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Ben Sharp: From Teaching Drums, YUNGBLUD and The UK Drum Show

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Ben Sharp: From Teaching Drums, YUNGBLUD and The UK Drum Show

For Ben Sharp, becoming the drummer for YUNGBLUD wasn’t the result of a carefully planned career move or a high-profile audition. It actually began with a chance meeting more than a decade ago.

Sharp first met Dominic Harrison when the future YUNGBLUD frontman was just 15. Fourteen years later, after years of teaching drums, playing functions and working his way through the music industry, Sharp finally received the call that would change everything.

“I did have, like, a little preemptive with Dom before anything happened,” he explains. “The first thing I hit with him (Dom) was the Live Lounge, which had obviously been a bucket list for everyone.”

At the time, Sharp was still working as a peripatetic drum teacher in schools around Leeds. The sudden run of YUNGBLUD-related work arrived during the chaos of COVID, with appearances including the MTV EMA Awards being filmed in warehouses rather than performed live.

But stepping onto the stage with YUNGBLUD required more than simply playing the songs. Sharp quickly discovered that Dom wanted something bigger.

“He just turned around and was just like, ‘I need more from you.’”

The result has been a live drumming style built around energy and controlled chaos. With YUNGBLUD shows renowned for their unpredictability, Sharp says every performance requires the band to trust each other, particularly when they don’t know exactly what Dom might do next.

That philosophy is reflected in his kit, too. His current setup features a 22″ bass drum, 13″ rack tom, and 16″ and 18″ floor toms, alongside a bell brass main snare and phosphorus bronze auxiliary snare.

“It’s a big rock gig, so we wanted the big rock sound,” he says.

Now Sharp is preparing for another first: his debut appearance at The UK Drum Show, where he’ll take part in Mike Dolbear’s masterclass room on Sunday 25 October.

His session promises to be a diverse one, featuring YUNGBLUD material, comparisons between recorded and live interpretations and some more technical material he has written with a collaborator.

Despite playing arenas in front of 10,000 or 20,000 people, Sharp admits that performing in front of hundreds of drummers could actually be more nerve-wracking.

“…I think I’m going to be pretty scared,” Ben said whilst talking about his upcoming performance.

For Sharp, The UK Drum Show is also a long-standing ambition finally being realised. And his advice to the next generation of drummers is refreshingly simple: keep working, stay positive and don’t impose a deadline on yourself.

“I just don’t ever think there is no time limit. So don’t put a time constraint on yourself. Just keep working and working. And one day if the call comes, be ready.”

After years of grinding away behind the kit, Ben Sharp knows exactly what it means when that call finally arrives.

Millenium unveils the MPS-1500 E-Drum Kit

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Millenium unveils the MPS-1500 E-Drum Kit

The Millenium MPS-1500 Hybrid-X combines the look and feel of an acoustic drum kit with the boundless versatility of cutting-edge e-drum technology. Featuring real wood shells in full-drum-size, the revolutionary Nexus Multi-Percussion Pad, and a massive sound library – this set raises the bar for the stage, studio, and rehearsal room. Authentic rebound, deep sound customization, and flexible signal routing, the MPS-1500 Hybrid-X delivers the best of both worlds for dual drummers.

Say goodbye to scaled-down shell sizes and toy-like feel: With a full-size 22″x16″ bass drum, a 13″x5.5″ snare, and 10″, 12″, and 14″ toms, the MPS-1500 Hybrid-X offers the familiar playing feel of a real acoustic set. The dual-zone mesh head pads guarantee ultra-precise head and rim triggering, while maintaining an extremely low acoustic noise level.

The Millenium MPS-1500 Hybrid-X combines the look and feel of an acoustic drum kit with the boundless versatility of cutting-edge e-drum technology. Featuring real wood shells in full-drum-size, the revolutionary Nexus Multi-Percussion Pad, and a massive sound library – this set raises the bar for the stage, studio, and rehearsal room. Authentic rebound, deep sound customization, and flexible signal routing, the MPS-1500 Hybrid-X delivers the best of both worlds for dual drummers.

