I believe there are two main forms of entertainment that unite the world – music and soccer. In the next several posts, I’ll be comparing each band member’s position to that of a soccer player’s.

Today’s post is mainly for all the drummers out there, but everyone can probably find a takeaway from it. Maybe this can help a band know exactly what to look for when searching for a new drummer. But if you are a drummer yourself, put down the drumsticks, and let’s go! 

Drummers are my favorite position in soccer – the guy in the back, the goalkeeper. They are the backbone of the team. A drummer who isn’t solid in both his playing and live performance can bring a band down.

Similar to goalkeepers, the drummer is a lone musician in a team atmosphere. In that position, your job is unique. You have times to shine during the performance, but you aren’t the star (even though we drummers think we are). You may not be “the star,” but you ARE the backbone. Without the backbone, the face and the front would be on the ground.

Drummers must be powerful and yet be able to control the music’s dynamics. My journey in playing a great show and also adapting to the smallest of venues and the worst places for acoustic drums has taken me a few years. I can now say it’s something I’ve mastered, and I know any drummer can too! You just have to put in the work. 

Here’s a message to all the church drummers locked in the cage we all know as the drum shield: if you learn to play with true dynamics without compromising your showmanship or worship, you don’t need the cage. Many times, my band has played at a church on Sunday morning after playing at a music festival or youth conference over the previous days. Most of these churches have an electronic drum set or an entire room incasing their drummer! We come in with our instruments and sound system, and we set up my drums right in the middle of the stage without any sound level problems. This is because of dynamic and volume control, starting with the drums. 

Drummers:

Backbone of the Band

The Musical Driving Force of the Band

Needs to be a Dynamic Player

Passionate about the Music

Develop Your Own Sound and Style

Be Visual in Your Playing and with Your Setup (Be careful of Cymbal sight-lines)

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Are you interested in diving deeper into these areas for YOUR show? I’d love to get to know you and learn about your journey in music! Let’s schedule a FREE discovery call today!