PODCAST · music
A Drummer’s Guide To...
by adrummersguideto
This is the podcast I, Emily Dolan Davies, wishes existed when I was starting out in the music industry. I share my stories, lessons and musings from 20 years experience as a session drummer. Anything goes from touring, recording, and running a business, to random anecdotes in between! Come join me :-)
Episodes
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222 - Beyond Talent (I Need Your Help!)
I've been trying to answer a question that's fascinated me for years... I've met unbelievable musicians who never pursued music beyond a hobby, and others who built incredible careers despite not necessarily being the "best" player in the room. So if technical ability isn't the whole story...…
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221 - The One Shot Myth (Q from Anonymous)
Do you only get one chance to network with someone… or is that just something we’ve told ourselves? In this episode, I answer a brilliant question from Anonymous about networking on Instagram, sending DMs, and how to actually build real connections — especially when it feels like you’re “using up...
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220 - The Myth of the Big Break (Q from Jon Raynor)
Most musicians grow up believing in the idea of a “big break.” That one moment where someone important discovers you… The audition that suddenly changes everything… The gig that launches your career overnight. But in my experience, that’s almost never how it actually works. In this episode of A...
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219 - Heartbreak on the Setlist (Q from Anonymous)
You’re a professional. It’s just four minutes. So why does this song feel like a punch in the chest? In Episode 219 – A Drummer’s Guide To… Heartbreak on the Setlist (Q from Anonymous), I answer a listener’s question about performing a song that’s deeply tied to a painful past relationship.…
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218 - Starting the Year With No Gigs (Q from Anonymous)
Starting the year with no gigs? Feeling like everyone else is working except you? In Episode 218 of A Drummer’s Guide To… Starting the Year With No Gigs (Q from Anonymous), I break down what January really means for musicians — and how to use this time strategically instead of spiralling. We talk...
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217 - Grateful, Successful… Still Wanting More (Q from Dom Ritchie)
Grateful. Successful. Still restless? You’re not alone. In Episode 217 of A Drummer’s Guide To… Grateful, Successful… Still Wanting More (Q from Dom Ritchie), Emily answers a powerful question from Dom — a young professional drummer making a full-time living in music who still feels the pull of...
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216 - Underpaid, Overworked, Resentful Q from Anonymous
Ever turned up to a gig already annoyed… because you know the money isn’t worth the effort? 🚗💸 This anonymous question is painfully relatable: great band, great musical experience… but the gigs are underpaid, the travel is brutal, and resentment is creeping in. In this episode, I talk about: ⛽...
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215 - Women’s Health on Tour (Q from Suzy)
🩸 You’re not “too sensitive” - your body is giving you information 😌 🎧 Episode 215 - A Drummer’s Guide To… Women’s Health on Tour (Q from Suzy) 🥁 😅 Some weeks you feel unstoppable behind the kit… and other weeks you feel like you’ve forgotten how to play 🥁 🧠 In this episode, I talk…
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214 - Recording Your In Ear Mix - Do You Need To? Q from Joe Threlfall mp3
Recording your in-ear mix sounds like a good idea… until you try it. This episode answers Joe Threlfall’s question about capturing IEM audio, explains why it’s so unreliable, and explores whether it’s even necessary in the first place. A practical, reassuring reframe for musicians feeling stuck...
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213 - Why Trust Gets You Hired (Q from Rob Quinn)
In music, talent might get you noticed — but trust is what keeps you working. This episode was sparked by a question from Rob Quinn about the role of trust in a music career, and it opens up one of the most quietly important topics in professional musicianship. Inside, I talk about trust on every...
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212 - Tempo Wars (Q from Anon)
Ever been stuck in a band where tempos feel unpredictable… there’s no count-off… no click allowed… and the tension is rising? This week’s question comes from a drummer caught in exactly that situation — dealing with a stressed band leader, shifting tempos, and the pressure of holding it all...
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211 - Breaking Out of the Pub Circuit (Q from Pete)
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...
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210 - Word of Mouth vs Social Media (Q from Charlie Purdie)
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...
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209 - Get Fixers’ Attention Fast (Q from Joe Threlfall)
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…
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208 - Podcast Format Change
⚡ 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. 👉…
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207 - Confidence No-One Can Give You
💥 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…
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206 - The Dark Side of Being Easy to Work With
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…
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205 - The Fear Of Silence
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…
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204 - Social Media Balance
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...
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203 - Money, Music & Shame
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…
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202 - Courage Over Perfection
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...
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201 - Build It and They Will (NOT) Come
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...
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200 - Live & Unfiltered
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…
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199 - Getting Called Out!
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...
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198 - Rejection Redefined
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,...
