How the internet became my stage. | Meytal Cohen | TEDxBocaRaton

In recent years, the rise of the internet has revolutionized the way in which musicians create, distribute and monetize music, enabling aspiring musicians to establish their brand while bypassing the record label model and breaking the old paradigm of the traditional music industry. Meytal Cohen is a pioneer music entrepreneur that has gathered millions of followers through her unique online journey, establishing herself as one of the most well known drummers in the world through her KZbin drum videos, gaining over 140 million views to date.
In recent years, the rise of the internet has revolutionized the way in which musicians create, distribute and monetize music, enabling aspiring musicians to establish their brand while bypassing the record label model and breaking the old paradigm of the traditional music industry. Meytal Cohen is a pioneer music entrepreneur that has gathered millions of followers through her unique online journey, establishing herself as one of the most well known drummers in the world through her KZbin drum videos, gaining over 140 million views to date.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@davisantana6183]

one of the best things about her is that she s always playing with a smile

[@HamRadioConcepts]

That is the WORST thing about her, trying to show her rich girl smile, and playing some pretty heavy songs with this stupid ass smile on her like someone is standing there making gestures behind the camera.. Makes it stupid. Sit down, play a metal song and look like a metal drummer..

[@davisantana6183]

HamRadioConcepts how a metal drummer should look like to you? An angry face spanking the instrument?! Each one has a diferent gesture. I think she s just trying to show that she is enjoynig and that she likes playing. This is her way to play

[@billbrownhiway1676]

she's dong fine. She came from the military and now she going to bloom and grow

[@isMike999]

pretty ass comment...she is enjoying herself....she was raised by a single mother....you don't have to have tats all over your body and growl and look pissed to play metal

[@kowilkins]

#sotrue

[@crosstolerance]

She should be an inspiration to all of us! She is also very enthusiastic and well-spoken.

[@latino_aussie]

This girl shows that the musician comes first - she just wants to keep playing music and the commercial success came after. You can tell she loves her craft. Inspirational rock chick to lots of musos out there. Well done @meytal

[@jonasc.5910]

I love Meytal's confidence. She owns it on the drums.

[@ItsJustMeAdam.]

Always enjoy her smile and how she handles her craft of drumming. I've been following her since the beginning, and she is truly a talented woman. Keep doing you Meytal!

[@natajordison9041]

The best thing she've said: "Its 1% talent and 99% HARD WORK".

[@TabRoss1st]

That is a quote from Thomas Edison and then Albert Einstein later before WW2 when he was asked(axed,lol) how he invented the light bulb. Knowhaimsayin?lol

[@bobbywebber8883]

@@rosicrucian8993 And what is wrong with being born in Israel? A comment like that only lowers you on the totem pole of humanity. Here's a hint, it gets lonely down there.

[@gonzogb8778]

The best thing iv ever said is "that's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind"

[@jaybefaulky4902]

that is 100% true and it shows in her current talent level as well..she is really as far as drumming goes 'mediocre' but her online presence is through the roof..so yeah i agree with her totally.she did a great job at monetizing the 'gorgeous chick playing metal drums' thing...as far as actually drumming in a touring band or real studio work i don't think this is in the cards for her...she is cool

[@jaybefaulky4902]

@@helloworld4371 it's the new commerce of talent i suppose..she goes into the world not as an actual playing drummer but as a 'lookatMeDrum' a you tube 'drummer'..which is .'..'i am a, like, drummer'..' .so she is 'like' a drummer that people can see..and her value is getting the 'likes' and selling ads..i find that the rub for me is that a lot of people just assume that she is actually a 'real drummer' and not actually 'like a Drummer' ..good for her for this success but i think it kinda hurts ..because i am a REAL drummer and a GUY and will NEVER be able to be 'like a drummer' on you tube ..lol ;)

[@flyinpolack6633]

Jams like a Demon & smiles like an Angel. Well Done, Meytall!

[@beserkpride]

im so glad this popped up in my recommendations

[@vbhall3407]

+King Wancieho are you stupid??..i said when your learning to play ya busy your knuckles..and if ya Don t hit the drums like a bitch ya bleed alot too..something you must not know about..lol..or have you only watched drummers and never Sat behind a kit dude??..lmao...smdh too

[@vbhall3407]

+King Wancieho lol..anyone with arms can sit behind a kit and got a drum tough guy...but you obviously have never played hard when you started or maybe never at all..

[@vbhall3407]

+Vito Hall hit a drum

[@Gbaby204]

anything else "pop up'??? lolol

[@jtturrentine9092]

Man I started playing drums when I was 17 and that was last year. To hear her say she started at 18 and see where she is at now is inspirational and gives me hope

[@derekgardin1512]

It's never to late to start something or learn something new.

