At Scorpion Percussion, we’re proud to support drummers who not only master their craft but elevate the global rhythm community through passion, creativity, and education.
One such artist is Bachir Ramadan, a powerhouse drummer and educator from Beirut, Lebanon, and the author of the newly released book Obsidian Tempo. Bachir’s playing style blends technical precision with raw emotion — a balance that mirrors his life philosophy. Obsidian Tempo dives deep into rhythm as both an art form and a journey of self-mastery.
We sat down with Bachir for an exclusive Scorpion Percussion Artist Interview to talk about his inspirations, creative process, and the story behind Obsidian Tempo.\
Q&A with Bachir Ramadan
- 1) What inspired you to start drumming?
- My earliest influences that got me into drumming were John Bonham and Nicko McBrain. I was captivated by Bonham’s raw power and groove, and McBrain’s precision and flair. Their playing made me want to pick up the sticks and has shaped the way I approach the kit ever since.
- 2) What’s your current setup?
- I play Scorpion Percussion 2BX Acorn Tip with Venom Grip sticks — they balance power and precision perfectly. As a metal drummer, I need sticks that can take a beating without losing feel, and these give me both durability and comfort. The Venom Grip gives me the control I need for intense live performances.
- 3) How has music influenced your life beyond drumming?
- Music has been a constant companion through both my highs and lows. Drumming has helped me process emotions and find clarity through personal healing. Lately, Nordic folk music has grounded me in new ways, blending meditative rhythm with the intensity of metal.
- 4) What inspired your new book, Obsidian Tempo?
- Obsidian Tempo is about discipline, creativity, and the darker beauty of rhythm — how drummers channel emotion through controlled chaos. It’s both a technical guide and a philosophical reflection on time, tempo, and emotional endurance.
- 5) How would you describe the drumming community in Lebanon?
- Tight-knit and passionate. We may be a smaller scene compared to some places, but every drummer here brings fire, dedication, and love for the craft. There’s a powerful sense of unity that pushes us all forward.
- 6) What’s your practice routine like?
- Consistency over length. Even when I’m busy, I make sure every minute behind the kit has purpose. Focus on dynamics, endurance, and fluid transitions — those details separate a good drummer from a great one.
- 7) What’s one piece of advice you’d give aspiring drummers?
- Learn to listen — not just to the music, but to yourself. The rhythm is already in you; your job is to bring it out authentically.
- 8) How do you balance creativity and discipline?
- They’re two sides of the same coin. Discipline builds the foundation; creativity paints on it. I treat every practice as a ritual — structured, but open to surprise.
- 9) What gear inspires you most?
- Beyond my Scorpion Percussion sticks, I love experimenting with Pearl Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Czarcie Kopyto pedals, and Flare Audio hearing protection. Every piece of gear is a partner in creating sound that feels alive.
- 10) What does being part of the Scorpion Percussion family mean to you?
- It means being part of something bigger than yourself — a community that values integrity, craftsmanship, and connection. Scorpion represents drummers who play with heart, and I’m proud to be among them.
