Hi,
yes, agree with ds86.
To me it was always important just listen to music, any style/genre any drummer, even programmed tracks can be interesting.
Go out and watch bands playing, not only the big ones, but any local band (from a certain level) delivers something. Even if the drummer is not a "dennis Chambers", just listen how he/she plays within the songstructures, maybe compare in mind what groove/break/cue you would have made/given.
Maybe you know the feeling...you are at a great gig...and the first thing you want to do after the gig is going directly to your set and try the groove/idea, etc you had just seen ?
Like ds86 says, it's abt the groove! Record yourself and listen to your play. So many small things make you sound better (not talking abt equipment), play in diff volume-levels, means make the difference clear between "normal" notes, ghostnotes and accents on ALL drums/cymbals.
Play a simple groove, with 2 bassdrums notes on "2de" and "3" and accent on the "3", the whole groove sounds just different than having both kicks on same volume level, just as an example (hope it's not explained too weird)
A good teacher is just a fundamental thing, better spent more money and only meet up every two/three weeks, but it will be worth it.
Practice with a click..see the click as a help, not as something you play "against". It's supporting you ! Play together with your bassplayer to the click. First 4th notes on click, after that only half notes and than only have the "1" as a click. This will help you, your bassplayer and your whole band. (This procedure takes some time, but it's def worth it!)
I always liked to re-create my set-up. Change position of toms (why not having an 8" at a floortoms place ?), or play on a left-hand-set (or vv) Change position of your ride cymbal, (hang it higher or lower) minimize your set and spread the paradiddle over this mini-kit, combine equipment (mount a splash in a china-cymbal, use two crash-/splashcymbals as hihats) for new ideas, get you an old ride put some rivets in, use crash- as ridecymbals and vv, flip your hihats for a different sound, change tuning of your set....there are tons of ideas you can try to keep it interesting ! The more you explore the further it gets you and opens your mind - Have fun !
@Alvin : Really good idea with this thread !
Have a good sunday,
Jan