X8 Drums Blog

William F. Crowden, a beloved drum salesman from Chicago, has passed away. According to the Chicago Tribune, Crowden began working with drums in 1957. He repaired and sold drums for Frank’s Drum Shop in downtown Chicago until he opened his own shop six years later. Passionate about drums even though he thought himself a mediocre drummer, Crowden did his best to serve his customers with warmth and knowledge. He spent over fifty years in the percussion business, working with children and holding c …

Jason Rullo, the drummer for Symphony X, experienced heart failure last week and has recently been released from the hospital. At only forty years young, Jason’s doctors predict that he will make a full recovery as long as he follows their program for him. Noisecreep shared a statement from Jason that promises he will do everything to recover 100% and hopes to return to the band as an even better drummer. He has already begun his rehabilitation program and is slated to need a minimum of three to …

African drums are being used to heal the children of Rocky Mount, NC. The Rocky Mount Telegram reported on a family calling themselves “The Healing Force” as they visited a local elementary school to engage the children in storytelling and African songs. The Anderson family aims to touch people’s hearts with their performances, which are geared toward all ages. As is traditional, the stories the Andersons share have moral messages while the music helps audiences learn. The family believes that m …

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Although many people may daydream about receiving standing ovations and fans going wild during a performance, not as many daydream about the work it takes to get on the stage in the first place. Beating stage fright is a concern for performers, no matter how often they fight the battle. Lots of musicians wish they could play in front of an audience without feeling any anxiety, but for many that is just not a reality. So, what do you do?First of all, make sure you are prepared. The more you have …

A twelve year old drummer is preparing to take the world by storm. Already in a band with two teenagers, Justin Fisher took up drumming when he was two years old. According to the Cape Gazette, he had his first public performance at age three. Justin’s favorite music style is classic rock, although he takes classes and participates in camps that help him broaden his horizons. A student at Southern Delaware School of the Arts, Justin spends half of his school day ensconced in the world of music. …

Shopping for cymbals may feel overwhelming at times. In addition to the variety of companies from which to choose, there are so many different types of cymbals that one may not know where to begin. For this reason, it is good to know some basic information about cymbals and the sounds they produce.The basic cymbal types are hi-hat, ride, and crash. In addition to those, there are special effects cymbals and combinations of sounds, such as the common crash/ride cymbal. Each different cymbal type …

Chant is an industrial drum band with a tribal sound and they will be in Dallas, Texas, soon. Southern Methodist University’s The Daily Campus reports that the band is performing along with KMFDM and Legion Within. Chant will be releasing another EP soon and Bradley Bills, the frontman for the project, says that Chant is a combination of his drumming influences. The band’s name is supposed to represent the connection between tribal drumming and meditation chanting. Chant’s music aims to speak tr …

Choosing a cajon can seem like a daunting task. There are so many varieties to choose from and many new types are being manufactured constantly. Some of the factors to consider include size, purpose, materials, and design. While the varieties may seem overwhelming, they are also a good omen. With so many cajons available, you are sure find one that fits your needs and desires.One of the main considerations when choosing a cajon should be the material of the drum. A cajon made using quality hardw …

The World Percussion Festival recently took India by storm. The three-day festival was held in New Dehli and featured drummers and other percussionists from the world over. The Times of India reported that the drummers were magnificent, leaving the crowds energized and deeply satisfied. Main acts included Pandit Bhawani Shankar, the Sri Lankan Beat Drummers group, Taufiq Querishi, and Buhle Besintu. With the beating of the drums, percussionists were able to share prayers, arguments, the sounds o …