Listen to the Music
Illustration by Justine Patrice Bacareza
Can you feel the music?
Imagine, the music starts to kick in, the crowd goes wild. Fans are shouting your name and everyone sings the songs that you’ve made. The drum rolls for the opening and the guitar lets out a big riff as the crowd grows louder.
There, bright lights begin to flash colorful flickers as they point to the man on the stage, asking the crowd, “Are you ready to rock?”.
The crowd, in full energy, answers out with a big “Yeah!”
Out there, the TV plays out your biggest hits and your latest album has reached No. 1 in the music charts. People want to be like you and some are envious with your success. You perform in front of an audience of ten thousand.
Now that’s something I look forward in life. A wonderful vibe that makes you feel alive. The euphoria when you see people enjoying the music you’ve played. That feeling of ecstasy as you play your instruments jamming out with the band. It feels good to be a musician making records, winning awards, topping the charts and getting praises.
Musician – seems like a general term right? Well yes it is.
“That seems so obvious”, you say. Quite contrary, I don’t want to be the singer since I have a bad voice, and the guitarist for that matter since I can barely play the instrument. I just want to be a drummer, blasting beats like there’s no tomorrow.
“But why a drummer?” you ask.
Let me tell you, I am a simple man. Music has always been a big part of my life. Listening to those bands and artists with good drum work really inspires me to become a drummer. Being there sitting on my small throne surrounded by bronze cymbals and percussion instruments, clutching my worn out drumsticks puts a smile on my face. It’s where I’m good at. Good in pulling complex beats and wicked fills. Plus, it’s fun.
It’s hypnotizing to see the hardware laid out before you. The deep bellow of the shells, the staccato of the snare, and the sharp crash of the cymbals calls out your name. The pleasure of thrashing about, hitting percussion with graceless freedom. Electronic drums or acoustic drums I can do it. Three-kits, four-kits, or a simple bass and snare I can play it. No matter, I groove to the beat and rhythm in any way I can.
If you ask me what’s my future for me as a drummer, I’ll be blunt.
Being big as a professional drummer in a respected rock band has always been my calling. When people appreciates your work and you start doing tours and gigs, that’s how you know that you’ve made it. They’ll see you as a man who stands side by side with the drum legends such as Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, John Bonham and Neil Peart. The drummer who can do paradiddles and ratamacues without breaking a sweat. The drummer who brings the musical personality to the band with fierce dynamics and intensity. The legacy you made as you watch people emulate the way you make drum kits work will be the fulfillment for my soul.
You make relationships with other upcoming and famous bands for collaborations. You make friends with the labels and recording artists who wants your style. You learn from them and evolve from your usual techniques. That’s the ultimate satisfaction.
If you’re wondering about the money, well it’s not always about the money. The job I take may not be financially secure but it’s what I want. I want myself to show the world the skills I possess and how dedicated I am in it. I did not chase for a menial job, it’s the thrill I seek. My heart has called to the music.
Now it isn’t easy to be a drummer. Took me years before I can move my arms and legs independently with each other and let’s not start how much time I’ve done practicing those rudiments and techniques. Drumming is what I love and what I do. After all, music is my life and my road is paved with sticks and pedals.
