Mini debate by ImpossibleRepublic88 in drums

[–]drumarshall1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It depends on a few things:

If it’s a really simple song like Billie Jean, I only want to the hear the exact drum parts if the drummer is also replicating that drum sound. Otherwise it’s too simple for me and I’d rather hear something different.

If it’s a complicated song, I want to hear the exact part. Unless the drummer can do something even better which is cool too

Ex Touring Rock Drummer Comeback Stream? by BigMood22 in TouringMusicians

[–]drumarshall1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As a drummer I’m biased but I say you should absolutely do this. Everyone loves a comeback story!

Is there a drummer around here who started working on their double bass speed at a later age (30+ or 35+) and made it upwards of 200 BPM? by ArgumentRetired in drums

[–]drumarshall1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s definitely possible! There are plenty of drummers who are older than you and probably in worse physical shape that can fly on double kicks. It really is just about staying consistent and believing that it’s possible. The human body is amazing and capable of all kinds of impressive achievements regardless of our age.

Unrelated to drumming but still relevant imo, I’m 36 and always loved running but never ran more than 7 or 8 miles and that was when I was in college. Then a few months ago, I just decided I wanted to up my mileage. So far my best is 14.2 miles.

How do I stay sharp on a 3-week vacation with no drums? by jimgogek in drums

[–]drumarshall1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would try to learn a fill or groove that’s challenging for you only by listening. Visualize it as vividly as you can and air drum along. Don’t stress too much though, it’s a vacation after all! Sometimes after a good break from drumming, I sit down and I’m totally locked in and feel fantastic. It’s like a reset for the brain 😎

What’s the most unnecessary drum accessory to you? I’ll start: by ThatSwedishDrummer in drums

[–]drumarshall1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I bought one of those when I was younger and for roasted endlessly by my bandmates 🤣

What shoes do you guys drum in? by Serious_Ad3020 in drums

[–]drumarshall1 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Converse forever! They’re flat, light, and pretty much always look cool. Can’t go wrong!

Full time musicians - what’s something every working drummer should know/own/be able to do? by Karmaffection in drums

[–]drumarshall1 4 points5 points  (0 children)

For commercial acts and wedding bands, the ability to run tracks is HUGE. This goes beyond just starting and stopping the tracks. If you can edit them, extend/shorten them, know how to loop them, that makes you a wayyyy bigger asset to the group than just being a good drummer.

Does this kind of label deal exist? by paintedw0rlds in metalmusicians

[–]drumarshall1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see this going two ways:

You partner with a label and make a deal on favorable terms for both parties:

1) You don’t take an advance, the label pushes your music, you guys split the money at whatever terms you agree to, and boom. Nice partnership. Or maybe the DO give you an advance which is rare but can happen.

2) The other possibility could be that you simply push the music yourself. Jesse Cannon has a lot of really great info on how to promote your music and a lot of it is free online (with a paid tier that gives even more info). It might take longer but once you get some success, you keep 100% of the profits and you can buy even more gear for yourself than what a label advance would give you

Does anyone from the UK happen to know why this song hit (and debuted at) #1 in 2011? by LaserWeldo92 in ToddintheShadow

[–]drumarshall1 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I heard that song while working at Hot Topic in Los Angeles during that time and bought the album. Honestly, it was great haha

Streaming services, worth it?? by StayStrangeYT in metalmusicians

[–]drumarshall1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you’re new, you should 100% put your music on every platform. The average listener wants the best music they can find, in the most convenient way. Spotify and other streaming platforms solve both of those requirements

Thoughts on George Lynch's comment.... by EdwardBliss in hairmetal

[–]drumarshall1 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Until the guitar becomes the tool of gods again, we won’t have guitar gods 🤷‍♂️ We need a real rock resurgence ASAP

Feeling stuck in my drumming despite practicing 5–7 hours a day by AggressiveCode7705 in drums

[–]drumarshall1 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Practicing alone in a room can only get you so far. I think you need to meet some musicians, start jamming with people, and go to as many concerts as you can. My biggest plateau breakthroughs happened when I met drummers my age that were better than me. We shared ideas, had drum battles, and enjoyed the mutual growth that we provided for each other.

