X8 Drums Blog

That whole “stupid” stereotype that surrounds a drummer is baffling, especially considering all of the effort a drummer puts into play drums, as well as selecting all the right equipment to make a rhythm come alive. To the untrained, non-drummer ear, the nuances in sound, tone and decay from drums and cymbals can be easily written off, but, we know that there is no mistaking the sound of a set of drums for jazz music compared to those played in a metal band. The drums in those drum sets …

We all pick up drums for our own reasons. Some of us like to jam with friends, while others prefer a solo career covering favorite songs in a basement. Then there are the drummers who love the stage, or those who sit around in a circle, healing the earth and others. Drumming is fun, it is exercise, it is creative, and it is exceptionally therapeutic. Put 100 drummers in a room together and ask them about how drumming has changed their lives, and you’ll probably just hear 100 drummers dr …

There is something special about the cooler seasons of the year that bring out the best in everyone, including elaborate costumes and the fantasy worlds of times past. Renaissance fairs and festivals are a part of the lives of millions of people around the world, taking advantage of open air settings that once proved a glamorous backdrop for knights, queens, sorcery and so much more. At any point in the year, you can be assured of venturing into a Renaissance fair and seeing a wide rang …

We have seen tons of studies on the fitness aspect of drumming, most of which are focused on drum set drummers. More than likely, the obvious exertion seen in the faces of any hardcore drummer on a stage (determined, focused eyes, sweaty and breathing like they’ve been running a marathon) is the major reason for the focus on drumming as fitness and exercise. Plus, those drummers get the added benefit of music and rhythm without plugging into an iPod and wearing ear buds on a treadmill. The …

Having an impact in the world takes dedication, motivation and a selflessness that not everyone can embrace. This impact, this hard-hitting desire to create positive change is seen in all areas of life, from the environment to health concerns, education or awareness programs. For a drummer, a person who is used to creating a new rhythm through his or her own impact, giving back to a world that has allowed such freedom may be second nature. Drummers define the motivation of a song, just …

As anyone who has ever tried it knows, hitting things with sticks is a great stress reliever.Any child who has ever started banging on pots and pans knows just how much fun drumming can be. It’s no wonder so many children find themselves drawn to the drums. Through learning to play the drums kids learn healthy ways to express themselves as well as self-confidence. Many young people today find themselves struggling with their self-esteem. Many children seek to define a sense of self while …

Finding the right path to self-discovery, wellness and creative expression can be lead by the beat of the drums. Drumming is not only a musical hobby, or professional passion, but, it helps engage the mind in ways that prevent the day-to-day stresses of life from interfering with what is really important: the beat. Particularly for hand drummers, this experience can be found throughout the year at drumming retreats, in which techniques are learned or refined, or drummers are encouraged to …

Usually when people think of percussion instruments they think of hand percussion instruments. What people often forget is that there are other ways to make music than just with your hands. In fact, there’s a whole variety of percussion instruments that can be played with the feet. These percussion instruments include foot drums, foot tambourines, foot cabasas, and  ankle bells or foot rattles. A foot drum is a drum that is played either with the bare foot or with a floor …

“Busy” is the buzzword of today, between work and family and the pursuit of happiness, we are all trying to keep motivated and get it all done. Unfortunately, being busy all the time can lead to stressful living, and many people just can’t figure out how to break the cycle and still keep the motivation going in a positive, beneficial manner. Imagine, however, during those stressful times of life, having the ability to take 10 minutes off to reset your mind and body without medication. W …

Drummer Jason Barnes lost his right hand in a work accident in 2012. Not one to give up on his passion for music and drumming (and bored out of his mind without drumming in his life), Barnes taped a drum stick to his arm a few weeks after leaving the hospital to see if he could play. The makeshift drumming hand was far from perfect, but it helped him realize he could still play. After tinkering with a few more makeshift drumming hands that allowed him to play well enough to get into the …