X8 Drums Blog

Kids naturally love to drum, and to be part of drumming activities and events, and it takes a special person to help bring that all together to instill a lesson on responsibility in life. Journal Pioneer reports that Mitch Dorge, the drummer for Crash Test Dummies, recently visited a school to get kids excited about music and instruments, and bring home a lesson on the effects of drugs and alcohol on the brain, and in life. Dorge's efforts continue to entertain and inspire children, serving as a …

There is not much to say about Sheila E that has not been said before. As a musician and percussionist, she will always remain at the top of the list of the greatest drummers to behold, with her unique style influencing a wide range of music today. In this YouTube video, Sheila E is captured in a fantastic conga drum solo that shows she has no plans of stopping her rhythm anytime soon. …

Senior citizens are hardly the kind of people to just sit around and play cards anymore, especially if you consider the viral video of a grandmother rocking out on a drum set. Today's senior citizens are active, forceful, and ready to keep living a life full of joy and the pounding of drums. ABC North Coast NSW reports that an Australian group of seniors is doing just that, finding physical and mental wellbeing through weekly drum gatherings. Read more here: Byron Bay elders beat drum for social …

There is a lot of artistry in drumming, no matter the style or genre one chooses to play. Drumming behind a drum set allows for a full range of possibilities in rhythm, motivation and even emotion, and many drummers are content to sit behind a rig and beat the night away, so to speak. Then there are the drummers who like to add a little personal style, or, who just like to show off their dexterity and skill. These are the drummers who not only grab our attention with the pounding on a snare drum …

Whether listening to an amazing drum solo or playing a rhythm on your own djembe, bongos or cajon drum, drumming is one activity that just makes us feel good. Many people get lost in the rhythm of a song, finding inspiration in the beat that leads to air drumming or even dancing along, while others find the challenge of mastering a beat to be the ultimate in ecstasy. Whether playing on your drum or drum set, or cranking up the volume when Sheila E comes on the radio, there are so many reasons w …

The holiday season is upon us and within a few weeks, we will all be looking at a new year full of promise, hope and joy. But, before then, there is that traditional time of worrying about what to get those people on your list that have everything, don’t want anything, or you just feel they need to be shaken up a bit and given a present that will create memories for years to come. Drumming is becoming a very important hobby and activity for people across the country, whether a group of people …

Drum circles are lively and energetic and can be a lot of fun to participate in. There are a variety of instruments that can be played in a drum circle to add to the depth of the performance. These instruments range in the amount of skill required to play them, so there is something for people at every level.Hand percussion instruments can be a great way for beginners to start performing in drum circles. These instruments include rain sticks, kalimbas, woodblocks, maracas, cowbells, and claves. …

Drumming is a hobby and a passion, and when the activity is used to help others, it can become an awesome display of kindness and love. WTSP.com reports that 60-year-old drummer has taken on the task of breaking the world record for drumming in order to raise funds for disaster relief. Russ Prager is a two-time Guinness Book of World Record holder and launched the project with a bang. Read more here: Drummer goes for world record for disaster relief …

John Bonham is one of the most recognized names in drumming, even decades after his death. Serving as an inspiration for countless drummers, his performances continue to inspire and amaze, as the website, Rock Square, has recently shown the world. With a compilation of Bonham's greatest drum solos, the only question that remains is which performance is the best. We don't know, either, but each video shows the amazing skill and talent of a beloved percussionist. Read more here: Ten Great John Bon …

The bata drums are deeply connected to the Afro-Cuban religion, Santeria, calling to the Orishas of the tradition and invoking their presence through rhythm and song. Music professor Kenneth Schweitzer has studied the culture and spiritual practices tied to these drums, even to the point of being initiated into the religion in a sacred ceremony. His recent book, The Artistry of Afro-Cuban Batá Drumming: Aesthetics, Transmission, Bonding, and Creativity, gives readers insight into the cultural pr …