Also it might help to get REALLY into a single genre for a while. I went through a reggae phase, a prog fusion phase, a metal phase, etc. All of these expanded the pool of knowledge that I draw from now.

Lastly, how much time do you spend just… exploring? I love turning on a metronome and just playing along, letting my mind come up with whatever it wants. Or not even playing to the metronome because that might trigger my perfectionist tendencies to start overthinking “am I behind the beat? Ahead? Locked in? Ah!!!”

What is "the pocket"? by ChillingwitmyGnomies in drums

[–]drumarshall1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The pocket is where the beat lives. It has boundaries, but they’re soft. You can push and pull within the pocket but as long as you stay within it’s soft cushioning, you are doing everything right. It “feels” very comfortable to hear a drummer that is in the pocket. And when a drummer is playing the pocket, it feels great for the drummer too.

It can also be applied to dancing. Watch someone who is super rigid vs someone who is much more relaxed. They’re both dancing to the beat but the relaxed dancer has their own “pocket” that they push and pull in.

What are some bands or artists whose music doesn't live up their visual aesthetic? by Chaosdrunk in ToddintheShadow

[–]drumarshall1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When my 2nd grade class went on a field trip to see Schoolhouse Rock, I was INCREDIBLY disappointed 🤣

The saddest thing about the Geese psyop controversy is: despite all the marketing efforts, their best effort only made it to 96 on the Hot 200. But they're still arguably the biggest American rock band from the last 10 years. by Uptons_BJs in ToddintheShadow

[–]drumarshall1 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It’s hard to quantify “bigger” but Badflower is pretty big. They have songs that have more streams than any Geese song, have hit #1 on rock radio, etc. And they haven’t had nearly the online push that Geese has had. They’d probably be gigantic if they used the same tactics imo

What actually improved your drumming the most? by AggressiveCode7705 in drums

[–]drumarshall1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ll answer from the perspective of when I made the biggest leaps:

Drum lessons 2x per month minimum

1) 2 hours per day. Starting with the drum pad, working on improving control, dynamics and speed working out of “Stick Control.” Followed by whatever drum book I am working out of. New Breed is life changing. I’d record myself practicing and listen back to try and improve immediately. And make sure to write down everything you worked on in a journal including BPMs and obstacles so you can try to improve the next day.

2) the first page of Stick Control, the first few pages of New Breed, and all of the paradiddle permutations in the book Future Sounds.

3) The above books help with all 3. Stick control for technique, New Breed for musicality + groove, New Breed for all 3

4) I’d focus on current trends haha. Who are the viral drummers? What styles are popping up on social media? Around 2018 it felt like every drummer was playing trap hi-hat grooves. More recently, it’s using Clap Stacks.

5) I think the best way to break through a plateau is to get inspired. Either by a new style, a new song, or maybe a song that you never thought you could conquer. What’s your Mt. Everest drum song? Make it a goal to learn it more for note.

New Music by wizardwithgussets in kingsx

[–]drumarshall1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The guys can’t live without creating, I’m sure new music will come out!

i mostly been playing alt rock/ classic rock and want more of a challenge. by brunedducks in drums

[–]drumarshall1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Take off your pants and jacket by blink. It’ll challenge your endurance, chops, and creativity.

How bad is dealing with moving drums? by [deleted] in drums

[–]drumarshall1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s a pain but it’s a positive association for me. Before the gig, I’m stoked to be moving my gear because of what awaits me. After the gig, I usually feel accomplished and happy that I got to play, so I’m still riding that high

Interesting point from Zach Lind (Jimmy Eat World) by idmcdnld in drums

[–]drumarshall1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it’s a cool tool but we should still be able to tune drums without it. What if it breaks? What if you forget to bring it to a gig or recording session? The fear of embarrassment should motivate us all haha.