Say goodbye to scaled-down shell sizes and toy-like feel: With a full-size 22″x16″ bass drum, a 13″x5.5″ snare, and 10″, 12″, and 14″ toms, the MPS-1500 Hybrid-X offers the familiar playing feel of a real acoustic set. The dual-zone mesh head pads guarantee ultra-precise head and rim triggering, while maintaining an extremely low acoustic noise level.

Serving as the heart of the setup is the powerful Millenium Nexus Multi-Percussion Pad. It not only impresses with 3,622 sounds and 160 kits (80 presets, 80 user kits), but also features 9 standalone pads on top. Effortlessly navigate through menus, effects, and trigger settings via the crisp 4.3″ color display. Best of all: The Nexus Pad can easily be used as a standalone unit and is compact enough to take anywhere.

Set configuration

22″x16″ Bass Drum Pad
13″x5.5″ Dual-Zone Snare Pad
10″x06″ Dual-Zone Tom Pad
12″x06″ Dual-Zone Tom Pad
14″x14″ Dual-Zone Floor Tom Pad
13″ Dual-Zone 2-piece Hi-Hat Pad with Controller
2x 15″ Dual-Zone Crash Pads with Choke function
18″ Triple-Zone Ride Pad with Choke function

SABIAN and Ray Luzier Launch the 21″ AA MantaRay Chinese

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SABIAN and Ray Luzier Launch the 21″ AA MantaRay Chinese

SABIAN is proud to announce the release of the 21″ AA MantaRay Chinese, a distinctive new signature accent cymbal developed in collaboration with Ray Luzier of Korn.

Created through an extensive year-long collaboration, the MantaRay began with Luzier’s idea for an accent cymbal that could deliver the explosive attack of a China while getting out of the way quickly—cutting through a powerful mix without leaving behind the harsh, lingering wash.

Its unique asymmetric 21″ profile produces a bold, lower-pitched attack with trashy character, powerful projection and an immediate, controlled decay. The result is a musical and articulate accent voice that sits naturally alongside the rest of the kit, whether on stage or in the studio. Its unmistakable MantaRay shape makes the cymbal as visually striking as it is sonically distinctive.

“Its been a pleasure working with Ray for the last 25 years. I’m so proud to have seen him rise from small club gigs in LA to stadiums around the world. We’re so grateful he’s been sporting our china front and center on his kit all these years so when he had a specific need for a particular sound we were happy to take on the challenge of creating something as unique as he is. It embodies both his playing style and his personality, and the result is one of the most striking cymbals we have ever made,” says Chris Stankee, SABIAN’s Global Artist Relations Director.

“Ray has been in the SABIAN family for more than 3 decades, which makes this collaboration especially meaningful to us,” comments Stacey Montgomery-Clark, SABIAN’s Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “His playing continues to impress both seasoned drummers and a new generation of players, and the MantaRay will be a talking point for years to come.”

The 21″ AA MantaRay Chinese is shipping now and available worldwide beginning September 2, 2026.


For additional information visit:https://sabian.com/product/22116rl-21-inch-aa-mantaray-chinese/

 

About SABIAN:

SABIAN is globally renowned as the world’s leading designer and maker of musical cymbals. With endorsers including major drummers Phil Collins, Brian Frasier Moore (Pink), Tomas Haake (Meshuggah), Billy Cobham, Cora Coleman and JoJo Mayer, as well as renowned percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie and players in orchestras such as the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Los Angeles Symphony, Royal Opera House – Covent Garden and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, this award-winning company offers cymbals and sounds for every musical application, playing level and price point. Known for combining centuries-old traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, SABIAN ensures quality and value in every cymbal. Headquartered in Meductic, New Brunswick, Canada, it sells cymbals to over 80 countries throughout the world. For further information about SABIAN or its products, please visit the company online at www.sabian.com

The Worlds FASTEST Drummer? | Riccardo Merlini

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The Worlds FASTEST Drummer? | Riccardo Merlini

Riccardo Merlini may be best known as one of the fastest drummers around, but his approach to drumming goes far beyond simply chasing speed.

