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’A Drummer’s Guide To...’ is the podcast that dives into everything it takes to thrive as a professional musician beyond the practice room. Hosted by Emily Dolan Davies, a drummer since 1999, pro since 2008, and a passionate mentor since 2018, this show unpacks the real-world challenges, triumphs, and strategies for building the career of your dreams. Whether you’re chasing gigs, navigating the music industry, or balancing passion with practicality, Emily’s got your back with honest insights and inspiring stories. Find out more about Emily at EmilyDrums.com
’A Drummer’s Guide To...’ is the podcast that dives into everything it takes to thrive as a professional musician beyond the practice room. Hosted by Emily Dolan Davies, a drummer since 1999, pro since 2008, and a passionate mentor since 2018, this show unpacks the real-world challenges, triumphs, and strategies for building the career of your dreams. Whether you’re chasing gigs, navigating the music industry, or balancing passion with practicality, Emily’s got your back with honest insights and inspiring stories. Find out more about Emily at EmilyDrums.com
Episodes

Saturday Dec 13, 2025
212 - Tempo Wars (Q from Anon)
Saturday Dec 13, 2025
Saturday Dec 13, 2025
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 together.
In this episode, I unpack what’s really going on in tempo wars — and how to deal with them without losing your confidence or your cool.
We cover:
• Why tempo issues are rarely just about time
• How to build trust in your internal clock (with or without clicks)
• When adapting helps — and when it quietly hurts you
• How to raise difficult topics without making things worse
• Collaborative compromises that actually work on gigs
• Protecting your confidence when frustration is in the room
If you’ve ever walked off a rehearsal or gig feeling rattled, blamed, or second-guessing yourself — this one’s for you.
🎧 Listen now — Episode 212 is live.
And if you want support navigating tricky band dynamics, you can book a FREE 30-minute Coaching Taster Session via https://www.emilydrums.com or the link in my bio.

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