DRUM! Magazine Forums

Drumming Then And Now—Make your contribution

2013-04-30T16:27:22-08:00

Drumming Then And Now: Can You Add To This List?

Then: You learned from teachers who started you on a pad for three months.
Now: You grab your sticks and start watching Youtube. Then you go get a teacher.

Then: You hired union musicians to record a demo.
Now: You open your laptop and start recording your demo to Garage Band.

Then: When the producer wanted some interesting percussion on a track you brought in a conga player.
Now: When the producer wants some interesting percussion on a track, you open up Ableton Live.

Then: The goal was a contract with a major record company.
Now: You don’t need the major companies. You go straight to your fans on social media and if there are enough of them the record companies will follow.

Then: You played for $300 a night and your rent was $250.
Now: You play for $300 a night and your rent is $1000.

Then:John Bonham was the biggest influence on drummers.
Now: John Bonham is the biggest influence on drummers.

Add to this list? How is the world better? Or worse? I’m giving snare wires to the best answers and sharing them here. Or just email me below.
phil at drumlink dot com

I need some hot rods…

2013-04-03T00:53:42-08:00

Hi SBdee here.
I am going to look for some hotrods, dont know much about them, apart from they are quieter.
Do you have any advice on which ones are any good, I don’t have lots of money, but want the best I can afford.
Are there ones with foamy stuff in the middle?
what’s the difference ?
Thanx
SBDee

Drum Trigger—> iPhone—> PA - How do I do it?

2013-02-27T01:09:56-08:00

Ok, so as the title suggests, I’m trying to figure out if it’s possible to trigger samples effectively (set sensitivity etc) from my iPhone.

So far, I’m thinking Apogee Jam (adjustable input gain), Garageband and any of the plethora of drum triggers out there.

I don’t know much about input impedance and the various issues involved. Anybody have any tips? Could be a pretty cool thing to get up and going, especially for working drummers like me who find themselves playing at a function or situation that ended up being larger than they expected.

Thanks!
Chris

Car Part Drum Set

2011-09-13T12:00:36-08:00

Hey everyone,

I have been building a drum/percussion set out of used car parts for a while now, and it is finally finished. I have titled the project - Motor Rhythms. You can see more photos on my blog if you are interested.

http://motorrhythms.blogspot.com/

Let me know what you guys think. I am now working on getting a video recording of the set in action.

Thanks,

Jordan

Hit Like A Girl Contest 2013

2013-01-23T14:46:11-08:00

There’s a major press conference at NAMM, January 24, at noon at the DRUM! Booth to announce the 2013 Hit Like A Girl Contest.
Here’s the press release

For Immediate Release

Girls To Get Their Groove On For Second Annual “Hit Like A Girl” Drum Contest
Enter Music Publishing, Tom-Tom Mag and Major Drum Companies Participate

San Jose, Calif.,—Hit Like A Girl 2013, the second annual global contest for female drummers launches January 24th at a press conference at the NAMM Show. The contest begins accepting entries online on February 1.

The event is produced by DRUM! Magazine in conjunction with TRX Cymbals and Tom Tom: The Magazine for Female Drummers, with the support of major drum equipment companies Drum Workshop, Pacific Drums and Percussion, Yamaha DTX Drums, Evans Drumheads, Vater Drumsticks, SKB bags and cases, Alfred Publishing, and Drumchannel.

Developed to support, promote and inspire the growth of female drummers, the Hit Like A Girl drumming contest for women and girls attracted contestants from 42 countries and more than 400,000 online votes from around the world in 2012. The overwhelming response has enabled organizers to plan for an even bigger event in 2013.

“We’re involved to promote and publicize female drummers worldwide,” said Phil Hood, publisher and co-founder of Enter Music Publishing. “This drumming contest really celebrates female drummers and also is intended to recognize their contributions to the drumming arts.”

