A Drummer’s Guide To...

You know that feeling when you’re good — genuinely good — yet you’re still playing the same pubs, the same tiny rooms, and wondering why you can’t break into the gigs you know you’re ready for? This week’s episode dives into Pete’s brilliant question: How do you break out of the pub circuit and start playing the gigs that actually move your career forward? If you’ve ever felt stuck… under-seen… or like your playing deserves better rooms, this one’s for you. Inside we cover: • Why talent alone isn’t enough (and what actually is) • How to get seen by the right musicians, MDs, and gig-getters • The psychological shift that gets you OUT of “pub loops” • How to find higher-level players who help you level up • Why comfort zones kill careers (and how to step out of yours) • The big mistake seasoned musicians make when trying to “get noticed” If you’ve been nodding along because this is exactly where you’re stuck… you don’t have to figure it out alone. 🎧 Listen now — it might be the perspective shift you needed. 🔗 And if you want personalised guidance, book a free 30-minute Coaching Taster Session via https://www.emilydrums.com

Ever wonder why some musicians get recommended constantly… while others get ignored? Episode 210 digs into the truth behind it — sparked by a great question from Charlie Purdie. Is a session career built through word of mouth… or through posting on social media? The answer is both — but not equally, and not in the way most musicians expect. In this episode: – Why live gig experience is still the foundation – How word of mouth really spreads – The role social media plays (and what it can’t do for you) – Why reliability beats flashiness – How to make your online presence work for you, not against you Got a question for a future episode? Send it over — I answer all of them. Want career support? Book a free discovery call (link in bio).

Today’s question comes from Joe Threlfall (@joe_threlfall_guitar) - a brilliant guitarist working in theatre pits who wants to break into touring productions. Joe asked: “What should I be posting to Stories vs pinned posts on Instagram… and is it okay to film practice clips off my phone? Also, what would actually help me get my next step into working on theatre tours?” In this episode, I break down: ⭐ What fixers really look for ⭐ The difference between Stories vs your public shop window (your grid + pinned posts) ⭐ What to film, what not to film, and why ⭐ How to build proof of experience when you’re not on a tour yet ⭐ Smart networking that doesn’t feel gross ⭐ The single biggest mistake musicians make on Instagram when trying to get booked If you’re trying to build a career in theatre, touring, or any pro gigging world — this one will help you clean up your online presence and make it so much easier for fixers to trust you. 💬 Got a question for a future episode? Submit yours (with as much detail as possible!) at emilydrums.com/AMA — I’d love to help.

⚡ Big changes ahead for A Drummer’s Guide To... ⚡ 🎧 From now on, episodes will focus on your questions - real situations, real struggles, and real wins from musicians like you. 💭 If there’s something you’re working through in your career that you’d like me to explore, I’d love to hear it. 👉 Head to emilydrums.com/AMA to send it in. #ADrummersGuideTo #MusicCareerAdvice #MusicianMindset #CreativeGrowth #PodcastUpdate

💥 In Episode 207 of A Drummer’s Guide To... Confidence No One Can Give You, I’m diving into the kind of confidence that doesn’t depend on anyone else’s approval, praise, or permission. 🎯 We all crave validation — but what happens when you stop chasing it and start building confidence from within? In this episode, we’ll unpack: • 🧠 The psychology behind self-confidence and why external validation is never enough • 🥁 How musicians can develop inner trust through practice, play, and self-reflection • 💪 Practical ways to notice your progress and actually believe in it • 🌱 How being your own biggest cheerleader builds resilience, motivation, and long-term success Whether you’re on stage, in the studio, or just figuring things out — this is about claiming your confidence as yours, not something to be given or taken away. 👇 Watch A Drummer’s Guide To... Confidence No One Can Give You now, and let’s start redefining what real self-belief feels like. 🎧 Listen on Spotify / Apple / YouTube 📩 DM me “coaching” on Instagram if you’d like to work together on building your creative confidence. #ADrummersGuideTo #ConfidenceNoOneCanGiveYou #SelfBelief #MusicianMindset #DrummingJourney #CreativeConfidence #SelfWorth

Being “easy to work with” is one of the biggest compliments a musician can get — but what happens when it goes too far? In this episode of A Drummer’s Guide To…, Emily Dolan Davies explores the fine line between being kind, professional, and adaptable… and losing yourself in the process. She shares personal stories of times she over-accommodated others — saying yes when she meant no, taking on too much to avoid rocking the boat, and confusing silence for professionalism. Through honest reflection and years of industry experience, Emily dives into the darker side of being “the nice one,” and how to rebuild confidence, boundaries, and self-respect without losing your warmth. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🎯 Why being “easy” can lead to resentment and burnout 💬 How to set boundaries without guilt or confrontation 🧠 The psychology behind people-pleasing in creative industries 💡 Practical ways to protect your time, energy, and self-worth 👉 Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Emily: emilydrums.com 👉 Submit questions or stories for future episodes: emilydrums.com/ama 👉 Follow Emily on Instagram: @HeyEmilyDrums