Speaking to Drummers Review, Riccardo reflected on the moment he first discovered his potential for extreme speed, his time studying with Mike Mangini, the importance of developing your own identity as a drummer and why the global drumming community remains such a special place.

Riccardo started playing drums at just three or four years old, eventually progressing into music schools and conservatoire studies. His fascination with speed really began after seeing Mike Mangini at a drum clinic. “I was amazed about this speed,” Riccardo recalled. “I didn’t know that a human being could really be able to play that fast.”

Inspired by what he had seen, Riccardo spent weeks experimenting with his technique, eventually discovering a motion that allowed him to dramatically increase his speed. Within three weeks, he was reaching around 300 BPM with both hands, although, as he is keen to point out, it certainly wasn’t an overnight gift. “I worked at it a lot,” he explained.

Riccardo later had the opportunity to study with Mangini, who encouraged him to look beyond speed and concentrate on fundamentals such as grip, balance, co-ordination and counting. That experience helped shape Riccardo’s approach to playing and teaching.

One particularly fascinating part of the conversation centred around playing with a click. For Riccardo, a metronome isn’t simply something to follow, it’s about developing an internal sense of pulse.

“The click for me is not the click, it’s the pulse of the music,” he explained.

He believes drummers need to develop an awareness of their own body and how it moves with the music, rather than becoming completely dependent on hearing a click.

Riccardo also spoke passionately about the unique relationship between drummers. Having met countless players at festivals and drum shows around the world, he believes drummers share a sense of community that is difficult to find elsewhere.

“We don’t have that big ego,” he said. “We’re just friends, and we become friends in one second.”

But perhaps the most important message from the interview came when Riccardo was asked what advice he would give to a young drummer. “Try to recognise who you are as soon as possible.”

For Riccardo, finding your own voice is far more valuable than simply attempting to become proficient at everything. He encourages young drummers to discover what naturally comes out of their playing, then go deeper into that identity. Whether that means jazz, metal, groove, speed or something completely different, Riccardo believes the key is to discover what makes you unique. “Study who you are. Get better in yourself.”

While Riccardo may always be remembered as “the fast guy”, that’s something he sees as a positive, because ultimately, he has found his place in the drumming world.

Backstage at Colchester Castle with Hollywood Vampires’ Glen Sobel

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Backstage at Colchester Castle with Hollywood Vampires’ Glen Sobel

On a sunny afternoon at Colchester Castle in Essex, Drummers Review presenter, Ollie Winiberg found himself with a backstage pass to one of rock’s most intriguing touring setups.

Hollywood Vampires (the supergroup featuring Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp and Joe Perry alongside Glen Sobel, Chris Wyse, Tommy Henriksen and Buck Johnson) were in town for another night of their UK run. With the outdoor stage basking in the summer sunshine and The Damned beginning to set up nearby, Glen had just finished soundchecking when Ollie joined him on stage for an in-depth look at his touring kit.

At the centre of the setup is a DW Collector’s Series kit, featuring a pair of 22” x 18” bass drums, a 6.5” x 14” Bell Brass snare and a streamlined tom configuration consisting of a 12” rack tom, 16” and 18” floor toms, plus a 14” tom currently serving as a rather unconventional music stand for the charts Glen still uses on a couple of songs.

The cymbal setup is unmistakably Glen Sobel. Sabian cymbals dominate the kit, including an O-Zone crash, a collection of 19” crashes, a Legacy ride, 15” HHX Power Hats and an XSR Fast Stack. There’s also a 10” splash that, remarkably, has survived the demands of touring without cracking.

