A Drummer’s Guide To...

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 commitment that no longer serves you — this one’s for you. I’ll walk you through:

• Why disappointing others is sometimes the right move

• How to handle guilt and anxiety when choosing yourself

• The mindset shift that helped me stop sacrificing my career out of obligation If you’ve ever made (or avoided) a difficult decision out of fear of hurting someone else’s feelings…

this episode might be exactly what you need to hear. 

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 said:

👉 “There’s no work out there”

👉 “I’m just not ready yet”

👉 “I’ll focus on this after [insert excuse here]”

...then this episode is a must-listen.

Inside, we’ll talk about:

🔥 Why confirmation bias is stalling your career

🔥 How to build confidence without fake hype

🔥 Using jam nights, content, and community on purpose

🔥 Why perfectionism is the enemy of progress

🔥 How to replace passive hope with meaningful action

🎯 You’ll leave with honest strategies to stop unintentionally killing your own momentum — and a reminder that you're capable of so much more.

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 actually a superpower

💥 How life experience adds emotional depth to your playing

🧠 The subtle ways stereotypes around age, gender, race & goals limit us

🎯 How to reframe “missed opportunities” and start fresh — at any age ⁠ Whether you're 21 or 61, there is a place for you in this industry — and it's never too late to take your next step. ⁠

💌 Want support making that leap? DM me "coaching" or visit emilydrums.com/coaching.

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 guarantee success

• The difference between busy and effective

• How avoiding discomfort is secretly costing you gigs

• The harsh realities of professional musicianship no one talks about

• And what to actually do if you feel stuck right now

This episode is full of hard-won wisdom from years on the road, in studios, and navigating the ever-changing music industry. It’s the truth I wish someone had told me sooner.

💬 Listen in. Get uncomfortable. And grow stronger because of it.

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 Drummer’s Guide To... Rehearsal Rundown 101, I cover:

🥁 How to prep before you even walk in

🤐 What happens when you don’t ask questions (and how to fix it)

📋 What MDs and artists expect from you

🍱 Why a heated lunchbox might just save your sanity

Whether it’s your first arena gig or your biggest gig yet, this episode will take away the guesswork.

🎙 Listen to A Drummer’s Guide To... Rehearsal Rundown 101 wherever you get your podcasts

📺 Or watch on YouTube.

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 yourself slows your progress

• How to find your people (even if you’re shy)

• The difference between using contacts and building genuine connections

• What healthy networking looks like — without the cringe

• How mentors, bandmates, and fellow creatives keep you sane and successful
This one’s for you if you’ve been doing everything on your own, wondering why it feels so hard. You're not meant to go it alone. 🖤
🎧 Listen now on all podcast platforms and YouTube, and start building your career together.
#MusicCareer #ProMusician #NetworkingTips #DrummersGuideTo #CreativeCommunity #MusicianMindset

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 sustainable music careers

• Why viral fame doesn’t equal happiness (or money)

• How to define success for your life and your values

• Ways to diversify income streams without losing your creativity

• How I’ve built a fulfilling career without being “big” — and why I wouldn’t trade it
If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough, or not going fast enough, or not being seen enough — this one’s for you.
🎧 Listen now, and let’s normalise being in the middle of the mountain ⛰️

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on building a real, human, joyful career in music.
#MusicCareer #ProMusician #CreativeLife #SustainableSuccess #DrummersGuideTo

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 you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your social game, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you stand out and grow your career.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more practical music career advice every week!

#SocialMediaDeepDive #MusicCareerTips #MusicianGrowth #DrummingCommunity

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 used to go from chaotic and overstretched, to focused and fulfilled in my creative work.

In this video, you’ll learn:

✅ How to prioritise when everything feels urgent

✅ Simple tools to reduce decision fatigue

✅ The real reason you're overwhelmed—and how to fix it

✅ My exact weekly structure for balancing creativity, rest, and income

📌 New episodes every week — subscribe for more tips on surviving and thriving as a working musician.

👇 COMMENT below: What’s your biggest source of overwhelm right now? Let’s talk about it.

#TheOverwhelmFix #MusicianLife #DrummerPodcast #ADrummersGuideTo #ProductivityForCreatives #MentalHealthForMusicians #CreativeRoutine

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 spark for good. In episode #187 of A Drummer’s Guide To... Reigniting Your Spark, I’m sharing:

🎯 Why periods of low motivation are actually necessary

🛠️ Simple, real-world strategies to reignite your inspiration

🧠 How to spot patterns in your creative slumps—and use them to your advantage

💡 Why stepping outside your comfort zone could be the reset you need Creativity doesn’t always look exciting. But sometimes the best growth comes in the quiet.

🎧 Tune in on YouTube or your favourite podcast platform. Just search A Drummer’s Guide To…

🌟 Want more support on your journey?

Visit www.emilydrums.com/ama to submit a question

#CreativeBlocks #MusicianMotivation #InspirationTips #MusicMindset #MusicianBurnout #ADrummersGuideTo #DrummerPodcast #ReigniteCreativity #MusicianSupport #MentalHealthForMusicians