Being a drummer means being a driver, not a passenger.

The drummer is the wind in the sails. We make the ship go. It is known among musicians that a mediocre band with a great drummer can sound really great. The opposite is also true. A great band with a bad drummer won't sound very good.

Obviously this statement can be applied to all instruments, but it is perhaps more true of drummers. Why? I believe that the drummer is the backbone of the band. By being in charge of the right tempo, by controlling the dynamic intensity, the drummer can make the song sing. Why do Western producers still continue to invite live drummers when all other instruments are programmed?


The drummer doesn't just keep up the pace. Of course, keeping the pace is our main concern and the most technical drummer with no sense of timing is as useful to the band as a bicycle is to a fish. A drummer who keeps time clearly gives the rest of the band creative freedom and enhances the overall performance.

There are, however, other features in drumming. The drummers accent, embellish and change the beat to make it come alive. Whether we're talking about swing, reggae, funk or metal, it's part of the drummer's job to highlight and emphasize the beat.

Drummers also have tremendous power within the rhythm section when it comes to dynamics. By adjusting his volume level, the drummer forces all the other musicians in the group to obey, forming the contours of the song.

Drummers provide individuality to the band. Drummers such as Elvin Jones, Stuart Copeland, Chris "Papa" Dave, Benny Greb, Pugie Bell or Carlton Barrett are musicians with strong, unique voices for their instruments. They bring style to the music they play. The ability to understand what a song needs and give it the right sound and style is an art that drummers must develop in order to be able to do their job well. Drummers must lead the band.

A group of rhythmically and dynamically unreliable drummer - a group without a solid foundation. Always think about it.