A Drummer’s Guide To...

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.

🐺 Think you have to go it alone in music to prove yourself? In this episode of A Drummer’s Guide To... The Lone Wolf Trap, I’m breaking down the hidden cost of trying to build your career solo — and why real success is built with other people, not in isolation. 🎯 You’ll learn: • Why isolating yourself slows your progress • How to find your people (even if you’re shy) • The difference between using contacts and building genuine connections • What healthy networking looks like — without the cringe • How mentors, bandmates, and fellow creatives keep you sane and successful This one’s for you if you’ve been doing everything on your own, wondering why it feels so hard. You're not meant to go it alone. 🖤 🎧 Listen now on all podcast platforms and YouTube, and start building your career together. #MusicCareer #ProMusician #NetworkingTips #DrummersGuideTo #CreativeCommunity #MusicianMindset

🎯 Think you're either broke or famous if you want a career in music? Think again. In this episode of A Drummer’s Guide To..., I’m sharing the truth about the bit in between — the one no one talks about, but where most of us actually live (and thrive). 🛠️ You’ll learn: • The real range of sustainable music careers • Why viral fame doesn’t equal happiness (or money) • How to define success for your life and your values • Ways to diversify income streams without losing your creativity • How I’ve built a fulfilling career without being “big” — and why I wouldn’t trade it If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough, or not going fast enough, or not being seen enough — this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen now, and let’s normalise being in the middle of the mountain ⛰️ 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on building a real, human, joyful career in music. #MusicCareer #ProMusician #CreativeLife #SustainableSuccess #DrummersGuideTo

Feeling overwhelmed by social media as a musician? This episode is your deep dive into crafting a clear, professional, and magnetic online presence. I share proven strategies for optimising your profiles, creating compelling content, and building real connections in the music world. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your social game, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you stand out and grow your career. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more practical music career advice every week! #SocialMediaDeepDive #MusicCareerTips #MusicianGrowth #DrummingCommunity

Feeling overwhelmed by all the things you need to do as a musician? Between teaching, performing, creating content, and managing your actual life… it can feel like you’re constantly behind or burning out. In this episode of A Drummer’s Guide To…, I’m sharing the systems and mindset shifts I’ve used to go from chaotic and overstretched, to focused and fulfilled in my creative work. In this video, you’ll learn: ✅ How to prioritise when everything feels urgent ✅ Simple tools to reduce decision fatigue ✅ The real reason you're overwhelmed—and how to fix it ✅ My exact weekly structure for balancing creativity, rest, and income 📌 New episodes every week — subscribe for more tips on surviving and thriving as a working musician. 👇 COMMENT below: What’s your biggest source of overwhelm right now? Let’s talk about it. #TheOverwhelmFix #MusicianLife #DrummerPodcast #ADrummersGuideTo #ProductivityForCreatives #MentalHealthForMusicians #CreativeRoutine

🔥 Feel like your creativity’s dried up? You’re not broken—this is part of the process. Whether you’re a drummer, musician, or creative of any kind, it’s normal to go through phases where inspiration feels completely out of reach. I’ve been there—burnt out, bored, and wondering if I’d lost my spark for good. In episode #187 of A Drummer’s Guide To... Reigniting Your Spark, I’m sharing: 🎯 Why periods of low motivation are actually necessary 🛠️ Simple, real-world strategies to reignite your inspiration 🧠 How to spot patterns in your creative slumps—and use them to your advantage 💡 Why stepping outside your comfort zone could be the reset you need Creativity doesn’t always look exciting. But sometimes the best growth comes in the quiet. 🎧 Tune in on YouTube or your favourite podcast platform. Just search A Drummer’s Guide To… 🌟 Want more support on your journey? Visit www.emilydrums.com/ama to submit a question #CreativeBlocks #MusicianMotivation #InspirationTips #MusicMindset #MusicianBurnout #ADrummersGuideTo #DrummerPodcast #ReigniteCreativity #MusicianSupport #MentalHealthForMusicians

