Many music fans often underestimate the difficulty of playing music, perhaps because some musicians make it look effortless. Years of practice and studying music theory have endowed them with the ability to play as if it were second nature. Alternatively, some iconic musicians have never learned music theory but rely solely on their innate talent, creativity, and passion to create timeless art.
However, anyone who has tried playing an instrument knows how challenging it can be. While it’s possible to learn a few power chords and jam with friends, mastering an instrument is a different story. As someone who has played guitar since the age of 12, being in the presence of professional musicians often serves as a humbling reminder of one’s limitations.
Drumeo, a popular instructional website and YouTube channel for drummers, showcases the skill of these musicians. One of their most notable clips features Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith playing a 30 Seconds to Mars song he had never heard before. The challenge involves removing the drums from the track, giving the drummer a few minutes to listen and chart the song, and then playing it. This series highlights how drummers can add their own spin to unfamiliar music.
Jake Sommers, the touring drummer for Luke Combs, recently took on this challenge and excelled. Initially, it was difficult to find a song he hadn’t heard before, a testament to his dedication to his craft. They eventually selected “Stranded,” a 2016 song by French metal band Gojira. This was quite a test for Sommers, who primarily focuses on country music.
Sommers’ performance received high praise from non-country music fans and longtime Gojira fans alike:
“This series acts as a living proof of how a drummer can change the whole feeling of an entire song. And every drummer has a new universe to show through her/his playing. Jake is such a beast, a great drummer.”
“The fact that he doesn’t play metal or anything remotely metal nor have a clue as to who Gojira are – he did an amazing job. Credit to him for having the guts to put himself out of his comfort zone – really impressed.”
“Huge Gojira fan here and I have to say this dude did a very respectable take on this song. Just goes to show the level that all professional drummers are at, and their ability to learn and adapt to different styles.”
“Any drummer that gets a Gojira song is thrown to the wolves. Since he’s not usually playing a super technical genre either, laying a drum track to a song that features one of the most revered and skilled drummers in the world is an insane task. Well done!”
“Dude this is maybe the most challenging one of these I’ve ever seen. This dude got thrown to the wolves and held his own and I respect the HELL out him and his ability. Mario is other worldly, and this dude got closer than most ever will.”
“I don’t know this drummer but he’s a total beast. To play that good a Gojira song on a second take is insane, what a pro.”
“You gotta hand it to the guy… completely out of his realm, his genre, and he did an incredible job!”
Pretty impressive, right?
