Music Entertainment Magazine Column One

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Dear Roxy,

I play drums well, but I'd like to incorporate more double-bass. How do I improve my strength and on my under used foot? - Gregg Sanford

Hi Gregg... Start by keeping time using your left kick. That will take some practice but it'll definitely build up your foot. Another good exercise is to play simple beats alternating left and right kicks on the one and three. Be creative, anything you do with the right do with the left. Practice sixteenth notes back and forth until it burns and do it everyday. Pick up the Funky Primer drum book by Charles Dowd and listen to Tommy Aldridge!
Slam away my friend!

Dear Roxy,

I have great ideas for songs in a band I'm in. But I'm seen as just the "Timekeeper". How can I contribute more to the overall songwriting process? - Tim DeLand

Hi Tim... "Just the timekeeper"? ... that's funny! Without a 'timekeeper' there is no song! I'm not a guitarist but when I have song ideas I'll get them across however I can even if it means humming the melody or lick to a band member. I've experimented rock licks on a clarinet, imagine that! If you're a lyricist then submit your lyrics, don't be shy. If you think you have great ideas then share them anyway you can. If all of your bandmates think your ideas suck, well then keep slammin' the skins... in the pocket!

Dear Roxy,

When my band's live at a club, I'm having trouble hearing the guitar vocals despite my monitors. As a drummer, what should I do? - Rick, Daytona

Hi Rick... Communicate with your monitor man, your drum mix is probably to hot. Turn down your overall drum mix or take them out of your monitor completely and have the guitars and vox turned up. I don't like a loud drum mix in my monitor. The lower the drum mix the harder the play.
I love playin' live!

Dear Roxy,

Sometimes I play 5A sticks, sometimes I play 5B, and sometimes I just pick up whatever's cheaper. Does it matter? And what do you use? - Beginner Bobby, Flager Beach

Hi Bobby... If you're playing hard rock then go with 5B, I use 5B wood tips. I find that the 5A's break easily but everyone has their preference. Use both and eventually you'll feel comfortable with one or the other. Rock On!

Got a question for the Slammin' Groove Queen? E-Mail 'em to groovequeen@musicentertainmentmagazine.com and we'll see if we can talk Roxy in to doing some more of these columns.

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