X8 Drums Blog

When he is not touring with superstars like Jason Mraz, recording with Joss Stone or blues great, Watermelon Slim, Michael “Leroy” Bram performs regularly with his blues band, Michael Bram and the Alternators and many others in New York. A musical inspiration in his own right, Bram has not only mastered the drums, but is also an accomplished singer, harmonica player, “coffee shop guitarist,” and harp player. Bram started drumming at the early age of four, after receiving a drum set for …

Whether cymbals have been kept in storage or carried around from gig to gig, they can develop a layer of dirt or grime that affects not only the appearance, but also the sound of the cymbals. Most professionals caution against cleaning cymbals, as the process of cleaning the metal may, in fact, hurt the finish and cause irreparable to the metal used, but there are times that call for a thorough cleaning, as well.For cymbals that have been in storage, weather conditions, dust or even pollen can t …

Whether you are a fan of Clyde Criner, The Steve Kimrock Band or Santana, chances are that you have heard Rodney Holmes take drumming to an entirely different level that crosses the boundaries between jazz, rock and even techno and ambient drumming. This artist is as creative and diverse as the audiences who come to see him play with SKB, bringing a powerful sound and structure to a wide assortment of musical genres.Holmes was raised in a musical family, giving him the ability to appreciate many …

As every drummer knows, a drum kit is only as good as the care given to it. Since most drum kits consist of drums, cymbals and hardware that puts it all together, it is important to protect the various components within the kit from damage during transportation, including the cymbals. Cymbal damage usually occurs during transportation or storage, but by following a few guidelines, this damage can be reduced or eliminated.The metals used in cymbals are sturdy, but can still be damaged by im …

Divine Empire, Aura Borealis, Malevolent Creation, and Meinl Cymbals all have one person in common, Derek Roddy. Known as one of the fastest drummers alive due to his ability to keep up not only the speed of death metal drumming, but also keep up those speeds for minutes at a time as well as hitting “blast beats,” on the bass drum using only one foot, a drumming technique that usually requires both feet. Roddy has released a DVD that seeks to educate others on how to hit blast beats, and docu …

Christopher James Adler, more popularly known as Chris Adler, is the drummer of the metal band Lamb of God and the older brother of Willie Adler, the band's guitarist. Chris was born on November 23, 1972 in Washington, D.C. He went to Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia. He attended college at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia where he was planning a career on network engineering. While in the university, he met his current bandmates John Campbell and Mark …

Between different drum and percussion kits, there are several different choices that can help accent the music and rhythms being played. From wood blocks and the type of drum sticks or mallets to the different drums and cymbals available, determining the best parts for the job can be a confusing part of any musician's life. Cymbals, in particular, can make or break the sounds in a song, and as such, incorporating the right cymbals into a drum kit can be an important decision for the drummer, …

Noted on Urban Dictionary as the “best looking member” of alternative band, Panic! At the Disco, Spencer Smith is a millennial drummer with the skills and attitude to embark on a drumming career without boundaries. Preferring to maintain his technical mastery over driving rhythms and strong beats instead of improvisational fills, Smith brings a strong dance groove to the music produced by Panic! At the Disco. At the age of 12, Spencer Smith began drumming in Pet Salamander with friend, Ryan R …

Described by some as a “drumming ninja,” Chris Coleman has drummed for legends like Chaka Khan, New Kids on the Block, Prince, Babyface and Christina Aguilera, as well as participated in Drummers 4 Jesus. He has traveled the world, and now calls LA home, but still gives credit to his earliest influences and shares his skills with others through his own drumming clinics and classes. Coleman began drumming at the ripe age of 2 and continued his musical education and experimentation through …

Want some cymbals? Want them for free? Can you shred like a metal maniac? This contest may be the answer to your drumming obsession, love of music or need to be part of something bigger than yourself: the release of a new line of cymbals. Grant McFarland, drummer for This or the Apocalypse, is teaming up with Meinl Cymals in an effort to award a set of Meinl Classics Custom Series Cymbals to one lucky winner. Entering the contest is easy, just download “Toro” from the This or the Apoca …