What happens when the music stops? When the noise, the hustle, the scrolling… all fade — and you’re left with yourself? In this episode, Emily Dolan Davies opens up about her lifelong discomfort with silence — how she used drumming and constant productivity to drown out difficult emotions, and what she’s learned over the last two years about sitting still, listening inward, and finding peace in the quiet. She explores: 🎧 Why silence feels so uncomfortable — psychologically and emotionally 🥁 How busyness and distraction keep us from processing feelings 💭 The link between silence, self-worth, and creativity ❤️ How learning to sit with discomfort can build emotional resilience If you’ve ever filled every spare moment with sound, work, or social media — this one’s for you. ✨ Try this: Practice sitting in silence for 10 minutes today. No distractions, no goals, just awareness. Notice what surfaces. 🎙️ Listen, reflect, and reclaim your calm. ➡️ Book your free discovery call: emilydrums.com ➡️ Ask a question anonymously: emilydrums.com/AMA ➡️ Follow on Instagram: @HeyEmilyDrums

Feeling stretched thin trying to be everywhere online? You’re not alone. In this episode, Emily shares how to find balance between your live gigs, remote recording, teaching, and the endless scroll of social media — without burning out or losing focus. 🎯 What you’ll learn: 🥁 How to balance live and studio content authentically 💬 When (and when not) to split your accounts ⚙️ The psychology of online identity for musicians ❤️ How to show your versatility without confusing your audience 💡 Why people follow connection, not categories If you’re trying to grow online while staying true to who you are — this one’s for you. Thanks to Jake P for this question too! 🎧 Watch A Drummer’s Guide To... Social Media Balance (Ep. 204) 📣 Book a free 30-minute discovery call: emilydrums.com 🎙️ Listen to all episodes: A Drummer’s Guide To... Podcast

Talking about money in music is awkward enough. But shame? That’s the hidden weight nearly every musician carries. In this episode, I open up about my own journey with money — the free gigs, the low fees, the times I felt like asking to be paid made me “less of an artist.” I share how shame shaped my early career, how I’ve learned to push past it, and why charging what you’re worth is not only okay — it’s essential. We’ll dig into: • Why so many musicians secretly feel shame about charging 💸 • The hidden costs of playing for free (and when it actually makes sense) • How to reframe “breadhead” stigma into professionalism • Negotiation strategies that don’t feel icky • Why your self-worth and your rates are more connected than you think If you’ve ever felt guilty, awkward, or ashamed about money in your music career — this one’s for you. 👉 Book a free discovery call with me here: emilydrums.com 👉 Support the podcast on Patreon: patreon.com/emilydrums

Are you waiting until you’re “perfect” before you go for it? In this episode, I dive into the real reason perfection holds musicians back — and why courage is the thing that moves your career forward. I’ll share my own stories of saying yes when I didn’t feel ready, the lessons I learned from failure, and why the moments I was most scared often became the ones that changed my career the most. 🎧 What you’ll learn in this episode: • Why perfectionism is secretly self-sabotage • How courage creates growth (and opportunities) • Practical ways to step out of your comfort zone 👉 Listen now, and if you’re ready to build confidence and momentum in your career, book a free discovery call at emilydrums.com. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode!

We’ve all heard it: “If you just put yourself out there, people will find you.” Here’s the truth: posting alone doesn’t build a career. In this episode I dig into: 👉 Why “build it and wait” leaves musicians stuck 👉 The missing ingredient between a polished feed and real gigs 👉 How to connect with the right people online without being spammy 👉 Daily outreach habits that actually lead to opportunities If you’re tired of posting and getting crickets, this episode will show you how to flip your socials into a tool that actually gets you work. 🎧 Listen to Episode 201 now and find out how to turn invisible into in demand.

This isn’t your usual polished podcast… In this special live episode, I opened the floor to YOUR questions, shared behind-the-scenes stories, and let the conversation flow completely unfiltered. We dug into everything from: 👉 Gigging (even if music isn’t your full-time job) 👉 Pre-show rituals and post-show habits (the good AND the bad) 👉 Rejection, resilience, and staying confident on stage 👉 Touring, West End pit work, and building a sustainable music career 👉 Silly hypotheticals (yes, including unicorns 🦄 vs dragons 🐉) This is raw, honest, and totally in the moment — the kind of episode you can’t script. 📩 Want to go deeper? Book a free discovery call and let’s talk about your music career: emilydrums.com 🎧 Listen. Laugh. Learn. Feel seen. This is what “Live & Unfiltered” is all about.

Welcome to Episode 199 of A Drummer’s Guide To… Getting Called Out! This week, I’m sharing a raw and uncomfortable part of my journey — when I was publicly called out for not being authentic online. At first, it felt humiliating…but it became one of the most powerful lessons in vulnerability and accountability I’ve ever learned. Inside this episode, I’ll cover: 😳 What happened when I was exposed for fake followers and automated comments 💡 Why accountability creates deeper trust than perfection ever could 🎶 How mistakes on stage (yes, I’ve made plenty!) actually brought me closer to bandmates 🤝 Why vulnerability is the bridge to stronger relationships in music and beyond If you’ve ever struggled with self-esteem, feared making mistakes, or worried about being “found out,” this episode is for you. 👉 Listen now and let’s reframe rejection, mistakes, and shame into growth. 🎧 Plus: if you’re ready to get personal guidance on your music career, book a free discovery call with me at emilydrums.com.

