Building Ashmore Cymbals: Late Nights, Long Weekends and Following a Dream

Starting business is never easy....

Starting one wile juggling a young family, a very demanding "day" job and a passion for music? Well... lets just say it's a special kind of chaos!

For me, The Ashmore Cymbal Company was born from the arrival of my daughter. I wanted to create a life that gave a little extra for her, a little more for the family, while chasing something I love; music, drumming and the craft of making cymbals that inspire myself and hopefully other drummers!

Late Nights and Long Weekends

Every cymbal you see from me has a story behind it—not just in the metal, but in the hours it took to craft it. Most of the work happens after everyone else has switched off for the day or during weekends that others reserve for rest. It’s not glamorous, it’s not easy, but it is incredibly rewarding.

Those long nights allow me to experiment, refine and perfect each cymbal by hand. Each hammer strike, each pass on the lathe and each sound test carries the energy of someone who’s deeply invested in the result.

Balancing Passion with Responsibility

I do love my “normal” job (at times)—it provides stability and allows me to support my family. But it also gives me perspective; I want to improve life for my family, while building something meaningful in music.

The chances of making it as a professional drummer naturally reduce each year, so I decided to carve out a path that lets me pursue music and craftsmanship while maintaining the stability we need. Although you could say I am already professional as I am endorsed by The Ashmore Cymbal Company, and well… you would be right! [wink]

A Hard Year

These past years (2024-25) brought something I never expected. I lost my dad and the emotional weight and timing hit hard…

It came at a point when I was trying to learn quickly, refine my techniques and prepare for my first ever show: The UK Drum Show 2025. With family life, work commitments and the pressure of improving my craft, there wasn’t much room for a small setback let alone something of this magnitude. It naturally slowed my progress and pushed me further behind than I ever hoped to be.

It did also give me perspective. It made every bit of progress feel more meaningful. Even though I would’ve given anything to avoid those circumstances, stepping into the Drum Show—despite being behind where I wanted to be—carried a very different kind of pride. It wasn’t just a business milestone, it was a reminder of resilience and what it took to get there.

Why This Story Matters

This blog isn’t just about me. It’s about showing that even with a busy life, family responsibilities and a full-time job, it’s possible to chase a dream. It’s about creating something real, tangible and beautiful for the people who matter: drummers, musicians, students, all who deserve the best instruments.

While the sacrifices, late nights and long weekends are tough, they’re also part of the reason each cymbal carries a little extra heart.

Conclusion

The Ashmore Cymbal Co. is built on passion, perseverance and the belief that music and quality craftsmanship can thrive alongside lifes responsibilities. 

Every cymbal tells a story and this is ours.

If you want to see (and hear) the results of those late nights and long weekends, explore our range of handmade cymbals today.