Five things drummers need

To be the drummer in a band is not as glamorous as being the lead singer or even the guitarist in the group. They are usually at the back of the stage and only really seen when the spotlight shines on them or they have a solo performance, even though their contribution to the group is very important.


Regardless, they are an important part of any band and here are 5 things they need:

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A drum kit

Consisting of a base drum, snare drum, floor and hanging toms, hi hat and cymbal.

Having a drum kit is critical to being a drummer, after all it is the main tool needed to be successful. It is essential the drum kit is tuned and well maintained.

Heads are to be changed every 4 to 6 months, remember not to tighten the stands/tom arms too tight so adjustments can be made without destroying anything.


Drum sticks

As a drummer you would need a variety of sticks depending on the type of sound you would like to achieve and it is encouraged to have as many different types of sticks in your collection.
The shape and size of the tip, the thickness and length of the stick and the material the stick is made from all have an effect on the sound made and how you play.



When playing as part of a group, all members need to play their parts in a timely and accurate way.

As the drummer you are in control of the beat and timing of each track.

To develop your timing it’s best to practice with a metronome, a device that produces regular clicks/beats, set to beats per minute, and is used by musicians to help keep a steady tempo when playing.

It gives visual cues – by looking at the pendulum swing, as well as sound cues – by listening to the ticks/beating sound. These 2 things tells you if you are keeping to time or not.


Good fitness level

Drummers are required to have a good level of all round fitness as they use their whole body when playing the drums. Regular gym sessions are required to build muscle strength in their arms and legs as well as to keep their back strong.

One thing they can take to help them build muscle is a hydrolyzed protein supplement such as the by Myprotein.



Drummers should always use earplugs whenever they play the drums. This is to prevent them from getting tinnitus.
A foam earplug, when inserted properly, would cut out the dangerous frequencies. However if you are a professional drummer or play the drums a lot even as a hobby, it would be best to get custom earplugs made by taking an impression of your ears and then grafting a silicon earpiece to fit the mould.
It is also possible to request filters that would prevent certain frequencies from being heard through the earplug, thus further protecting your ear drums and preventing you from getting tinnitus.




Weird Things People Throw At Concerts

Let’s have some fun here and talk about the weirdest things people have thrown during a concert.


As we all know, crowds can get pretty rowdy. They love nothing more than to get a little drunk and start throwing things.


Hey it’s better than them getting into fights.


Here is a list of the weirdest things people have thrown at concerts

1. Undergarments


Who throws their undergarments! I mean come on people this is a concert not a strip club. But frequently bands will get bras, panties, boxers, shirts… you name it. What in the world are people thinking?? Don’t you get cold walking home without a shirt. Jeez.



2. Pill Bottles


Don’t you think people would need their medications? Why in the world would you throw your empty (or sometimes not empty) bottle of Capsiplex Sport, or Advil, or Anti-Depressants. The only thing I can think of is that they are so happy listening to the music they forget to be sad.

How do you think they explain that one to their doctor?

“Hey Doc I need more anti-depressants because I got to pumped up listening to great music. Sorry”



3. Umbrellas


“It’s not raining indoors. I don’t need this old thing”



4. Potatoes


Uh. Yeah. People are weird. Who the hell brings potatoes to a concert, let alone chucks them on stage? Why do you need potatos? I guess tomatoes are old school now. But that could seriously knock someone out. I really want to know the thought process of the person bringing potatoes to a concert.


5. Wallets


What better way to have an excuse to meet the band then throw your wallet up on the stage.

“Um excuse me mr. security gard sir, my friend accidentally on purpose chucked my wallet onto the stage so I need to go get it and maybe run into the band. Thanks”

What if the wallet gets into the wrong hands? People are not smart. Not smart at all.

In conclusion, people are freaking weird. Also if you go to a concert try not to get hit by all the flying potatoes…

Why You Need to Get Your Music Playing in Gyms ASAP!

Ok not all bands and singers can claim to have a famous personality supporting their music.

But wow, what if a big name liked your music!

They sure could promote your tune in a big way.

There are many people who follow Joe Rogan and listen to his podcast The Joe Rogan Experience. There is no doubt when he mentions a song he likes that his fans are most likely going to go check it out.

