Playing the drums used to be a man’s domain. It was expected that way in the past, and today, despite obstacles, a courageous woman continues to challenge that fixed view. This is far from easy. Some still claim that this instrument belongs to men: that a woman’s strength isn’t enough, that her rhythm isn’t right. They never paused to claim a place on stage. “They commented on our bodies. We were told we looked like troublemakers because we were sweating on stage. They asked if we were the singer’s girlfriend. They paid us less. These are experiences a child could never face,” says Amber Grimbergen.
She is the drummer for one of the bands that shaped indie rock in the last decade, Hinds. They released three albums that brought them to audiences in Thailand and Australia, filled iconic venues like South by Southwest and Best Kept Secret, and even captured late-night US attention with Stephen Colbert. Yet despite the success, questions about gender and equality lingered on their path.
“The beginning was the hardest. They didn’t take me seriously. Sometimes they treated me with a certain patriarchy, saying I played well for a woman. They offered unsolicited advice I didn’t need. Step by step the situation is improving, though, and inside Spain the rejection still feels strongest,” admits Amber, who grew up soaking in music from her parents. As a child she dreamed of starting her own project. What began as play became a vocation. Disappointments and self-doubts tried to hold her back more than once.
“I grew up thinking I should be sexy. I don’t look like Christina Aguilera or Shakira, and my teenage years were spent unhappy with my body,” she says. Since founding Hinds, she has set out to break taboos that keep her from being herself. In this way, she and her bandmates have challenged the machismo that has silenced female drummers for decades.
Viola master He was among the first to do so. In the 1930s it was common for women to take the stage as singers. The courage to stand up inspired many other drummers—George Hubley, Regine Chassagne, Matt and Kim, Sandy West, Caroline Corr, Torry Castellano, and the pop icon circle that included Hole—showed that music can be both art and activism. Kiran Gandhi linked empowerment and sexuality in music, a path many followed.
On her side, Karen Carpenter and other trailblazers have sparked debates and public confessions about identity and role expectations. Meg White, for instance, introduced herself as the sister to the vocalist when she was actually her partner; they chose to keep the focus on their music rather than personal narratives after their debut.
In the mix of contemporary drummers, Juls Acosta from Ginebras embodies a rising wave. The group became a bright force in Spain’s modern pop scene, touring internationally after Primavera Sound and BBK, and earning recognition with the 2021 Music Moves Europe Talent Award. Their lively, hazy sound invites audiences to see themselves reflected in the music.
Similarly, Panty Pantera helped redefine the scene when Amaya and friends joined forces, a genesis that grew into a fleet of performers who push the boundaries of gender and genre. Other prominent drummers—Maria Costa, Violet Mosque, Maria Lazaro, Kat Almagro, Julia Martin, Silvia Rabade, and Saray Saez—helped reshape Spain’s rock landscape, proving that rhythm can be a catalyst for social change.
This spirit of courage continues with Montse Sánchez and the band Fario. Their rebellious blend—psychedelia and folklore—demonstrates that a drummer can be the heartbeat of an ensemble while driving a movement. The scene shows that women can lead, influence, and transform the industry without losing musical integrity.
From childhood to career, these musicians reveal a powerful truth: being a drummer is not about fitting a stereotype but about embracing the craft with passion and persistence. Their stories underscore how social barriers crumble when women claim the space to practice, perform, and express themselves with honesty and skill.
The ongoing shift is visible wherever stages host female drummers. They discuss the importance of visibility, early education, and the willingness of audiences to embrace different performances. This momentum is born of countless small acts—practice, collaboration, and the willingness to speak out against exclusion. The result is a richer musical culture where every beat carries a message of resilience and empowerment.
A vibrant, evolving music scene
This landscape is defined by performers who turn the drummer’s role into a platform for self-definition. It is not merely about playing drums; it is about challenging assumptions, expanding the scope of what is possible, and inviting audiences to listen with new ears. The stories from Spain and beyond illuminate how female drummers navigate tradition, push against bias, and contribute to a more inclusive world of music.
For many, the journey continues with fresh collaborations, new audiences, and the ongoing quest to prove that women can lead the rhythm as effectively as anyone. The shared experience of breaking barriers makes the drum set a symbol of empowerment, not just a tool for keeping time.
In the end, the drum speaks for those who dared to be heard. The beat carries the memory of pioneers and the promise of a more open stage for every drummer who follows.
Since childhood, textbooks have often highlighted nurses and teachers, but rarely scientists or trailblazers in music. The absence of these stories makes room for new voices who refuse to be defined by outdated stereotypes. The drum, with its raw energy, becomes a beacon for those who seek to shape their own path, regardless of convention.