When I was growing up in the 80s I was really into guitar, but if you wanted to read about the instrument or learn a song you would generally have to buy a magazine. You might have found fellow guitarists on bulletin boards or some of the early internet newsgroups, but the web was a way off and being able to access videos online took even longer. These days we really are spoilt for choice. When I started drumming a couple of years ago I did not realise quite how big it was online. Now I have found various things to get my information and entertainment from. Here are some of them.

Drumeo

I knew I needed some tuition and soon realised that Drumeo had a lot to offer. This school is huge with far more active users than Hive has. They make a lot of their videos public so you do not need to join for those. Members get access to a lot of exclusive content.

Their awards show had a lot of viewers, but then they did give away a lot of prizes. They have categories for Youtube, Instagram and TikTok drummers. Some of these people have hundreds of thousands of followers. We can only dream of Hive/3speak being added to that list.

It was only when watching the awards show that I learned that they also have a blog with various drumming news.

Musicradar

Musicradar covers all sorts of musicians, but has a fair bit of drumming news, reviews and tutorials. I like to see what new gear is available even if I will not buy much of it. The big NAMM trade show is on right now, so there are lots of announcements.

Magazines

Although I bought hundreds of guitar magazines over the years I have yet to buy a drumming one. I just do not buy many magazines these days as so much is available online. Modern Drummer has been around a long time (since 1977). A lot of their content is behind a paywall. DRUM! has lots you can read for free, but it tends to be old. The good thing about many music articles is that they can be relevant at any time.

A recent find was Drumming Review which is purely online. They seem to publish new articles most weeks and cover a wide range of topics.

I just found The Drummer's Journal that does not seem to have had a issue in a few years, but old ones are available on the site.

Youtube

I could spend all day on Youtube just watching drumming videos, but I need to get on with actually playing. There are some people I will watch when they pop up on my feed.

El Estepario Siveriano is an amazing player. His speed is impressive, but he uses it creatively.

66samus does fun reviews.

Podcasts

I am a big fan of podcasts as they entertain me when I am running or travelling. Of course I looked some some around drumming. Drumeo have done some podcasts, but I tend to watch the videos of the current shows.

Stephen Taylor was one of the first online teachers I found. He has a podcast with some interesting pieces and interviews. Of course he advertises his school as that is how he makes a living.

Drum with Mike and Eddy is more conversational. Finding this video is the first time I have seen them as I usually just get the audio. They talk about technical aspects, but also just about what it is like to be a drummer. Eddy is currently playing with Busted.

A recent find was Breakfast with Vinnie. Vinnie Colaiuta has played with loads of big names including Sting and Jeff Beck. His shows are fairly short, but I love some insight into what these people get up to.

What about you?

I know I will be missing out on lots of cool stuff, but there are limited hours in each day. Where you go for drumming news, reviews and entertainment?

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