💥 This is the real reason you’re feeling lost in your music career right now... 💔 Are you a musician who's been through big life or career changes—and suddenly feel like you don’t even know who you are anymore? 😔 I’ve been there. From leaving a high-profile gig, to divorce, to a total career and identity shake-up… I know what it’s like to feel completely untethered. 🙌 But here’s the good news: those moments don’t have to break you—they can build you. 🎙 In episode #186 of A Drummer’s Guide To... Shaken, Then Stronger, I’m sharing: ✔️ How identity shifts can fuel personal and professional growth ✔️ The truth about bouncing back when life knocks you sideways ✔️ Why optimism, curiosity, and support are your superpowers in tough transitions 👀 If you’re at a crossroads in your career or life, this episode is for you. 🎧 Search A Drummer’s Guide To... on YouTube or your favourite podcast app to tune in. 🥰 Got a question for a future episode? Head to www.emilydrums.com/ama #ADrummersGuideTo #MusicianLife #MusicCareer #IdentityShift #CreativeTransitions #MentalHealthForMusicians #MusicIndustryTips #BehindTheScenes #CareerChange

📌 The REAL reason you're not getting hired as a musician… isn’t your playing. 🎯 Are you a talented musician, putting in the hours, but still struggling to land gigs, connect with the right people, or build momentum in your career? 😬 I’ll be the first to admit — for years I thought my playing would speak for itself. But in this episode, I reveal why that mindset kept me invisible to the very people I was trying to impress. 🎙 In Episode #185 of A Drummer’s Guide To... The Skill of Being Seen, I’m breaking down: 🎭 Why visibility is a skill — and how to build it with purpose 📱 The key elements of a musician’s online presence that actually get noticed 🔄 The truth about consistency vs. perfection in your content 🤝 How to build genuine relationships in-person and online 🚫 The common mistake that makes great musicians look unprofessional (and how to fix it fast) 👀 If this has piqued your interest and you're ready to start showing up like a pro, then listen to episode #185 – The Skill of Being Seen – available on all podcast platforms and right here on YouTube! 🎧 And if you’re serious about building a sustainable, fulfilling career as a professional musician, subscribe to A Drummer’s Guide To... for new episodes every week

🎯 Is this the REAL reason you’re not landing the gigs you want? ✨ It’s not just about chops—it’s about how you show up. 🎸 Are you a musician who’s “good enough” but still struggling to get hired – especially when it really counts? 😬 I’ll be the first to admit, for years I unknowingly gave off “don’t trust me” energy. I was insecure, doubting myself, and wondering why the opportunities weren’t coming. 🎙 In episode #184 of A Drummer’s Guide To… Showing Up Strong, I share: 🔹 What showing up strong actually means 🔹 How to project confidence (even when you’re not feeling it) 🔹 Why believing in yourself creates trust in others 🔹 Simple things you can do today to start shifting how people see you 👀 If this has piqued your interest, then check out podcast episode #184 – A Drummer’s Guide To… Showing Up Strong 📱 And if you’d like the curtain to be lifted further on how to create a sustainable career as a professional musician, then search for A Drummer’s Guide To… on all good podcasting platforms and YouTube!

📣 Are you a musician playing with mates, but don’t know how to pivot into the pro world? 👀 If you’re a musician who is confident in their skills and playing with friends but want to take the leap into the professional world without knowing where to start, then you might like my podcast episode #183 - A Drummer's Guide To... From Hobbyist To Hired 🤯 For me there is definitely a mind-shift that had to happen from playing with friends to wanting to pursue music as a profession 🎧 In this episode, #183 - A Drummer's Guide To... From Hobbyist To Hired I share the things that I feel would get a hobbyist over the threshold into the professional sphere: 🙋‍♀️ The importance of getting out there in the flesh, and how I tackled that as someone with major social anxiety 💪 How I used and use social media to leverage every interaction 💬 How I made contact with people to get some insight into the professional world 👀 If this has piqued your interest, then check out my podcast episode #183 - A Drummer's Guide To... From Hobbyist To Hired 🎙 And if you’d like the curtain to be lifted further on how to create a sustainable career as a professional musician, then search for A Drummer's Guide To... on all good podcasting platforms and YouTube 🥰 Support this podcast now on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/emilydrums #ADrummersGuideTo #Podcast #MusicPodcast #EducationPodcast #BusinessPodcast #promusicians #musicianproblems #musiciansofig #sessionmusician #musicianlifestyle #diymusician #sessiondrummer #musiceducation #musicianslife #behindthescenes #musicindustry