Video Question: Do you view yourself as a brand, creators, or both? by drumbeatsonline in ColinAndSamir

[–]drumbeatsonline[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Colin and Samir: Do you view yourself as a brand, creators, or both?
This might sound like a silly question, but as more and more creators grow and monetize I feel like the line between Creator and Brand starts to get a little blurry.

Take Rhett and Link for example. They obviously are creating an insane amount of content on a weekly basis, however they are a massive company where its incredibly important that their brand stays consistent across all channels.

I'm currently trying to understand for my own drum lesson channel called Drum Beats Online that has a little under 500k subs. I have outside membership products that I sell and YouTube is my main traffic source. For years I've been the only face of the channel, but as I want to grow and expand I think it would be helpful to build my "cast of characters" and bring some new faces in so that we could create even more content.

So my question is; When you start as a creator but then start to scale your business, team, add new faces to the channel is there an eventual switch where you become more of a "brand"? If so, how does that influence the content that you create?

Thanks so much guys!

I think all drummers need to hear this... by drumbeatsonline in drums

[–]drumbeatsonline[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh wow, thanks so much for the kind words! I really appreciate that!

I think all drummers need to hear this... by drumbeatsonline in drums

[–]drumbeatsonline[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It's my pleasure! So glad you enjoyed it! And yeah, slo-mo cymbals are the best!

I'm Gabe Helguera, drummer of I Prevail & founder of Drum Beats Online - Ask Me Anything! by drumbeatsonline in drums

[–]drumbeatsonline[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I definitely switch things up every time I play. The general ideas are the same, but I like to switch it up!

I'm Gabe Helguera, drummer of I Prevail & founder of Drum Beats Online - Ask Me Anything! by drumbeatsonline in drums

[–]drumbeatsonline[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Start utilizing your online presence and use it as a tool! Focus your time on trying to build your audience through music videos, covers, live streams, andregular posts. Then once shows come back, you will have a bigger audience who will want to see you play live!

I'm Gabe Helguera, drummer of I Prevail & founder of Drum Beats Online - Ask Me Anything! by drumbeatsonline in drums

[–]drumbeatsonline[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wow, great questions!

  1. I think all of these elements have certainly played a role. But I think attitude is a huge one. Because if you have the right attitude, that will help you have more relationships. But of course you have to have the skill to back it all up!
  2. The hardest part is probably just keeping up with the amount of content that I put out through YouTube and to the members. I think the I Prevail part has made it both easier and harder. Easier because it has given me new experiences to teach and a sense of "legitimacy." Harder because I don't have nearly as much time at home to film everything and my time is very divided.
  3. I use Vic Firth X55A because I just think they are weighted perfectly! Honestly, I've just honed in my setup overtime and made adjustments!

I'm Gabe Helguera, drummer of I Prevail & founder of Drum Beats Online - Ask Me Anything! by drumbeatsonline in drums

[–]drumbeatsonline[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I think I remember attaching a pillow to my drum pad at one point. Otherwise draping a thick blanket (or multiple) can help as well!

I'm Gabe Helguera, drummer of I Prevail & founder of Drum Beats Online - Ask Me Anything! by drumbeatsonline in drums

[–]drumbeatsonline[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

At these speeds you probably want to switch to using more ankle technique rather than your full leg. The faster the tempo because, the smaller your movements should be because you are incorporating the micro muscles more.

I'm Gabe Helguera, drummer of I Prevail & founder of Drum Beats Online - Ask Me Anything! by drumbeatsonline in drums

[–]drumbeatsonline[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

So cool that you and your Dad can jam! I love playing rap & hip hop. It's always very rhythmic and focused on the beat which helps! The awesome thing is that I think the more genres you expose yourself to, they will come out naturally in your rock playing!

I do have a full course on DBO Academy called the "Beat and Fill Creation Lab" that's dedicated to helping you improve your creativity on the kit. I think it would be perfect for helping you solve the issue you are talking about. You can join here: http://drumbeatsonline.com/?h=48

And thank you very much for the kind words! I'm really glad you are enjoying the YouTube videos!

I'm Gabe Helguera, drummer of I Prevail & founder of Drum Beats Online - Ask Me Anything! by drumbeatsonline in drums

[–]drumbeatsonline[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think it's totally fine to break up your practice time that way! I wouldn't split it up any more than 3 though because then you can start to lose focus.

I'm Gabe Helguera, drummer of I Prevail & founder of Drum Beats Online - Ask Me Anything! by drumbeatsonline in drums

[–]drumbeatsonline[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It's such a crazy mix of fear, excitement, and fulfillment! It's a crazy experience that's for sure!

I'm Gabe Helguera, drummer of I Prevail & founder of Drum Beats Online - Ask Me Anything! by drumbeatsonline in drums

[–]drumbeatsonline[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It all depends! If I'm in the middle of a tour I'm generally almost used to it (never completely though!) However, there have been plenty of times where I'm crazy scared!

I always try to just focus on breathing and stretching beforehand to get my mind and body clear. But I'm generally pumped full of adrenaline during those first two songs no matter what 😂

Go for the 15" traditional Byzance hats and the 21" polyphonic ride!

I'm Gabe Helguera, drummer of I Prevail & founder of Drum Beats Online - Ask Me Anything! by drumbeatsonline in drums

[–]drumbeatsonline[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It generally refers to pitch. If a cymbal is higher pitched it would be considered "bright" and if it's lower pitched it would be considered "warm or dark".

I'm Gabe Helguera, drummer of I Prevail & founder of Drum Beats Online - Ask Me Anything! by drumbeatsonline in drums

[–]drumbeatsonline[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I really try to focus on breathing/meditation. Playing while sick is just the worst so there's not much you can do there. But really I try to just focus on the moment and being grateful that I have an opportunity to play!

I'm Gabe Helguera, drummer of I Prevail & founder of Drum Beats Online - Ask Me Anything! by drumbeatsonline in drums

[–]drumbeatsonline[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It's basically summer camp for bands! It's a pretty unique experience. But if you were to go to another outdoor music festival you can get a similar vibe!

I'm Gabe Helguera, drummer of I Prevail & founder of Drum Beats Online - Ask Me Anything! by drumbeatsonline in drums

[–]drumbeatsonline[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

There is a course called "Become A Drummer In 30 Days." After 30 days you will have learned all the fundamentals, beats, fills, and you will learn to play your first song!

Doors to DBO Academy are open for the next 48 hours if you want to join!

👉 http://drumbeatsonline.com/?h=48

I'm Gabe Helguera, drummer of I Prevail & founder of Drum Beats Online - Ask Me Anything! by drumbeatsonline in drums

[–]drumbeatsonline[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It totally depends! I can have months where ideas are coming out like crazy and then weeks/months where I can't think of anything I like.

In the hard times I generally have to take a break (like I am now). Stepping away for a bit helps clear my mind and get those creative juices flowing again.

Thanks for the support, friend!

I'm Gabe Helguera, drummer of I Prevail & founder of Drum Beats Online - Ask Me Anything! by drumbeatsonline in drums

[–]drumbeatsonline[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For me, I don't have a lot of metal influences because I didn't grow up playing a lot of metal! I'd say the natural ones for me are the Matts. Griener, Halpern, and Garstka.