Hit Like A Girl Official Schedule
DRUM! Magazine will host The Official Hit Like A Girl Contest Press Conference at NAMM on January 25 at noon. (Booth 3541 at the entrance to Hall D). Then on February 1st, contestants can begin submitting online video entries at http://www.hitlikeagirlcontest.com on February 1, 2013 with fan voting beginning on February 15. Entries will close on March 15, 2013 with public voting ending on March 31st. At that point (April 1) the top vote-getters and wild card finalists will be judged by a panel of world-renowned drummers including Gina Schock (The Go-Go’s), Meytal Cohen (independent), Dawn Richardson (Four Non-Blondes, Tracy Chapman), Kimberly Thompson (Wallace Roney, Mike Stern) Elaine Bradley (Neon Trees), Jess Bowen (The Summer Set), Hannah Ford (Prince, Bellevue Suite), and Shauney “Baby” Recke (Pussy Cat Dolls, Will.I.Am). Winners will be announced in mid April on Drumchannel.com.

Under 18 Ok
In addition to offering drum and accessory prizes valued at thousands of dollars, Hit Like A Girl 2013 has been expanded into under and over 18 age divisions to create more interest and a more even playing field. Submitted videos can be drum covers, solos or performances with a band or pre-recorded tracks and will judged on factors such as technique, musicality and overall effect.

Additional details will be announced as they become available. To learn more and view the top women’s drumming videos from 2012, visit [/url]Facebookor hitlikeagirlcontest.com.

Media contact: [url=mailto:jordan@drumlink.com]Jordan@drumlink.com

Juan Carlos Mendoza Named Winner of Guitar Center’s 24th Annual Drum-Off

2013-01-22T15:22:06-08:00

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Jan. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/—Guitar Center is excited to announce Juan Carlos Mendoza from Perth Amboy, NJ as the winner of Guitar Center’s Drum-Off, the 24th annual search for the next great undiscovered drummer. The competition kicked off in August attracting more than 4,000 drummers across the country to enter the world’s premier drum competition. This past Saturday’s Grand Finals closed out the competition with a night full of riveting, high-energy performances as the five finalists vied for the coveted title of Guitar Center’s Drum-Off Champion.

About The Winner: Classically trained in a wide variety of instruments, Juan Carlos Mendoza received his BA in Music Education in 2004 and is currently pursuing his M.A in Music Education while serving as the Band Director for William C. McGinnis Middle School in his hometown of Perth Amboy, NJ. A passionate music educator, Juan Carlos is well-loved and respected by peers and students alike. From a young age Juan Carlos Mendoza has been studying and performing the drums for over 20 years, competing in both as a soloist and with various drum corps. A second-time Drum-Off grand finalist, Juan previously made it to the stage in 2008 finishing just shy of the title. As a music instructor in his Northern New Jersey hometown, Juan Carlos was deeply affected by the nearby tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December, moving him to dedicate his performance to the victims and their families. For added best wishes, McGinnis Middle School students and staff created a heartwarming “good luck” video, sent to Juan Carlos just before he took the stage.

“My experience in this competition has been really humbling; I was honored just to be selected as a finalist because all of the contestants are awesome players and have become great friends,” said Juan Carlos Mendoza. “Guitar Center’s Drum Off has blessed me not only with a new audience but with amazing gear as well. I feel truly privileged to be a part of this program.”

During the finals at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, the five talented finalists shared the stage with live performances by world-renowned musicians including Pedrito Martinez, John Blackwell, Zigaboo Modeliste, Keith Carlock, Darren King and the legendary Steve Gadd who was honored at the event with an induction to Guitar Center’s RockWalk. Judging the competition were notable drummers Adrian Young of No Doubt, Brooks Wackerman of Bad Religion, Ray Luzier of Korn and many more.

