Sometimes it’s time for change and to move on and sometimes things just wear out.
I have been performing as a solo acoustic musician since 2018. I have changed my gear, my approach, the songs and a lot of other things. I have grown a tremendous amount over the last 7 years and continue to learn everyday. I have continued to hone my songwriting skills and even started a duo this year, with my best friend. Life is good and it’s full of changes. Here’s the story.
Some of the early gear I invested in included a stomper block, the Logjam Logarhythm MK4 and a Latin Percussion LP foot tambourine. These were a great complement to playing the acoustic guitar and they added something different to my sound. A coworker then turned me onto Shakey Graves and I quickly realized, there was an even better way to get the sound I was after and that was a Pan American Drum Co. Suitcase Drum kit. Check out my recent article for more details. The Anatomy of a Suitcase.
Trading up from my stomper block and toe tambourine to a suitcase Drum kit, was pretty straightforward, except for one thing. The Suitcase Drum kit slides across the floor when played, just like a regular full size drum kit. My solution was not original, just tried and true. I purchased a rug, like most drummers do. I actually bought it from my daughter, who no longer had a use for it. What did it look like? It was a black 5 foot x 7 foot indoor/outdoor rug. It was not fancy, but it worked great. I have used it outside on grass, dirt, crushed stone, cement and inside on carpet, ceramic tile and hardwood floors.
The rug has been rolled up and rolled out at gigs at least 350 times. The jute backing is disintegrating and falling off the rug, much like a fresh dusting of snow. I just purchased its replacement. I did take a short pause to think about all the gigs that this rug has accompanied me on. It’s sad to move on. However, I now have a new rug to introduce to a whole new group of opportunities. Have an awesome day.