Drummer for The Voice Hans Eijkenaar has been on the show for 7 years now. Plenty of reasons there to dive deeper into how the vocal talent show, airing in 67 countries, has grown for musicians as well over the years. Here we get to learn about the real personal insights on how sound has changed, how heavy the job is and what it really takes to be the drummer on The Voice. And we did not forget to ask about the funniest moments!
A The Voice drummer's skills On The Voice, Hans Eijkenaar is among a worldwide group of drummers with impeccable drumming resumes. A list that features drummers like Ash Soan (UK), Nate Morton (USA), Warren "Wazza" Trout (The Voice Australia), Florian Dauner and Carl-Michael "Grabi" Grabinger (Germany), Toni Mateos on La Voz España (Spain), Sergio Melo on The Voice Brazil and Jean-Philippe Fanfant playing the drums on The Voice of France.
All these drummers have 'that thing' that makes them able to record 250+ songs in a week, store them all into memory for an entire season, and play them flawlessly when needed on live shows.
While being a Jazz drummer by nature, Hans Eijkenaar has always played anything that came his way. In the video below, he talks about how important that versatility is for a drummer, how his setup has changed during the years on The Voice, about playing under pressure and how styles should not make any difference for a session drummer.
What about stress? Hans depressurizes the heavy workload that comes with playing this show easily with his eager mind that always takes on all challenges in music. The more intense it gets, the more he actually likes the setting he's in. A skill earned when you're fully aware of your potential, and always in control of your emotions, even when in doubt.
So, what does it take? We already gave you a few unique insights into this unique drummer and his job. A completely open mind towards all music, like Hans shares in the video, would be the first best step to get what it takes. What he means by that: study your ass off on anything that comes your way to be that other drummer, make it your own, and sell it with your best groove fit for the song you're playing.
The Drummer's Job on The Voice - with Hans Eijkenaar
In this video
7 years on The Voice
What has changed the most?
What does it take to be the drummer on The Voice?
How demanding is the job?
What about the band?
Are you missing out on other gigs because of The Voice?
Roland V-Drums, TM-2, KT-10 bass drum pedal
Recently Hans added a TM-6 Pro to his setup. "For stereo outputs and a bigger sound," he informed us through WhatsApp.
Sonor Drums
Zildjian Cymbals
Zildjian Signature Drumsticks
Hans Eijkenaar Hans Eijkenaar is a first call studio and session drummer and a teacher at the Codarts Conservatory in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. A legendary drummer that has recorded over 400 albums for countless artists with international hit songs. Since 2012, he is the drummer for The Voice of Holland.
He has toured worldwide with artists and bands like Candy Dulfer, Hans Dulfer, Roger Hodgson (Supertramp), Gino Vannelli, Jimmy Haslip, Kayak and many others.
Together with his wife Marieke, they produce mobile apps for IOS on their label Go Independent Records.
Apps on Go Independent Records
Steve Gadd Loops The famous beats by drummer Steve Gadd, recorded with Steve Gadd himself. To play along or record your own songs with the legend. Learn more...
Drum Clinic HD Multicam video in HD, with drum lessons on many levels, focused on groove, improvisation, sound and more. Learn more...
Drum Loops HD Drum loops in many styles, accompanied by fills and crashes to make a stereo live drum track on iPad or iPhone. Learn more...
Drum Loops HD2 The sequel to Drum Loops HD! More loops, fills and sample-library for iOS musicians. Learn more...
Percussion Loops HD Recorded by Jeroen de Rijk, percussionist for Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, David Guetta, George Duke, Pat Metheny and countless other artists. Learn more...