Guitar Center’s Drum-Off Grand Prize Winner to Receive:
$25,000 Cash
Custom Drum Kit (winner’s choice: Gretsch, OCDP, Tama, Pearl or DW)
Drum Kit Endorsement Deal (winner’s choice: Gretsch, OCDP, Tama, Pearl, or DW)
Complete Set of Cymbals (winner’s choice: Zildjian, Sabian, or Meinl)
Cymbal Endorsement Deal (winner’s choice: Meinl, Zildjian, or Sabian)
Drumhead Endorsement Deal (winner’s choice: Evans or Remo)
Stick Endorsement Deal (winner’s choice: Pro-Mark or Vic Firth)
Shure Deluxe Drum Mic Pack
Roland TD-30KV Electronic Kit & PM30
Roland SPD-SX
Feature in Modern Drummer Magazine
2013 NAMM VIP Experience

“Saturday night was a spirited competition between immensely talented musicians. We are thrilled with the inspired performances and celebration of musicianship exemplified by Juan and all of the finalists,” said Maria Brown, Manager of Music and Entertainment Marketing for Guitar Center. “We are honored to be able to support these musicians in all that they do and look forward to continuing to support and provide them with tools to succeed and opportunities to be recognized for their talent.”

Developed by the music retailer to inspire musicianship, provide an opportunity for exposure, and spotlight the drumming community, Guitar Center’s Drum-Off furthers the brand’s ongoing support of aspiring musicians. Truly a launching pad for professional drummers, past Drum-Off winners have gone on to play with Prince and Beyonce (Cora Coleman-Dunham), The Mars Volta (Thomas Pridgen), and Jay-Z (Tony Royster Jr.).

Guitar Center Drum-Off is presented by: DW, Pro-Mark, Orange County Drum & Percussion, LP, Meinl, Roland, Gretsch, Pearl, Modern Drummer, Shure, Vic Firth, Zildjian, DW, Sabian, Remo, Tama, Evans

About Guitar Center
Guitar Center is the world’s largest retailer of guitars, amplifiers, drums, keyboards and pro-audio and recording equipment. Our retail store subsidiary presently operates 230 Guitar Center stores across the U.S. We are also the largest direct response retailer of musical instruments in the United States through our wholly owned subsidiary, Musician’s Friend, Inc., and its catalog and Web site, http://www.musiciansfriend.com. In addition, our Music & Arts division operates more than 100 stores specializing in band instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors and students. More information on Guitar Center can be found by visiting the Company’s Web site at http://www.guitarcenter.com.

Need help, I just got an Alesis drumset…

2012-11-29T20:40:57-08:00

Greetings,

I have traded in my drumset for an Alesis set. I have always wanted one. I do not understand how to use all the controls, I am frustrated. I need a couple lessons or a clinic or a video. I live in Chicago, I am just sad that the manual is so complicated to me. I want to learn, but, I feel so challenged.
Can anyone help?

Be well,

Great Moments In Drumming

2012-10-16T19:56:04-08:00

What are the greatest moments in drumming?
When Ringo replaced Pete Best in the Beatles?
When Dave Grohl replaced Chad Channing in Nirvana?
Is it a perfect drumming album? Or a concert you saw?
A groove played by Steve Gadd? The first time you heard Metallica?
An event like Michael Shrieve’s solo at Woodstock?
Or an invention, like the first time Vic Firth pitch-matched a pair of drum sticks?

DRUM! is looking for the top 200 drumming moments of all time. Post yours here. Or comment on others. If we use it in an upcoming special issue, you’ll get credit.

So what is your greatest moment in drumming?

Synesthesia

2012-09-22T21:43:05-08:00

Hi guys! This is my first post.

I have music color synesthesia, that is, when I hear music I “see” colors corresponding very specifically to each sound. I’ve been this way all of my life. It isn’t really a “disorder” in my case. I feel it helps me in just about every aspect of my trade. When I improve, it’s like I’m selecting from a color palette. When learning knew songs, I only have to conjure up the “shape” of a guitar riff or bass line to remember it. You can find a lot of cool information about synesthesia on wikipedia.

I also just wrote a blog about my childhood and synesthesia. http://thinkpercussive.blogspot.com/...nesthesia.html

Anyway, I was wondering, does anyone on this board have similar experiences to share?

Is it broken??

2012-08-22T11:29:14-08:00

I have a vex double pedal my issue is that the foot-board is loose at the heel end, is this fixable or am I looking at buying a new pedal….if so any recommendations