But the real conversation starter sits behind Glen: a custom 18” x 4” pancake gong bass drum, complete with the Hollywood Vampires logo.

The unusual drum isn’t simply there to look cool. Glen uses it to trigger samples during the show, including the enormous bass-drum sound heard on Aerosmith’s “Livin’ on the Edge”. As Glen explains in the accompanying kit tour, the effect is so convincing that people sometimes assume the pancake gong itself produces that huge sound… something he happily lets them believe.

The electronic side of the setup continues with a collection of Roland pads used to trigger different sounds throughout the show, while a Porter & Davies throne provides Glen with tactile feedback from the bass drum. For a drummer, hearing the low end isn’t always enough; feeling it is a completely different experience.

Ollie also captured Glen playing Hollywood Vampires’ version of “Heroes” during the soundcheck, providing a glimpse of the kit in action before the night’s performance. With the sun shining over Castle Park and the sound of Glen’s DW kit carrying across the outdoor venue, it was a suitably impressive soundtrack to an afternoon backstage.

Hollywood Vampires might bring some of rock’s most recognisable names to the stage, but the drummer has a huge role in keeping the seven-piece machine moving. As Glen himself points out, the singer might appear to have the hardest job, but it’s the drummer who has to help hold everything together and direct the traffic.

You can catch Glen perform at The UK Drum Show across the weekend of 24th – 25th October at the LEX (formally ACC) Liverpool. Tickets available HERE.

Frank Beard ZZ TOP

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Frank Beard ZZ TOP
Frank Beard, ZZ Top, Bilbao BBK Live 2008 — photo by Alberto Cabello, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Drummers Review is sad to report the death of ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard, after an extended period of ill health. He was 77.

Although technically not the original drummer in ZZ Top, Beard was with the band from just after the time of their debut single Salt Lick (with drummer Dan Mitchell) in 1969, until this month. Prior to joining ZZ Top, Beard drummed with a pirate lineup copying British band The Zombies, unauthorised by the group.

Frank Beard was born in Frankston, Texas, in June 1949. In his teens, he met bassist Dusty Hill, joining Hill in his band, The Warlocks. After playing with a number of bands, Hill invited Beard to join ZZ Top, and Beard brought in guitarist Billy Gibbons to complete the classic trio.

ZZ Top achieved worldwide success in the late 1970’s which corresponded with Beard’s descent into serious drug addiction. The band took a ninety-day hiatus in 1977 to allow Beard time to enter rehab and get clean. In the end, the break lasted over two years, but the band never considered another drummer for one moment. Beard was the engine room of ZZ Top, and without him, the band would simply not be the same.

Signing with Warner Brothers in 1979, ZZ Top began their hugely successful mainstream period, including 1983’s Eliminator and 1985’s Afterburner, both of which featured clean, punchy production, and radio-friendly single releases, which brought the band to an entirely new pop-rock audience.

The massive success of ZZ Top rests fairly and squarely with the utterly indispensable playing of Frank Beard. Although mocked for the simplicity of his style, by people who don’t know any better, it is Beard’s trademark ‘Texas Shuffle’ that underpins and defines the band’s sound. Drummers the world over will know very well, that the deceptively simple backbeat drumming that Beard brought to the table, relies on an inbuilt sense of timing that players are born with, and it cannot be taught or learned. Ironically, it’s the simplicity of Beard’s style of drumming that hides the difficulty of mastering his style. With guitars, complexity is hard, with drums, it’s simplicity that is harder. And Frank Beard locked down that simple rhythm on each and every song that ZZ Top recorded and played in concert throughout  the band’s long and hugely successful career. Former Guns ‘N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum summed up Beard’s technique – “It might sound easy but possibly one of the hardest things I’ve ever tried to learn and still trying …… that being said he was born with it in his blood with that Lil Ol Band from Texas they had a name for it … The Texas shuffle! Maybe most folks wouldn’t appreciate it as much as us drummers,”

Together, the trio that made ZZ Top, with their unpretentious blues-boogie sound, became a staple for American rock stations, and eventually, MTV, with their cartoonish videos for hit singles like Got Me Under Pressure, and Legs, which ensured that parent album Eliminator achieved Diamond status for ten million copies sold in the US, and it remained on the Billboard 200 chart for a staggering one-hundred-and-eighty-seven-weeks, which equates to a period of three-and-a-half years.

