X8 Drums Blog

Drumming can often find itself in the strangest forms, especially when a drummer has no drum. In this YouTube video, a djembe drummer replaces his drum with a set of glasses filled with water. By recreating djembe rhythms on the glasses, the unique, melodic vibe of the drum is still evident, showing that there is just no stopping the beat once it gets moving. …

In the last three years, one drumming contest has been striving to expose women for the hard-hitting, creative and talented drummers they are, leading female drummers into the spotlight and encouraging more women and girls to take on the drumming challenge. According to hitlikeagirlcontest.com, video entries will be accepted January 24, 2014 – February 28, 2014 in two different age groups. Winners will be selected by judges and the public and will be announced on April 4, 2014. Read more here: H …

Including music and arts programs in schools is important for a well-rounded education, but, perhaps there is more to learn than an appreciation for creativity. Huffington Post recently posted a blog by a drummer who not only cites the overall brain boosting power of drumming, but, also contends that through drumming and rhythm, a greater ability to solve problems can be honed. Since drumming is the interpretation of complex rhythm, timing and patterns, it stimulates the brain and creates a dyna …

Every drummer wants to develop his or her own personal style. Sometimes, this involves combining different genres, or blending techniques learned though the pursuit of hand percussion mastery. However, one drummer has developed her own, truly unique drumming style that embraces the world of martial arts as well. This nunchuck drummer shows that no matter the style of music or lack of regular drumsticks available, the beat must go on. …

The old advice about how to relax and combat stage fright may have just found a place in the shadows. No longer are performers, speakers, musicians, drummers and actors encouraged to breathe deeply and picture audience members in stages of undress. Huffington Post reports that a new study has shown that the connection between excitement and anxiety may be the ultimate answer for those with stage fright. This study claims that when a person is nervous about being in front of an audience, he or sh …

Beginning to drum is always an exciting journey, no matter the type of drum a person is drawn to. Choosing the perfect djembe drum or building the ultimate drum set can be a personal journey, or, the thoughtful gift of a friend or family member can start a person on the drumming adventure of a lifetime. So, the next step is to start playing the drum. Tapping out a few rhythms alongside favorite songs can start those rhythmic vibes flowing, but, what do you do to actually learn how to drum? Simpl …

The low, hum of the didgeridoo is one of the most unique sounds in the world. This instrument has a long history and continues to delight and enchant musicians and percussionists today, as well as those who are involved in music therapy and wellness settings. Didgeridoos define a culture that is still a mystery today for many. These instruments were originally the product of eucalyptus trees that had been hollowed out by termites, and are typically cut when still alive, giving the instrument the …

To the uninitiated drummer, cymbals may not seem like much in the way of instrumentation. These metallic disks have a shine and glow to them, and make a loud noise, but, they may very well be the best kept secret about drumming. However, for any drummer worth her or his chops, the cymbals on a drum set are possibly the most important way to define a personal sound, and even an entire genre of music. Cymbals come in many different shapes, styles and sizes and are essential for the emotive elemen …

Music therapy is helping countless people with a variety of medical and health issues find a peace within the melodies and rhythms being played. It is the success rate seen with patients that are exposed to music and drumming while facing health problems that continues to grow, enhancing lives of adults and children alike. In a recent article on the Detroit Free Press, one music therapist explains her own personal devotion to music and helping those with health issues, especially hospice patient …

For fans of metal, the dangerous "hum" of the bass drum can be considered a lullaby that increases the overall impact of the song. Metal drummers create this sound effortlessly, it seems, but, can these masters of the double bass pedal be replaced by a computer? The Wall Street Journal reports that while there are still many metal drummer purists out there, the trend has turned toward creating the rhythm tracks on a computer, essentially "out drumming" what a live drummer is physically capable o …