili Peppers joining the game by posting his epic Superbowl-theme drum set a …

The djembe drum has made a substantial impact on the world of music, from professional to hobby to the drumming of a community drum jam. These drums are as varied as the people who first played them, as well as modern djembefolas who continue to find new ways to include the unique sound and style of the djembe into the music we hear each day. Djembe drums are West African, hailing from places like Senegal, Guinea, Mali and Ghana, and each “style” of djembe has its own unique style and …

No matter what type of band you may play in, there is a good chance that you may need another member or two for vocals, drums or to pick up the bass. Music Radar reports that a new social network for musicians has just launched that promises to help those in search of band mates can find each other, find a place to record your music or even keep your playlist and tour dates organized. Other artists are organized by instrument, genre and location, and can add sound and video clips to their profil …

If you love playing music, then you know that NAMM is the place to be for all of the latest innovations in drums and gear. This year, according to Music Radar, NAMM Winter 2014 promises to not disappoint with its technology-driven offerings from all of the biggest music merchants, as well as up-and-coming instrument and recording manufacturers. For anyone interested in learning about all of the new sounds and styles of instruments, recording equipment, software and more, head out to NAMM for an …

Jazz drumming is no simple feat, particularly when you understand the nuances and vibe needed to master the beat that makes jazz music so unforgettable. Jazz24.org recently wrote a tribute to the "father" of modern jazz drumming, Kenny Clarke, a man who not only understood these nuances, but, who is attributed with creating the "sprang a lang," and "klook," that any and all jazz musician feel in their very soul. Happy birthday, Mr. Clarke, and thank you for the rhythms that keep us in the groove …

For any drummer, the ability to keep energy up can be a constant reminder of just how physical, mental and even spiritual drumming really is. As a reflection of the drummer's personality, perhaps the most important question is, "which beat is the most important to play?" In a full-versed lesson on drumming technique, Drum Magazine has explored this dynamic within drumming through various scenarios, with insight and advice for any drummer who may be questioning his or her place in the rhythm play …

There is a creative force that lives within any drummer; one that is pragmatic, yet, defies the rules of structure. This natural inclination for rhythm is alive in our heartbeats and in the cycles of nature, the planet and the daily ticking of the clock. Drum circles are a true example of how easy it is learn more about ourselves through community drumming, bringing methods of mindfulness within a group setting. It is this stillness within sound that can create some powerful insights for persona …

Drumming ensembles can be found around the world, in all cultures and throughout history, each defining the history and beliefs of the countries from which they were born. While many have enjoyed the popularity of West African drums or Latin rhythms, there is a growing interest in an ancient form of ensemble drumming descending upon us from the East – Taiko drumming. Japanese Taiko drumming refers to the ensemble-style drumming that is both rhythmic and visual, all in one multidimensional exper …

Back in the heated days of July, a video of a true Golden Girl surfaced from a music store, depicting a Grandmother who would surely be a contender for the Hit Like a Girl contest. According to tubefilter.com, this amazing lady just walked away with a prize for her quarterly drum solo from the JukinVideo Video of the Year contest. Mary Hvizda just walked away with top honors and a few thousand dollars for being the Grandma we all wish we had. Read more here: The Drumming Grandma Wins Jukin Video …

The tambourine is one of the best examples of how a percussion instrument can evolve and change with the times and the needs of the musician. This simple instrument has been a staple of music and various ceremonies in ancient Rome and Greece, as well as in the Middle East. Tambourines were not only used in a religious context, but, were also used in military bands before entering into the modern music scene. A tambourine is essentially a frame drum that has metal jingles or small cymbals attach …