.png)
Breaking into the international music scene isn't just a Herculean effort; it's also a maze of relationships with label execs, managers, and other industry players.
But don't lose hope!
The adage "everyone gets a shot" holds some truth. By following key strategies, you can be ready when your moment comes. Whether you make it big or not, you'll find fulfillment in giving your dream your all. And if you do hit it big? Get ready for an exhilarating journey of world tours, electrifying performances, and making connections, all while earning a living doing what you love.
Cracking the international stage starts with one non-negotiable: talent. If you're not there yet, invest in top-notch training.
Seek out the best instructors you can find and dedicate yourself daily—no shortcuts, no excuses. Quality trumps quantity, so even if premium lessons stretch your budget, opt for less frequent but more impactful sessions.
Daily practice is essential, whether it's for a few minutes or several hours. Your passion for drumming must be unwavering, as it will inevitably show in your performance.
Record yourself, scrutinize your skills against your drumming idols, and pinpoint areas for improvement.
Ready to dive deep?
Here are some must-read books to accelerate your drumming mastery:
Stick Control
Master Studies
The New Breed
The Art of Bop Drumming
Future Sounds
Modern Rudimental Swing Solos for the Advanced Drummer
Selecting a musical style to specialize in is only the starting line. To truly master it, you'll need a deep-dive analysis into the genre and its roots.
Take funk drumming, for example. Understanding its essence requires studying its predecessors and influences—Blues, Jazz, Motown, R&B, and even Latin rhythms.
To become a top-tier drummer in your chosen style, you must fully immerse yourself. Don't just dabble; dominate the genre.
Work hard at not only mastering a certain genre of music, but also at having your own style and sound. Stay true to yourself, be creative, and you can go far. If you don’t know what your sound is then do some soul searching.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Just thinking about and answering these questions can help get you in the right direction.
Don't just wait for opportunities; seize them. Identify where the industry leaders congregate and make your presence felt. Network proactively by initiating contact with musicians and professionals you admire. Always have a business card handy, but exercise subtlety—being pushy won't get you far.
In the early stages, accept every gig you're offered to gain visibility and experience. Even if it's for low or no pay, your enthusiasm and professionalism will pay dividends. Never underestimate anyone you meet; you never know who might give you that big break.
Build a reputation for reliability and skill. People tend to collaborate with those they know and trust, so demonstrate that you're both a team player and a professional.
Venture beyond your comfort zone—attend jam sessions, networking events, or other venues where you can meet potential collaborators. Effective networking also requires social finesse. Be charismatic, genuine, and intelligent in your interactions, ensuring people remember you for all the right reasons.
Maintain a positive, professional demeanor—people prefer working with agreeable individuals. Your talent alone won't guarantee gigs; personal relationships often play a significant role, even at elite levels. The music industry is brimming with talent, so those who excel both musically and personally get the call for opportunities.
Develop resilience and be open to constructive criticism. When you're part of a tour, understand that you're not the one calling the shots. You'll need to be adaptable, aligning your performance with the expectations of the bandleader, managers, and fellow musicians. Always aim to contribute effectively to the group dynamic and musical output.
Hone your setup and teardown process for efficiency—being a seamless touring partner can significantly boost your likeability.
Anticipate playing on different drum sets while on tour; it's a common scenario unless you're a megastar.
Typically, you'll encounter backline kits at most gigs. Embrace these experiences; they'll actually expand your versatility as a drummer.
Performing even in nearby countries boosts your credentials and truly makes you an international drummer.
It broadens your network and elevates your profile, even if you're not globe-trotting across continents.
The essence of being an "international" drummer isn't necessarily marked by the number of countries you perform in.
For example, residing in Canada, I'm fortunate to be just an hour away from the U.S. border, with numerous cities within an eight-hour drive, enabling me to easily arrange small tours.
With the rise of YouTube, self-marketing avenues have transformed dramatically. Many drummers are seizing online platforms to elevate their careers. It's an ideal space to showcase a polished demo reel, which can be invaluable when bands are seeking new members.
High-quality YouTube content doesn't require professional gear—recent smartphone models and a decent condenser mic will suffice.
This also technically is an international touring drummer, but probably not the one you are thinking about. There are plenty of perks to being a cruise ship drummer, including: Performing with professional musicians, improving upon reading skills and improving on social skills; all of which are necessary to reach the top level.
There’s also plenty of down time during the day to practice.
Understanding electronics is crucial for modern drummers, whether you're in a recording studio or performing on a festival stage.
Familiarize yourself with triggers, in-ear monitors, and essential recording software to stay relevant in the industry.
As traditional studio opportunities become increasingly rare, many professionals are setting up home studios. Investing in an in-home setup not only enables you to conduct professional recording sessions but also significantly enhances your marketability.
Aiming for international-level drumming? Study the pros who've made it there. Listen to them—better yet, listen to all of them.
Observe their techniques in various settings. Analyze their drumming dynamics, equipment choices, and even how they tune their drums.
Do they use in-ear monitors or click tracks? What's their go-to cymbal brand and stick size? Becoming a keen observer now sets the foundation for mastering the art later.
For help on where to get started in your studies, check out my article about the Top Drummers To Study In Each Genre
Though often tucked away at the back of the stage, drummers hold a unique vantage point. They not only keep the rhythm but can also critically assess the band's arrangement.
Taking on the role of bandleader may be challenging but offers creative control over the project's direction. This entails meticulous organization and excellent communication, not to mention skills in composition and arrangement.
Success here means potentially higher pay and, if you're also the songwriter, royalties. Yet, among all these responsibilities, never overlook the importance of interpersonal relationships within the band.
Think of your group as a family—keep the vibes positive, and the music will naturally flourish.
Taking the initiative to book gigs, assemble a band, and cultivate an audience is a strategic move to establish your own music scene. Start with a consistent, perhaps weekly, gig and couple it with targeted social media promotion. Aim for quality music and a cohesive band, and be realistic about attendance expectations to avoid disappointments. Consider hosting on slower nights initially to reduce the pressure of drawing large crowds.
Once you build a following, then you can consider transitioning to busier nights and negotiating guaranteed pay. But exercise caution: don't make premature demands that could jeopardize the gig. Keep the band atmosphere relaxed and positive, and you'll create a sustainable music scene over time.
Securing a part-time job while pursuing your music career doesn't have to be a setback; it can be a strategic move. Such employment not only provides financial stability but can also offer skill-building opportunities relevant to the music industry. Opt for roles that allow for multitasking; perhaps a receptionist job where you can discreetly manage your own admin tasks (not that we're endorsing that, of course).
Explore roles within the drumming or broader music industry to expand your network and deepen your knowledge. Consider authoring a drum-method eBook, producing instructional videos, or working as a drum technician. If your job involves customer interaction, use it as an opportunity to subtly promote your musical projects—you might even land a gig or sell some albums. Keep your eyes on the prize, and turn every job into a stepping stone toward your dreams.
Teaching is a great way to make money while also honing your craft. You can practice along with the students, constantly brushing up on your fundamentals, and even learning things from the students from time to time.
Teaching can also be a great income as well as you can charge between $30-100/hr for your time, thus side-stepping the need to find some sort of alternative income.
You will be able to make the schedule as flexible as you’d like, to move with your performance schedule, and you can focus on teaching during slow days such as Mondays or Tuesdays, while maintaining a regular gigging schedule if you like.
No matter how hard you work, the realities of modern times are that there are fewer and fewer opportunities for musicians. There aren’t as many gigs as before, and the pay is lower. But if you work hard and learn the ins & outs of the industry then you will be ready when you get your shot. Learn the craft, study the industry, and go for it!