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197 - Posting Isn't Enough
🔥 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…
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196 - Letting People Down
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...
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195 - Self-Inflicted Failure
🎧 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…
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194 - Is It Too Late?
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...
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193 - Hard Truths
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...
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192 - Rehearsal Rundown 101
😬 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...
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191 - The Lone Wolf Trap
🐺 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...
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190 - Broke, Big and the Bit In-Between
🎯 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...
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189 - A Social Media Deep Dive
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…
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188 - The Overwhelm Fix
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…
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187 - Reigniting Your Spark
🔥 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…
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186 - Shaken, Then Stronger
💥 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…
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185 - The Skill of Being Seen
📌 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...
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184 - Showing Up Strong
🎯 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...
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183 - From Hobbyist To Hired
📣 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...
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182 - Gig Vid Glow-Ups
🚨 If you are a musician wanting to level up your socials video game, then my podcast episode #182 - A Drummer's Guide To... Gig Vid Glow-Ups could be for you! 👀 Are you a musician who is trying to post videos to showcase yourself, but… 😫 you feel you’re not getting any traction 😖 you feel…
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181 - Before You Quit...
🚨 If you’re a musician and thinking about quitting, STOP, and listen to this! 👀 If you’re a musician that has been grinding away doing, or trying to do the pro thing, but feel like the only thing you're getting closer to is throwing in the towel, then my podcast episode #181 - A Drummer's Guide...
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180 - The Invisible Goal Gap
🚨 Do you feel there is a gap between your goals and where you are right now, but you don’t know what the in-between contains? 😩 Are you a musician who doesn’t know the components that need to be in place to obtain your goals? 🧐 Or maybe you know the skills needed but are waiting to ‘get the...
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179 - Hyper-Focus Highs and Lows
🚨 Are you a musician who is becoming burnt out from your hyper-focus sessions? 😩 Do you wear your hyper-focus sessions and work yourself to exhaustion as a badge of honour? I know I absolutely did! I only ever felt like I had done something productive if I had driven myself to the point of...
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178 - Pricing Your Passion
💰 If you’re a musician who is struggling to know what to charge, then my new episode #178 A Drummer's Guide To... Pricing Your Passion could be for you! 💸 Are you a musician who is playing with artists but finding you’re doing it for little or no money, or maybe don’t know how to even approach…
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177 - Building Confidence After Criticism
😬 Are you a musician that has dealt with unsolicited criticism? 👀 If the answer is yes, then you are not alone, and the lovely Greg shared with us his exact experience of getting criticism during a gig, how they dealt with it, and my own experiences of similar situations (of which there have…
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176 - Teaching, Touring and Transitions
🚨 Are a musician who is wanting to transition from a ‘stable’ job to following your passion and making music your career? ☺️ Well, if it is, you’re in luck because the awesome @zachondrums asked me a question on this very subject and so I gave him some steps to make this scary step more...
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175 - Sacrifice
🧐 Are you wondering the level of commitment needed to pursue a career as a session musician? 🎙️ If you’re wanting to make music your career then my podcast episode #175 - A Drummer's Guide To... Sacrifice is for you 🏞️ In my experience I feel sacrifice is necessary if you’re looking to excel...
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174 - Big Gig Ready
😱 So you get the call for the big gig, but then what?! 🤔 Are you a musician, aiming for a professional career, but maybe you don’t actually know what is expected from you, and are too embarrassed to ask, because you’re meant to be acting like a professional after all! 😳 That was me…
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173 - Where Are All The Musicians?!
😩 Are you struggling to find other musicians to play with? 🎧 If you’re a musician wanting to play with more people and expand your network and grow your career, then my podcast, and episode #173 - A Drummer's Guide To... Where Are All The Musicians?! could be for you! 👀 In this episode I cover...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This is the podcast I, Emily Dolan Davies, wishes existed when I was starting out in the music industry. I share my stories, lessons and musings from 20 years experience as a session drummer. Anything goes from touring, recording, and running a business, to random anecdotes in between! Come join me :-)
HOSTED BY
adrummersguideto
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How many episodes does A Drummer’s Guide To... have?
A Drummer’s Guide To... currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is A Drummer’s Guide To... about?
This is the podcast I, Emily Dolan Davies, wishes existed when I was starting out in the music industry. I share my stories, lessons and musings from 20 years experience as a session drummer. Anything goes from touring, recording, and running a business, to random anecdotes in between! Come join me...
How often does A Drummer’s Guide To... release new episodes?
A Drummer’s Guide To... has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to A Drummer’s Guide To... on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts A Drummer’s Guide To...?
A Drummer’s Guide To... is created and hosted by adrummersguideto.
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