X8 Drums Blog

Music therapy has many benefits for people with autism. In many studies, music has been shown to reduce stress, enhance memory, and improve communication. It has also been used to support cognitive, emotional, and social development in people regardless of age or other classifying data. The Autism Science Foundation blog reports that a 2009 study found that when music is used, children with autism displayed a greater ability to follow directions and tune in to what was going on around them. Seve …

According to CNN, scientists and researchers are working to figure out how music affects the brain. Using twin studies and focusing upon patients with dementia, researchers have noticed that music helps reduce cognitive decline, but are still unsure about how it’s done. Musicians with a daily practice are able to keep their cognitive abilities longer, it seems, and the earlier one starts playing an instrument, the more beneficial it will be. People who begin playing an instrument by age 7 show a …

A musician turned doctor is helping patients alleviate pain through music. Andrew Isleib is a fourth-year medical student at Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine and leads a monthly drum session for patients who experience chronic pain. An article on nj.com shares that music triggers the pleasure center of our brain, which helps lessen our experience of pain. Melody Gardot, a prominent jazz musician, helped spur the institution’s support of music therapy after a car accident left her with severe …

Pearl Jam will soon release a new album and has uploaded videos to their youtube channel in anticipation. According to Noisecreep, there are two videos: one of drumming and one talking about the band’s sound. The drumming video features the band’s drummer, Matt Cameron, and his Yamaha Oak Custom kit. Cameron is a fan of Zildjian cymbals and has a pair of signature Vic Firth sticks sporting a barrel tip and elongated taper. Their new single, “Mind Your Manners”, came out of guitarist Mike McCread …

This year’s Sacred Music Festival in Jerusalem featured Nyabinghi drumming. Nyabinghi drumming is not well-known outside of the Rastafarian communities, as it is their sacred music and is generally not shared outside of the religion. But, some Rasta musicians are aiming to change that. Vivien Jones, a Jamaican reggae star, says that the music is important for everyone, as it speaks of love, peace, family, and taking care of one another. According to the Voice of America interview, Jones and drum …

The annual Japanese dolphin hunt has always been a controversial topic, but this year's event in Taiji was met with a certain drumming celebrity's promise to change the practice. In a recent article by Time Entertainment, Guns 'N Roses drummer, Matt Sorum, witnessed the dolphin hunt, itself, as well as the aftermath which may have included a food festival surrounding the hunt. Sorum has decided that in order to raise more global awareness of the practice, he will get more musicians involved. Re …

A single mother has launched an Indiegogo campaign to help her daughter go to London. SBWire reports that Luna is a talented 16 year old who got her first drums at six months of age. She currently plays the djembe, congas, cymbals, steel pan, cajon, bass drum, and a drum kit. She started taking formal drumming lessons at age seven and hasn’t stopped learning every percussion instrument she can get her hands on. Her school band is one of twelve that has been invited to play in London’s New Year’s …

Latin-funk band Grupo Fantasma will soon release a few projects. For fans that have been waiting since their last release in 2010, the next few months should prove exciting. AL.com reports that the group will release an acoustic live EP, a studio album, and a concert DVD in which fans will get a glimpse of how the band works. The band’s music has been part of popular shows like “Weeds” and “Breaking Bad” and they have backed Prince on a few occasions, as well. Their last album resulted in a Gram …

If you have ever wanted to visit the Paiste factory in Switzerland, here is your chance. Paiste cymbals is holding a contest for fans and the top three winners get to visit the factory (plane and hotel fees included), win a signature cymbal of their choice, or win a universal reflector set. According to Paiste’s website, to enter the contest, fans must take a photo of their Paiste cymbal set up and post it on the company’s Facebook wall or send it to them through the Facebook message system. Con …

While hi-hat cymbals are a typical part of any drum kit, they don’t always receive love and respect from drummers. In fact, some drummers never really learn to play the hi-hat. However, learning basic hi-hat techniques overwhelmingly enhances drum skills and sound and improve your coordination and sense of rhythm. The hi-hat makes an obvious difference in the sound and quality of your music, and mastering the drums includes mastering these cymbals. The number one problem most drummers experienc …