Frank Beard was plagued with health problems throughout his life, he underwent an emergency appendectomy in 2022, causing him to miss some ZZ Top shows. In March 2025, Beard was again forced away from the band on tour, citing unspecified health issues. Although it was always planned that his absence would be temporary, this time, he was destined not to return. Frank Beard passed away at his home, a Texas ranch, under hospice care, with his family by his side.

Drummers Review extends sincere condolences to Frank’s wife Debbie, and three children.

FRANK BEARD 11.06.1949 – 17.08.2026.

ANDY HUGHES.

 

Miguel Lamas on Groove, Chick Corea, Latin Grammys and Why Enjoying the Journey Matters

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Miguel Lamas on Groove, Chick Corea, Latin Grammys and Why Enjoying the Journey Matters

Miguel Lamas may be known for his incredible technique, precision and seemingly endless supply of chops, but when we caught up with the Spanish drummer, one thing became abundantly clear: for him, great drumming is ultimately about the music.

Speaking to Ollie Winiberg of Drummer’s Review, Lamas reflected on his journey from discovering drums at just four years old to performing around the world, winning a Latin Grammy and preparing to take the stage at The Europe Drum Show in Frankfurt in April 2027.

Growing up in Galicia, Lamas was regularly taken to live concerts by his parents, where he became fascinated by the drummers he saw performing. His first paid gig came remarkably early, at just eight years old. With his earnings, he bought himself a Ramones T-shirt for €20.

Despite his formidable technique, Lamas revealed that he has never formally studied the majority of the standard drum rudiments. Instead, much of his development came from playing along to records by some of his biggest influences, including Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta and Dennis Chambers.

“I got all the knowledge from playing over the albums,” he explained.

Interestingly, Lamas says that reading music was one of the most valuable things he took from his time at the conservatory, despite finding the experience frustrating because he wanted to be a drummer rather than a classical percussionist. That ability to read has subsequently helped him land work in television and recording environments.

However, while his spectacular chops regularly attract attention online, Lamas insists that playing simple grooves is actually more challenging for him.

“The main thing for me is the groove and make the people dance,” he said, explaining that he spends considerable time working on kick, snare and hi-hat alone to make sure the sound and feel are solid.

Lamas also shared the incredible story of recording with jazz legend Chick Corea. He described being told that Corea would be playing piano on a session as a genuine dream come true.

His approach to accolades is refreshingly grounded, too. Although winning a Latin Grammy is an extraordinary achievement, Lamas sees recognition as secondary to continually improving as a musician.

His upcoming performance at Europe Drum Show will see him embrace that same philosophy of spontaneity. Following his improvised drum solo at the Meinl Drum Festival, Lamas plans to create something unique in the moment rather than simply reproduce a rehearsed performance.

And his advice to aspiring drummers is perhaps the simplest message of all: enjoy it.

“Enjoy the way. And just have fun playing drums.”

For a drummer with the technique and achievements of Miguel Lamas, that might just be the most important lesson of all.

Meinl Cymbals to appear at The Europe Drum Show 2027

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Meinl Cymbals to appear at The Europe Drum Show 2027

For generations, Meinl Cymbals has been making cymbals that inspire drummers and percussionists around the globe. While the way we make cymbals has evolved over time by using innovative techniques, our focus has always stayed the same since day one, creating great sounding instruments that drummers want to play.

Each Meinl cymbal is made with a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, from hand hammered professional cymbals brimming with character, to versatile options for players just starting out on their drumming journey and everything in between, there’s a Meinl sound for every style of music and every kind of drummer.