Rejection stings. It’s personal, it’s painful, and it can leave you questioning whether you’re good enough. But here’s the truth: rejection isn’t a dead end — it’s data. In this episode, I share the rejections that shaped my career (and nearly broke me), and how I reframed them into lessons, resilience, and growth. From missed gigs to failed auditions, every “no” carried a hidden “next step.” ✅ Why rejection hurts so much — and how to take back control ✅ The hidden reasons you might get turned down (that no one tells you) ✅ How to turn setbacks into setups for future success ✅ Practical steps to reframe rejection as feedback, not failure If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I just not good enough?” this episode will change how you see rejection forever. 👉 Listen now to Episode 198: Rejection Redefined and let’s rewrite the story together.

🔥 Think posting on Instagram is enough to grow your music career? Think again. In episode #197 — A Drummer’s Guide To... Posting Isn’t Enough, I’m breaking down the real reason musicians get stuck at “likes” and never land the gigs. You’ll learn: 🎯 The biggest Instagram mistakes that quietly cost you opportunities 🤝 How to turn followers into paying clients without feeling salesy 📲 My exact networking strategy that got me gigs straight from my phone 💡 How to make your profile a magnet for the RIGHT people If you’ve been posting and praying, this episode will show you how to actually get noticed, booked, and paid. 🎧 Listen to episode #197 — Posting Isn’t Enough now and turn your IG from a time-waster into your most powerful gig-getting tool.

Ever found yourself stuck between your own career goals and commitments you've made to others? You're not alone. In this episode, I’m talking about one of the hardest parts of building a career in music: letting people down. Whether it’s leaving a band, turning down a gig, or backing out of a commitment that no longer serves you — this one’s for you. I’ll walk you through: • Why disappointing others is sometimes the right move • How to handle guilt and anxiety when choosing yourself • The mindset shift that helped me stop sacrificing my career out of obligation If you’ve ever made (or avoided) a difficult decision out of fear of hurting someone else’s feelings… this episode might be exactly what you need to hear. 

🎧 This one’s a wake-up call. In this episode, I’m breaking down the sneaky ways we self-sabotage in our music careers — and how to stop. From fear disguised as logic to procrastination dressed up as “research,” this is a raw, real talk on the hard truths most musicians avoid. If you’ve ever said: 👉 “There’s no work out there” 👉 “I’m just not ready yet” 👉 “I’ll focus on this after [insert excuse here]” ...then this episode is a must-listen. Inside, we’ll talk about: 🔥 Why confirmation bias is stalling your career 🔥 How to build confidence without fake hype 🔥 Using jam nights, content, and community on purpose 🔥 Why perfectionism is the enemy of progress 🔥 How to replace passive hope with meaningful action 🎯 You’ll leave with honest strategies to stop unintentionally killing your own momentum — and a reminder that you're capable of so much more.

If you’ve ever looked at your age or your past and thought, “I’ve missed my chance,” this episode is for you. 👀 ⁠ I’m diving into one of the most common fears I hear from musicians: "Is it too late to make music my career?" ⁠ In this episode, I’m sharing: 🎵 Why your age isn’t a barrier — it's actually a superpower 💥 How life experience adds emotional depth to your playing 🧠 The subtle ways stereotypes around age, gender, race & goals limit us 🎯 How to reframe “missed opportunities” and start fresh — at any age ⁠ Whether you're 21 or 61, there is a place for you in this industry — and it's never too late to take your next step. ⁠ 💌 Want support making that leap? DM me "coaching" or visit emilydrums.com/coaching.

Let’s be honest: sometimes what’s holding us back isn’t lack of talent, it’s avoiding the truth. In this episode, I’m sharing the unfiltered advice I’d give you if I wasn’t afraid of hurting your feelings — because sugar-coating doesn’t create progress. We’ll talk about: • Why talent doesn’t guarantee success • The difference between busy and effective • How avoiding discomfort is secretly costing you gigs • The harsh realities of professional musicianship no one talks about • And what to actually do if you feel stuck right now This episode is full of hard-won wisdom from years on the road, in studios, and navigating the ever-changing music industry. It’s the truth I wish someone had told me sooner. 💬 Listen in. Get uncomfortable. And grow stronger because of it.

😬 Got rehearsals coming up for a big gig… and no idea what to expect? You're not alone — no one teaches you what actually happens in pro rehearsals. That feeling of “I hope I’m doing this right”? I’ve been there — and this episode is here to help you ditch the panic and show up ready. In A Drummer’s Guide To... Rehearsal Rundown 101, I cover: 🥁 How to prep before you even walk in 🤐 What happens when you don’t ask questions (and how to fix it) 📋 What MDs and artists expect from you 🍱 Why a heated lunchbox might just save your sanity Whether it’s your first arena gig or your biggest gig yet, this episode will take away the guesswork. 🎙 Listen to A Drummer’s Guide To... Rehearsal Rundown 101 wherever you get your podcasts 📺 Or watch on YouTube.