Using drumming as the language to tell a story as a form of communication

I once spent 9 months preparing for a metal symphony which consisted of a string quartet, a small choir, and a metal band. The symphony consisted of 11 movements totaling 75 minutes of which I had to use drumming as the language to tell a story. If I ever had an opportunity to revisit Lord of the Rings on a darker and grittier plane, it was at this time. I consider drumming a form of communication and a language. In every language there are various ways to communicate ideas, thoughts, and emotions. Music as an art form covers all planes of communication ranging from poetry to politics, and love to tragedy. My personal favorite involves using the story telling approach.

Music can create epic adventures when using drumming as the language to tell a story

What I love most about science fiction, and fantasy is its tendency to be totally fantastical. Whether it’s a movie or book, it’s almost always epic in nature. Websters defines epic as “telling a story about a hero or exciting events or adventures” and/or “is usually very great or large and difficult or impressive.” Now throw in a 75 minute long piece of music with ebbs and flows and lyrics about the end of the world along with a metal band, string quartet, and a choir and you have something that requires more then just “pocket drumming”. The job of the drummer is not just to play in the pocket, but he/she needs to contribute to telling the story.

Everything should be intentional when Using drumming as the language

Every groove, every fill, every pause, every inflection should build, coast, or release tension. Everything should be intentional and match melodically or support what is happening in the song. I don’t care if the song is about love, poetry, animal rights, or how my cat was run over by the band bus on the way to the gig. Every single note should be played with intensity and intentionality as if you were telling an epic story about Frodo and the “One Ring”. Every good Jazz drummer will tell you that he/she sings the melody while soloing. When you force yourself to sing the melody you stop rambling and you start playing something that is meaningful.

Esteban Roybal
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A collaborative melodic groove fashions Esteban Roybal’s tasteful drumming approach and passionate musical obsession. Available for live shows, substitution dates and touring, Esteban Roybal is Intuitive Rock Drummer & Fusion Nerd. For more info on his drumming, booking and availability, visit:
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