X8 Drums Blog

Metal drummers are unlike all other drummers, throwing body, mind and soul into driving rhythms that can outlast and upstage even the most intuitive drum machine. For these artists, drumming is a commitment to music, to the art of thrashing, and a genre of entertainment that forces pop-flavored, auto-tuned radio peeps to cower, awe-struck and maybe a little jealous.Jon “The Charn” Rice of Job for a Cowboy knows the power and endurance required from metal drummers. Fast hands and extreme do …

When it comes to cutting-edge rhythm and unique sound, drummers often search for the latest and most innovative cymbals on the market to enhance and cultivate a personal drumming style. With the wide array of cymbals available today, the cymbal sound, decay and timbre choices may seem endless. The Generation X line of cymbals from Meinl, however, makes those choices just a bit easier. Known for mystifying tones that are experimental and innovative, Meinl Generation X cymbals bring rhythm a …

The right cymbal is just as important as the right drum when it comes to finding a style and sound that fits the drummer. When a drummer first begins to explore the cymbal options available, it can seem an overwhelming task, especially with all of the various types of cymbals available from manufacturers today. Experimenting with different brands of cymbals can give a drummer the insight needed to produce a unique vibe on the drums, but perhaps the easiest way to begin the journey to cymba …

Whether bright and shiny, subtly matte, lathed, dark or mysterious, the way a cymbal looks has more than a visual effect on a music performance. Cymbals are complicated instruments that are crafted according to standards that have been improved upon for centuries. From the angle of the cymbal, the size of its bell and the metal alloys used, a cymbal can produce a wide range of sounds, tones and harmonics to suit the drummer and music being played.The finish used on a cymbal has more than a …

Meinl, one of the leading heavy weights in the cymbal market, has come crashing through with another fantastic line of German made cymbals. The M-Series, created from B20 bronze alloy and manufactured through a high-tech computerized process, gives off a traditional vibe yet are as loud as you need them to be. Created with versatility in mind, the M-Series aren't cymbals that are pigeon holed into one type of music. Whether you are a professional that plays jazz or a metal drumm …

The unmistakable sound of a gong can accentuate the end of a song or phrase within music, or be a reminder of the cultural significance of instruments within spiritual circles. These unique instruments are a symbol of Asian culture and are deeply tied to the lives of those within countries like Japan, China and in South Asia. Gongs were once used as a means of communication over long distances, and represent success within the lives of those cultures.The process of manufacturing a gong is …

NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) never fails to provide an annual look into the best products and talents available throughout the world of music. For those lucky enough to attend a NAMM event, lives are changed forever, especially when it comes to  experiencing some of the greatest talent the industry has to offer… not to mention the sneak peeks at all the new instrumental goods a musician could ask for. As the sponsor of “the largest and longest-running musical instrum …

Def Leppard may be best known for its songs like, “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” or “Hysteria,” but this hard rock band has one thing that relatively few other bands can claim: a drummer who personally knows the value of drumming as therapy.As the result of a street racing accident in 1984, Def Leppard drummer, Rick Allen, underwent the amputation of his left arm, a devastating injury that would have left most drummers without a means to pursue the passion for rhythm. With the help of Pearl Drum …

Paradiddle, paradiddle, paradiddle-diddle. Drumming has its own language, vibe and reality, especially when it comes to the physical toll a drumming session can take on the arms, wrists, hands and ankles. Whether you are a full-body metal drummer like Igor Cavalera, a jazz-funk-rock-funk-jazz expert like Cindy Blackman, or just play a lot of solo garage gigs, warming up your drumming muscles can improve technique, stamina and chops. The muscles and joints that let you transform a t …

For hard-hitting drum beats and an extensive history of drumming and vocals, look no further for artist inspiration than Aaron Gillespie. Gillespie is the former drummer of Underoath, a Christian metalcore band, and has recently been pursuing a solo career with a spiritual purpose, as well as providing drumming lessons, touring, blogging and clearing a path for a successful career in music. Gillespie has been a stand-out drummer since the age of 14, bringing a hard, driving beat to the C …