A huge part of what keeps us moving forward is working closely with our artists and the wider drumming community. Our global family of artists, educators and emerging players all have a part to play in helping us develop new ideas, sounds and products. Their feedback and ideas come directly from playing music, whether that’s on the biggest stages, in the studio or at home. Our innovation is always driven by music and by the people who play our instruments.

Supporting the drumming community is just as important to us as making cymbals. With our artists, with clinics, workshops, festivals, educational projects like drum camps, and online content we aim to give drummers opportunities to learn, discover new sounds and connect with other musicians. From beginners to internationally recognised professionals, we want to encourage people to play music, experiment and find their own sounds.

This commitment to the drumming community is a huge reason why Meinl Cymbals continue to join and support the Europe Drum Show where we see an incredible and influential drums and percussion scene with an amazing history of great players, educators, musical instrument retail stores and music professionals. We like to remain a key part of that and continue building relationships with people who make the drumming community what it is.

Being a part of the Europe Drum Show also gives us great opportunity to share what we’re doing too. From new product launches and innovations to the incredible artists who represent Meinl around the world. We’re excited to bring them along for the ride and give the chance for more drummers to discover and experience this up close.

Ultimately, if it weren’t for drummers, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. They’re the reason we make cymbals, the reason we continue to innovate and the reason we’re always looking for the next great sound.

Wiktoria Bialic: “Don’t Be Afraid” – Finding Your Own Voice Behind the Kit

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Wiktoria Bialic: “Don’t Be Afraid” – Finding Your Own Voice Behind the Kit

Wiktoria Bialic’s journey to becoming a professional drummer hasn’t exactly followed a conventional route. In fact, it started with an instrument that couldn’t be much further removed from a modern drum kit: the violin.

Speaking to Drummers Review presenter, Ollie Winiberg, Bialic explained that she actually told her parents from around the age of six that she wanted to become a drummer. Concerned that drums would be too physically demanding, they encouraged her towards the violin instead. Four years later, however, she finally decided she’d had enough and returned to the instrument she had always wanted to play.

Her early musical education nevertheless proved invaluable. Studying classical percussion exposed her to instruments including marimba, vibraphone, timpani and snare drum, while composers such as Bach, Beethoven and Stravinsky helped develop an understanding of phrasing and dynamics that Bialic continues to apply to her playing today.

Perhaps the most remarkable chapter of her story began when legendary session drummer Ash Soan discovered her playing on Instagram. After Bialic uploaded a drum recording, Soan commented on the video and encouraged her to keep posting.

The pair eventually met at a drum festival in Poland, where Soan told Bialic that he believed in her and encouraged her to find her own sound. That meeting had a profound impact.

“Please record more videos,” Soan told her. “Be unique.”

Bialic has taken that advice to heart. With social media becoming increasingly saturated with incredible drummers, she believes the key to standing out isn’t necessarily playing the fastest fills or performing the most spectacular tricks. Instead, she believes audiences ultimately respond to authenticity and emotion.

The drummer also spoke openly about being a woman in the drumming world. While she says she hasn’t experienced significant discrimination herself, she admits she sometimes feels the need to work harder to prove herself and prefers situations where her playing can speak for itself.

Her message to the next generation is refreshingly simple: don’t be afraid.

“Everything is possible,” she says. “Be nice, be positive, smile, and work hard.”

And judging by Bialic’s rapidly growing career, that combination seems to be working rather well.

Alesis Drums and Zildjian Forge Historic Partnership Between Legacy and Innovation

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Alesis Drums and Zildjian Forge Historic Partnership Between Legacy and Innovation

Avedis Zildjian Co.® (Zildjian®) and Alesis® Drums today announced a strategic partnership uniting the most iconic name in cymbal sound with a modern pioneer of percussion technology. Together, the partnership brings Zildjian‘s expertise in cymbal sound and musical expression into Alesis’ advanced electronic percussion ecosystem delivering greater realism, nuance, and inspiration to drummers in all areas of music performance and production.

