What's a "Podcast"?
You might think of a podcast as a radio or TV "show". It's simply a file, containing information that you can either view here, or download and check it out later. It can be text, voice or other audio, video, links to resources, and can even include PDF documents. Now that this standard has become a part of our culture, I see the value in sharing information this way.
They are FREE! You don't have to "sign up", "subscribe", or divulge any personal information to see them. The great technical thing about the file format is that they can be played on your home computer, using your web browser, QuickTime, or iTunes, or on your iPod, or any device that can play QuickTime files. It's portable! Once the series begins, you can watch them here, download them, or "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" to a series of podcasts, and receive them automatically... like a "newsletter" of sorts. No charge, and no "catch".
Why make podcasts?
I currently have several PDF documents on my Hot Topics page, which are excerpts from my book, "Drumming for Life™". If you want to print copies of those articles, that's a good way to go. Podcasts, on the other hand, provide several different advantages, and if done right, are more interesting... A podcast can include, for example:
- Audio
- Photos and Animation
- Video
- Built-in links to other resources
- Embedded documents
- Photos and Animation
This little preview just shows you the episode format. When actual episodes are produced, there will be several minutes spent on each category.
All episodes will be archived here, so you can refer back to any previous one whenever you like. I think you'll like the format when you see it. It's flexible and compact.
Since Apple invented and developed the idea, the obvious place to find out everything about podcasting is on Apple's Podcasting Info Page. There you'll find the technical specs., FAQ, etc..
What will be in my podcast series?
Like an ongoing magazine, it will include regular "columns", so that each episode will include articles on:
- News - informing you of new things on this site, to save you some time searching
- Technical Tips - Text, Audio, and Video
- Equipment issues
- Recording tips and examples
- Words of Wisdom ("Tips from old guys")
- Writing tips and examples
- Links to resources
- How to... (Answering YOUR questions)
It's not "The Mike James Method".
Because of the people I admire, I'd feel silly doing that today. I don't feel that my methods are the only ones that work, and I certainly don't present myself as anything but a working drummer. But, I have been doing it for a long time, (since 1964) and there are things I can share that I think you'll find helpful.
Bonus! Several very talented drummer friends of mine have agreed to submit their experiences, ideas, and tips too. We'll be freely sharing all of our information with you, and also answering your questions. We'll present these things in a very down-to-Earth, simple way, and it's up to you to use the information as you wish. As with my book, the goal is to help fellow drummers with HOW to play, not WHAT to play.
I'm guessing that I'd produce a new episode every 60 to 90 days. We'll see how it goes..
"Secrets"...
It's my opinion that there aren't any secrets... just "things we don't know yet".
Nearly all of us can watch a great drumming video for example, and ultimately understand what that drummer did. Learning to execute it, with your body, your experience, and your equipment is an entirely different matter. Of course, inventing and reacting creatively calls for freer thinking. You'll find it difficult to be positively creative though, if you're stumbling with technique. You have to be able to play your instrument intuitively first. So, we'll look at these techniques. Use them, and you'll not only learn them, but you'll probably develop them into something personal. That's how we all do it.
When a drummer does something that seems impossible at first, we call it "superior technique". Later, when we learn what it is, and possibly how to do it, we call it a "trick". A superior drummer knows a million tiny things, that add up to what they are. Nearly every technique and approach can be understood. You simply decide to learn the techniques, and then do it until you get it right. Some people are natural geniuses. Others take a lifetime to learn. Whatever you are, it's best to start sooner than later.
Aptitude...
Regardless of our dedication and hard work, we will not all become "stars". Some people simply have the telent, physical and/or mental ability, training, time, money, "breaks", management, luck, partners, or whatever, to "make it". Some do not. That doesn't mean you're a "failure" or "incompetent", so don't ever get discouraged, if drumming is really what you want to do. Just keep trying... It'll make you better, and you'll feel better, having made the effort. The rewards are great for those that continue to develop.