Post-rock is a genre characterized by its atmospheric and cinematic soundscapes, combining elements of rock, ambient, and experimental music. As a drummer in a post-rock band, your drum kit plays a crucial role in creating the expansive and emotive textures that define the genre. In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting up your drum kit for post-rock. From drum sizes and materials to cymbal choices and drumhead selection, we’ll explore the key elements to consider when configuring your kit to build the evocative soundscapes that post-rock is known for.
- Drum Sizes and Materials: Post-rock music often calls for a balanced and versatile drum sound that complements a wide range of dynamics and moods. Consider drum sizes that offer a moderate volume and projection, allowing for a blend of power and subtlety. Opt for a bass drum around 20 to 22 inches for a balanced low-end thump. Choose rack toms between 10 and 12 inches and a floor tom between 14 and 16 inches for a balanced range of tones. Drum shells made from versatile woods like maple or birch are commonly used in post-rock, as they provide a warm and resonant tone with good sustain.
- Snare Drum Selection: The snare drum serves as the focal point of your drum sound in post-rock, providing the pulse and textural elements that enhance the atmospheric nature of the music. Look for a snare drum that offers versatility, sensitivity, and a wide tuning range. Consider a medium-sized snare drum, around 5.5 to 6.5 inches in depth, for a balance of attack and body. Choose a snare drum that provides a crisp and articulate sound, allowing for expressive playing and nuanced dynamics. Experiment with different snare drum materials, such as wood or metal, to find the desired tone that complements the mood of the music.
- Cymbal Choices: Cymbals play a crucial role in creating the ethereal and shimmering sound of post-rock. Opt for cymbals that offer a wide dynamic range and a sense of expansiveness. Look for ride cymbals that provide a balanced mix of stick definition and wash, allowing for controlled crashes and atmospheric swells. Choose crash cymbals that offer a rich and full-bodied sound with a relatively quick decay. Hi-hats should have a crisp and articulate sound, capable of producing subtle and nuanced rhythms. Consider experimenting with cymbals that have unique characteristics, such as rivets or sizzles, to add further texture and ambience to your drumming.
- Drumhead Selection: Selecting the right drumheads is crucial for achieving the desired sound in post-rock drumming. Opt for drumheads that offer a balance between attack and sustain. Consider clear drumheads on the toms to provide brightness and clarity, allowing your drums to cut through the mix while still maintaining warmth. For the snare drum, choose a drumhead that provides a balance of sensitivity, articulation, and controlled ring. Experiment with different drumhead combinations and dampening techniques to achieve the desired level of sustain and resonance for your post-rock soundscapes.
- Incorporating Percussion and Auxiliary Instruments: Post-rock often incorporates various percussion and auxiliary instruments to add depth and layers to the music. Consider adding instruments such as chimes, bells, or glockenspiels to your drum kit setup, positioning them within easy reach for seamless integration into your playing. Explore using brushes, mallets, or other alternative implements to evoke different textures and moods. Experiment with additional percussion instruments such as shakers, tambourines, or hand drums to enhance the atmospheric quality of your drumming.
Conclusion: Setting up your drum kit for post-rock involves careful consideration of drum sizes, materials, cymbal choices, drumhead selection, and the incorporation of percussion and auxiliary instruments. By choosing drum sizes that offer balance and versatility, selecting a versatile and responsive snare drum, opting for cymbals that provide a wide dynamic range and shimmering textures, using drumheads that offer attack and sustain, and exploring the integration of additional percussion instruments, you can create an instrument that captures the evocative and atmospheric nature of post-rock music. Remember to immerse yourself in the genre by listening to post-rock recordings, studying the drumming styles of influential post-rock drummers, and practicing with a focus on dynamics, subtlety, and musicality. With the right drum kit setup, you’ll be ready to embark on a sonic journey, building captivating soundscapes and contributing to the rich tapestry of post-rock music.