Honouring Legacy, Embracing The Future

For both Zildjian and Alesis Drums, the partnership is a natural extension of what they’ve always done: Zildjian crafting the cymbal sounds drummers of all levels reach for, and Alesis Drums building the technology that puts expressive, high-performance instruments within reach of every player.

“Zildjian cymbals have shaped the sound of modern drumming for generations, making them a perfect partner as we continue to raise the bar for electronic drums,” said Michael Weber, Director of Marketing, Alesis Drums. “We’re excited to put these sounds into the hands of drummers of all skill levels and see what they’re inspired to create.”

“Our partnership with Alesis Drums allows more musicians than ever to experience the sound of authentic Zildjian cymbals,” said John Stephans, CEO, Zildjian. “It directly aligns with Zildjian‘s vision to inspire people to express themselves through music, and that has always meant meeting drummers wherever they play.” 

The Standard of Cymbal Tone

This partnership is marked by hand-selecting cymbals straight from Zildjian‘s exclusive Artist Vault, a collection historically reserved for official Zildjian Artists to shape their signature sound. Alesis and the industry-renowned team at BFD Drums pulled from this library and recorded the cymbals in stunning detail. The result brings these coveted sounds to drummers in an authentic and expressive playing experience.

“The Artist Vault is sacred ground—for decades this is where the world’s greatest drummers have come to choose their cymbals and find inspiration,” said Weber. “Capturing them with the BFD team’s meticulous sampling process means that when an Alesis player strikes a cymbal, they’re experiencing the nuanced sound of those cymbals, with all the depth and character that makes a Zildjian a Zildjian.”

“Every drummer deserves the same sound the world’s greatest drummers reach for,” added Stephans. “We’re opening our vault, quite literally, because drummers deserve nothing less than our very best.”

Bringing Legendary Cymbal Sound to Your E-Kit

With the partnership launch, Alesis and BFD users will gain access to a new collection of exclusive Zildjian sound expansion packs, bringing some of the world’s most sought-after cymbal sounds directly to electronic drummers and producers. The first sound pack, Zildjian Session Mix Vol. 1, is available now, with additional expansions arriving in late August and continuing to release regularly throughout the year. Drawn from iconic cymbal families and modern favorites, these premium sound packs will be available across BFD Player, BFD 3.5, and Alesis Strata modules, giving users a seamless way to expand their sonic palette with authentic Zildjian sounds.

Today’s announcement marks only the beginning, with the two brands already at work on the next wave of innovation that will continue to expand across Alesis Drums, BFD, and other inMusic brands.

For more information, visit www.alesisdrums.com and www.zildjian.com. Follow Alesis Drums on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook, and follow Zildjian on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

About Alesis Drums

Alesis Drums, a leader in electronic drum kits, is renowned for delivering advanced technology, dynamic sound, and exceptional playability to drummers of all levels. Since debuting the innovative XT Reverb in 1985, Alesis has consistently pushed the boundaries of music gear—designing accessible, performance-ready tools for the stage, studio, and home. Today, the brand continues to shape the future of electronic percussion with a wide-ranging portfolio that includes drum kits, keyboards, monitors, recording equipment, and Bluetooth®-enabled audio solutions. Alesis is proud to be part of the inMusic family (inmusicbrands.com), a global collective of premier music technology brands.

About Zildjian

Avedis Zildjian Co. has set the standard for high-performance musical instruments since 1623. As the world’s leading maker of cymbals, drumsticks, and percussion mallets, Zildjian products are sold across the world with the mission to inspire people to express themselves through music. From the beginner to the world’s greatest rock stars, jazz performers and concert percussionists, amateurs and pros alike choose Zildjian, and Vic Firth  products to share their musical expression, without compromise.

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