X8 Drums Blog

If you’ve ever had the opportunity to experience the Blue Man Group’s theatrical performance, you know just how soulful, energetic, and entertaining it can be. If not, the above video of the trio performing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 2006 perfectly captures the Blue Man Group’s gift for art, musicianship, and entertainment. Based around the art of drumming, the Blue Man Group combines music and rhythm with technology, comedy, and visual art.The Blue Man Group keeps audiences entertaine …

In the midst of recent health care changes, musicians can rest assured that they can keep pursuing their art without having to worry about expensive health care coverage or paying a fee for lack of coverage. If you’re a musician in Austin, TX, that is.Other than love and talent for music, an average income of less than $16,000 per year and an inability to pay for health insurance are two things many Austin musicians have in common. While musicians could easily get a full-time job with insurance …

Drums and dancing have long been connected in a history of self expression, religious experience, and the coming together of people. Djembes have been used in West Africa in ceremonies, festivals and daily living, requiring participation from everyone in the form of clapping, singing, or dancing. These communal events help foster a sense of togetherness and unity. Through group participation individuals honor the people or event being celebrated. Many of these ceremonies have traditionally been …

Sleep problems can be a nightmare to deal with, especially when sleep is such an important part of our days. Because of issues with sleep disturbances, sleep apnea, insomnia and more, it can seem like the idea of sleeping like a baby is truly left to those who live carefree lives. Since stress and anxiety are such factors in the ability to get a good night’s sleep, the natural benefits of music, rhythm and drumming could be just the lullaby needed to sleep like a baby and wake up refreshed and …

One of the most whimsical and interesting percussion instruments available today may look, and sound, like a frog. This frog, or guiro, has multiple rivets in its back on which a stick is dragged back and forth to make a unique sound; the tone varies depending on the size of the frog. Nowadays, the guiro can be found in many shapes, sizes, and materials.Though it is difficult to pinpoint the origins of the guiro, it is believed to have initially belonged to one of the native groups in the Caribb …

In an art form and musical profession littered with men, it’s always refreshing to see a chick behind a drum kit. Anika Nilles doesn’t just play the drums - she rocks them! She also composes her own music. In addition to drumming and composing and publishing her music, Nilles studies Pop Music Design at the University of Popular Music and Music Business in Mannheim, Germany. With a knowledge of and pure passion for music, Nilles displays musicianship and musicality while maintaining individual s …

Guinea djembe drums are some of the most breathtaking examples of artistry when it comes to hand drums. These djembe drums are not only beautiful to behold, but, are a stellar example of the various methods of djembe design. From the intricate carvings that adorn the outside of these drums to the deep bowl of the drum and wide trumpet, a djembe drum from Guinea is not easily overlooked.Guinea djembes are traditionally made from Akajou, Lenke or Khadi hardwoods, giving a depth to the design of th …

X8 Interactive Drumming recently teamed up with the Anti-Defamation League as part of the organization’s No Place for Hate® initiative, a nationwide campaign designed to empower school communities, including teachers, students, administrators, and parents, to tackle prejudice, bullying, and intergroup conflict. Our X8 Interactive Drumming team facilitated an interactive drumming session with youth from various Austin schools. The students had a blast, and so did we! See for yourself in this a …

A lot has happened over the past few months, and most of it has been inside our homes, sheltered from the winter that won’t seem to end. But, spring is upon us and the signs are clear; the sun is peeking out, there are flowers in bloom, and your djembe drum is calling your name!Here in Austin, the home of X8 Drums, we have already begun planning our next Community Drum Jam, and are so excited to see familiar and new faces as we celebrate spring, show off our new drums and just enjoy the rhythm o …

Maracas are exceptionally popular hand held percussion instruments. This is perhaps because they are some of the easiest and most fun instruments to play. Maracas are thought to have originated in Brazil, Columbia, Puerto Rico, and West Africa and have long been used in the musical traditions of these cultures including ceremonies, festivals and celebrations. As a defining sound in Salsa music and dance, the use of maracas has spread to other genres and venues over the years. These instruments a …