5 Odd Tips For Drumming Live
We are finally getting back to live shows! I have noticed an almost overwhelming amount of bands announcing shows and tours. So, for those drummers who have not played live in the past two years here are a few tips for you.
TIP #1 MARK OUT YOUR DRUM RUG
One of the most useful tips I use to help my setup time has been duck taping out my drum rug. You will usually see this with most professional performing drummers because it makes your set up time so much more efficient.
First, you will need a rug specifically for your drums if you don’t have one yet. I bought a cheap black rug for $20 at Walmart, or you can buy one of Meinl’s drum rugs. Second, buy neon colored duck tape, this will help you identify which rug is yours at shows with other bands. Third, outline your bass drum pedal and hi hat stand. I also put pieces of tape where my floor tom legs are and where the bass drum legs sit. Be as specific as you want to be!
TIP #2 BRING EXTRA IEM’S
There isn’t a more daunting feeling than getting on stage and realizing you forgot your in ear monitors at home, trust me I have been there. Purchase a back up pair and leave them somewhere that you know they will be. Personally I leave an extra pair in my stick bag for safe keepings.
TIP #3 DON’T FORGET TO STRETCH
An essential part of my warm up routine is stretching. Going on stage without stretching can lead to cramping and not being able to perform your parts. When I don’t stretch before playing live I tend to get tense. When this happens I start to panic internally and make mistakes because I start to worry that I won’t be able to perform double bass at the level I need to. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day of the show as well.
TIP #4 GIBRALTEAR STEALTH RACK
I recently purchased the Gibraltar Stealth Rack. The stealth rack allows me to mount my 12’ rack tom 18” crash 20” ride and 18” china. The rack has been an amazing improvement for my live setup. It is incredibly fast to put on stage and is super simple to setup. I highly recommend the stealth rack for all live performing drummers.
TIP #5 A GOOD NIGHT OF SLEEP
This should go without saying. Try and get the best sleep before your show as you can! A good night sleep will enable you to think clearly and will help you perform to your fullest!
Have fun out there when you are playing live, and I hope these tips help you perform to your fullest.