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Joe has done this on numerous occasions. He told his fans on Twitter that his all time favorite driving song is Radar love by Golden Earring. In the same thread he also mentions that the music of Offspring some of his all time favorite workout music.

Joe Rogan is a long time martial arts and fitness enthusiast and known for doing a daily workout on his punching bags in his garage with music blasting from his ipod dock speakers.

On Twitter and his blog he talks about what he does to get pumped for exercise and the music he listens to.

First he takes his pre-workout supplements of 4 Alpha Brain, which he considers the best brain supplements, and 4 Shroom Tech Sports capsules. Then he cranks up his favorite exercise music.

Starting his workout with some shadow boxing he listens to “I Want To Be A Billionaire” by Travie McCoy.

By his second round of shadow boxing he is motivated by the Black Keys.

“My mind juggles focus on technique with constant regulation of the breath and an appreciation of the music.” – Joe Rogan

I bet that even after reading this article you will be looking up who all these artists are if you don’t already know them.

You may not be at the stage of being in the ear of a big name like Joe Rogan, however it might be within your reach to promote your work in a way that you might not have considered before.

The fitness industry uses music all the time in classes to either get you pumped or relaxed.

I have a friend who is a Pilate’s teacher and he had a demo CD sent to him from an artist whose music was very suitable for a Pilates class. When my friend told me, I was impressed and thought: well this muso is thinking out of the box and making every opportunity to promote his work.

Think about a fitness industry that your music would be suitable for.

It might be worth sending a demo CD and your music could potentially be played to a whole new audience. The more ears that hear your music the better, hey!


6 Out of the Box Sponsors for Your Band


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Getting a band started is difficult. Of course the first question on your mind is “how the hell do I make some money?” Well once you have a solid set and you have played at least 5 gigs (yes free gigs count) it’s time to start thinking about sponsors. There are plenty of companies out there willing to give you small band a chance, you just have to reach out to them.

But don’t turn to the usual sponsors like Red Bull and Burton think local.

Here is a list of 6 out of the box sponsors for your band.

1. Local Breweries

There are locally breweries popping up in the USA faster than Walmart’s. So the likely hood of your band picking up a brewery as a sponsorship is really high.

If there are members of your band old enough to drink make sure you at least try the beer at your local brewery. I know brewery’s love to get their names out there as much as they can. And hey! Beer and music. What could be better?

2. Energy bars

Forget energy drinks. Energy bars are all the rage! Trying to get Red Bull to sponsor your band…. almost impossible. Getting an energy bar to sponsor your band… very possible.

Research a few different types of bars. There may be one local to your area or even one just starting up. If you say “oh hey my band freaking loves your power bars we live on them while we are practicing” You will get sponsored quick.

3. Clothing companies

Again don’t think big think local. Look for awesome companies in places you travel to often.  There is a local athletic company in town here who just started up a year ago and now they are looking to sponsor business’s, band’s or events so they can get their name out there even more.

If you feel like your audience would wear a certain type of clothing approach companies with that style first.

Also you could look into accessories like hats, bracelets, socks, shoes etc. The clothing industry is a gold mine if you can find the right company.

4. Bike/ sports shops

Talk to the owners of sports shops. Often times the customers they are trying to attract will be similar to the audience you are trying to attract. If you can find a shop that is active in the community that’s even better. As they grow you will grow and vice versa.

Plus sports shop owners tend to be really chill people.

5. Beauty brands

You are probably thinking “umm I don’t want a lipstick to be the sponsor for my music” but it’s not quite like that. I heard of a band who was talking about their first sponsor being a hair thickening shampoo called “RegenePure” How random is that?!? But hey it worked. And it goes to show you that anyone can sponsor your band you just have to think outside the box.

6. Local Small Businesses

This has been said over and over but look at the local business in your home town. People want to support local. Look at restaurants, boutiques, bakeries and anything local.

Go in and talk to as many business as you can. You never know who will say yes. You will get a lot of “NO’s” but keep going.

You will get sponsors it’s just a matter of time and hard work. But it’s sooo worth it.