What does it take to be a pro drummer?

Hey, fellow drummers!

We have a host of exciting content lined up for you this week!

If you're looking to turn your drumming passion into a profession, you're in for some valuable insights. We've had a chat with professional drummer Charlie Smith, discussing everything from his routines to industry secrets.

We understand that sometimes drumming speed can be a stumbling block for beginners and intermediates. That's why we're offering structured advice to help you push through your metronome barriers and step up your drumming game.

We have a spotlight on Anika Nilles, who has made a name for herself as a powerful, innovative force in modern drumming.

However, let’s get started with a roundup from around the web.

First up, a timely video from Nate Smith given our recent article on gigging. He discusses the topic of whether more gigs are better for musicians and proposes four acid tests to determine whether a gig is worth taking on.

The latest from “Sounds Like a Drum” discusses ways to tune drums by addressing overtones and listening to each lug to figure out if each one is high or low. The process aims to enable every lug to have the same pitch, giving an evenly sounding instrument.

Steve Weiss Music sat down for an exclusive interview with drumming legend Omar Hakim while at Pearl Drums high-end reimagined event. There’s a bunch of other videos from this event on YouTube - well worth a look.

Modern Drummer have posted a classic “drummer shows his tour kit” video. Mike Portnoy shows us around his setup.

Last but not least, a visit to recording sessions at Kenny Aronoff's studio for a project called "HootNanny," a movie that retraces the roots of rock and roll in Southern California with a child band. Kenny Aronoff, a legendary figure in session playing, is seen here charting all the songs and tracking them for the movie.

Many of us would love to play drums full-time, but for whatever reason, it didn’t happen…yet, right? 😃 

It can be tough to earn a living playing drums.

I caught up with Charlie Smith recently to talk about what it’s like to be a professional drummer - how he got there, his routines, what it takes to work in the industry.

Charlie also offers some tips for those wanting to make a career out of it.

Whilst most would agree that the most important aspect of playing drums is great groove and feel rather than chops or speed, having a bit in reserve can get you out of trouble and make your playing feel that much more relaxed.

A common problem when studying drums is hitting a “speed limit” - we hit a barrier on the metronome where we start to tighten up and our playing becomes sloppy.

As a beginner - or even intermediate - drummer, the temptation is to grind it out and try to muscle your way through.

That’s not a good strategy and will cause more problems than it solves.

We offer some advice and a structured method that can help you to push through that barrier with a solid foundation.

…Anika Nilles

From putting herself out there on YouTube over a decade ago to recently touring with the late Jeff Beck, Anika Nilles’ talent, hard work and dedication is an inspiration to anyone trying to make it as a professional drummer.

This week, we dedicate our “Spotlight On…” to her background, career and playing style.

Following on from last time’s spotlight on Josh Freese, we’re sharing a review of the Foo Fighter’s latest album.

Given the context of the death of Taylor Hawkins, it can be a tough read, but a reminder that we only have so much time and we should spend it wisely.

With that in mind, I love this tweet from Emily Dolan Davies!

Keep going.

I’d love to hear what you think of the newsletter. I pull together the content from the web, and put together the articles and myself, which is really is a time-consuming labour of love - and I’d like your help to make it the best it can be.

As my friend always says “feedback is a gift” - I’d appreciate yours.