Drummers are a unique breed. Every instrument carries its own energy, but there’s something primal about sitting behind a drum kit, gripping the sticks, and setting the rhythm. For Christoph Schneider, the powerhouse behind Rammstein’s drum throne, drumming is more than just technical prowess.
Schneider’s signature style has become an essential part of the band’s explosive sound, blending precision with raw intensity. However, when it comes to giving advice to up-and-coming drummers, he believes success isn’t about being the best – it’s about finding your own way.
Speaking with Drummer’s Review (transcribed by Ultimate Guitar), Schneider shared his thoughts on the pressures modern drummers face, especially in an era where jaw-dropping performances flood social media: “It’s an interesting question these days. If you watch all the drumming on the internet, there are so many guys doing incredible things right now. You’re seeing how they do that, and if I see that, I don’t want to even get started with drumming,” he admitted. But he was quick to remind musicians why they started playing in the first place: “Don’t forget, drumming is a lot of fun, and it doesn’t matter on which level you are playing.”
Instead of focusing solely on technical perfection, Schneider encourages drummers to find their own style and collaborate with musicians they connect with. “Go your own way and go for the people you feel musically related to, with whom you have a good feeling playing together, and start your own thing,” he advised. “Don’t see yourself only as a drummer, as a musical artist, or whatever, as an instrumentalist.”
For Schneider, being in a band is about more than just keeping time – it’s about contributing to something larger. “Be part of something, or be part of a musical project. That’s what I was always interested in. I haven’t seen myself as just a drummer at any time. I was always part of a band or a musical project,” he explained.
Beyond the music itself, Schneider believes the true joy of being in a band comes from the creative process as a whole. “There’s so much more to do when you are in this kind of unit or team than drumming: deciding about the music and the artwork and all the things, all the questions about the band, and this is so much fun.”
His ultimate advice? Don’t stress about mastering every drumming style – focus on what makes your playing unique. “I think also these days it could be a goal for young drummers to do that and it doesn’t matter – find your style, what you like to do. You don’t have to be the best in any style of drumming. There are only a few drummers that can do that, they can play everything. You have to find your niche.”
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