Kriss Takes on The Who's 'Baba O'Riley' Challenge: A Drumming Journey with Drumeo
Drumeo’s latest challenge features the talented drummer Kristina Rybalchenko, also known as Kriss, who gained fame as the “Instagram Drummer of the Year” in 2022. In this challenge, Kriss is tasked with creating a drum part for The Who’s classic rock song “Baba O’Riley,” a track she had never heard before. Despite her initial nerves and unfamiliarity with the song and legendary drummer Keith Moon, Kriss impresses with her natural talent and ability to quickly adapt to the music's rhythm and structure. She delivers a fluid and technical performance that showcases her drumming skills, even though it differs slightly from Moon’s iconic style.
Throughout the challenge, Kriss demonstrates her efficient methods of learning new songs and adapting to different musical arrangements. Despite finding the task challenging, she successfully navigates the tempo changes and incorporates snare rolls and crashes into her performance. After completing the challenge, Kriss expresses her astonishment at the difficulty of the song, while host Brandon Toews highlights the complexity of “Baba O’Riley” and the nuances of Moon’s drumming style.
Following her performance, Kriss listens to the original song with Moon’s drumming, noting the differences in drum kit tones and techniques. She appreciates Moon’s unique approach, including the absence of a hi-hat, the use of large cymbal crashes, and the distinctive sound of the kick drum. Overall, Kriss enjoys the experience and expresses her admiration for Moon’s drumming style.
If you’re interested in learning the drums or enhancing your skills, Drumeo offers a 30-day free trial for new members. Watch Kriss take on the challenge and discover the artistry of drumming in a new light.