If you play drums and you also sing, then you are definitely more desirable and ready for more playing, and paying, opportunities than single-skilled musicians. There are more drummers singing from behind the kit than ever before, and not just background vocals, either. They are leading the charge, and I love seeing that. When I was growing up, some of the most famous artists in rock ‘n’ roll sang from behind the kit. Yet people still look at me funny when I tell them I sing and play drums at the same time. That is so strange to me, because it’s all about groove and timing. You have to have groove and timing when you play guitar or piano and sing. It’s the same thing with drums. Since we are playing the drums and singing at the same time, what can we do to make it a little easier and more comfortable – and make it sound good, too? Here are some gear suggestions that may help:
Mic Stand with a Gooseneck
Mic stands can get in the way for drummers. Although some drummers are comfortable with having a mic stand low and off to their hi-hat side, an option to consider is to have the mic stand behind you and the microphone coming over the top of your head. The K&M 21021 and the Latch Lake micKing 1100 are two great heavy-duty mic stand options. Add a flexible gooseneck to the stand, attach a short-bodied microphone such as the Shure Beta 56 or the Telefunken M80-SH, and you will have a lot more freedom of movement with your hands. Another plus is that you can just push the mic out of the way when you are not singing. You by no means have to stick with a short-bodied mic. Any dynamic mic that you feel comfortable with will do. It is just that the short-bodied mics take up less space.
Headset Microphone
If you want total freedom of movement, then you may want to check out a headset mic. Not all headset mics will work. You need to find ones with a cardioid pickup pattern that minimizes the sound of the drums coming into the mic as much as possible. The Audio-Technica ATM73cW, the AKG C 520 L, and the AKG C 555 L all do a great job at this.
Most live sound engineers will tell you that they prefer a regular handheld dynamic mic over a headset. Take that into consideration, but also make sure you are comfortable when you play. Give yourself the best opportunity to make the best music you can.
Check out Nick’s video comparing several different drummer mics in his Best Mics for Singing Drummers video.
