I’ve had a calling to drum for some years and having never heard or seen Drum machine before, initially it felt like I’d fallen across Drum Machine almost by accident.
My friend asked me if wanted to go along with her to an 8 week drumming course.
I had no idea it was to audition for the band!
I managed to get child care covered and was very grateful for this...... but by week 5, the energy created by Aid‘s phenomenal grooves was amazing and I thought to myself,
“I am being in this band, there’s no way I’m not!”
Thankfully, at the end of the course, I got the message to say I was IN, and to say I was over the moon is an understatement!
Now I know it was meant to be, as Drum Machine has since formed a fundamental part of my life’s journey.
Drum Machine has also opened up social opportunities. I’ve made some beautiful new friends for both myself and my daughter who has special needs.
Everyday she gets the school bus, and as such, there are no school gate meetings of parents to arrange play dates, sleepovers and sadly she doesn't receive party invites. It's most likely the same for many parents of special needs children.
As an older, single mum/carer, my oldest and closest friendships have dwindled somewhat, due to being at different life stages and paths. The big friendship circle I’d always had, had diminished.
I am fortunate to now get respite and use it mainly on child care so that I can be part of the band. It makes me so happy when I can commit to a number of DM’s gigs and performances.
Being part of Drum Machine Allows me just to be ME the person ❣️not me the mum, not me the carer, not me the sole responsible one.
It gives me something to be part of that’s reliable, regular and fun and gives me a sense of belonging.
It’s great to share a common interest and the love of drumming with others, it makes everything else feel irrelevant in the moment, if only for the time that you're there.
If you arrive to rehearsals feeling tired or down, or you’ve had a bad day, once the beats ricochet through your body, you’re sure to leave feeling like your dancing on the ceiling,
It is absolutely the most healthy outlet I believe I could have found, it’s addictive.
So my dedication and commitment to Drum Machine has multi purposes in my life and serves me on many levels.
I’ve found a big part of me again❣️
Although somewhat like a crazy family, I love the DM crew and two and and half years on I can’t imagine my life without them now.
It keeps me sane.....well almost?
So a huge thank you to our Julie for writing for the dM blog. We all come to Drum Machine though our different life journey's for all different reasons and I hope your story will inspire someone who is looking for a new outlet or hobby to come and give Drum Machine a try. We love you Julie <3
And if you're interested in experiencing what Drum Machine is all about, we have a 6 week drumming course coming up starting on Friday 6th March.
It's the first 3 Fridays of March and the first 3 Fridays of April. Email aid@drummachine.org.uk for more information or to register your place