[@mrsayang]

great that you started, I started with 45, now I am 51 and I practice every day doing great progress. How is your progress......3 years later?

[@UncleDan_]

4 years later checkup! How's it going?? Still playing I hope, lad!!

[@mrsayang]

@@UncleDan_ yeah good question, I would like to know aswell.

[@fishingdjursland]

I'm so proud of this girl. I don't know her, but I have watched her evolve here on youtube for a few years. She has come a long way. With hard work and passion. Meytal is an inspiration to many many people.

[@TheDallasDJ]

Ditto, i was like her 1000th follower, and i myself think she is fantastic, an inspiration to old and young, male and female.

[@gs1150adv]

Lasse von Seelen i

[@IAM-zb3jy]

I agree completely. She has the talent and humility that is attractive to so many drummers that love their craft. I'm glad she kept at it and found musicians that could produce such a great release as "Alchemy". Truth be told: I think alot of guys look up to her and are encouraged to be better musicians!

[@meganwilliams9508]

I wanted to be this good. But got distracted by just being a power hitter and getting complimented on my badass attitude and style instead of all our skills. I feel seeing a chick like this. I can still be respected if I just put the effort in. Her and the drummer former kittie. Mercedes lander was the first heavy chick I had seen. And till this day. These two are both the most dedicated rock metal chicks I have seen. I think of mike portnoy who just know s tricks to fills - I don’t feel he plays from the heart - it’s all about trips played off different riffs. Not saying he is not amazingly talented. But I feel these two ladies are just as if not more because they have significant passion and crazy drive.

[@johngreene6783]

Same here. I have watched her for years now. Very much an inspiration

[@neilmohammed6332]

That smile takes my breathe away! Her drumming skills is insane!.

[@OrenArieli]

Congratulations Meytal. You worked hard to make your dreams come true and deserve every accolade.

[@JZ6563]

I so love Meytal. Not only is her drumming spectacular, but I think she is really a spectacular person. An inspiration and role models for all !

[@jfo3000]

Hat's off to her for going against her mother's disapproval. This is something that is REALLY difficult to do.

[@dynamitekid8967]

Jim Foster well said and spot on! That's exactly how my mum treated me, my dad approves but my mum does not. It's only now I got back to drumming when they both past away. Take care and have a nice day everyone!

[@jfo3000]

Dynamite Kid Yeah, my parents discouraged my musical endeavors from day one. It's always nice to see someone that pushed through that.

[@dynamitekid8967]

***** I wish I was a millionaire so that way I can help you push through with your love for music. Or any musician who can't afford their dream music gear. I see a lot of musicians with potential but due to lack of funds they can't afford to buy their own gear. It saddens me alot when I know they deserve better in the first place.

[@dynamitekid8967]

Everytime I hear and read in the comments section that "I wish I can play the drums or I can play the keyboard or bass" That's why when I see people like that I try to encourage them to take the first step, get that gear and find a good teacher who has a whole lot of patience in teaching the students. Peace everyone and have a nice day!

[@jfo3000]

Dynamite Kid My parents discouraged me when they saw me gain musical skills quickly as an obsessed child; no encouragement, only discouragement. I'm an now an old engineer with plenty of gear and musical skill. I tried to make it in music until I was 26 in 1988. Check out my guitar videos if you have some time.

[@tippo5341]

One of the best drummers I've seen in a very long time...makes it look sooooo effortless...and with a smile that would melt even the coldest of hearts...she just keeps belting those skins in such a way that you can't help but watch when she releases something new...keep up the great work Meytal...love ya work!!!! Cheers from Sydney Aus!!!!

[@proslice56]

From a 6x6 storage locker to a TEDx exhibition. stixs drop, mic drop. Meytal Cohen has arrived. Proud to have seen it from the beginning.

[@artifice3474]

Same here man. She's come a long way. I feel proud of her like a weird parent haha

[@Ghostflyer63]

Her playing has come along way since the early days. She looks much more relaxed in her playing now. You can seen in her face when she plays its a passion not a job.

[@davesurace1281]

Me too! But very proud of her!!!!

[@mariosands829]

proslice56 youtube female drummer meyal cohen you are the best drummer that i ever known

[@kensurrency2564]

She’s a force of nature. So much fun to watch her play because she’s always having fun! I mean, this is what we all want to do, right? She probably feels so grateful for what she has. It’s hard work, for sure, but some of it is luck. There are so many good players and so few of us get to be seen by the masses. She pulled it all together, talent, hard work and dedication, and never gave up. Go Meytal!

[@RetNemmoc555]

I did not expect this, but I teared up as she sat down at her drums. I've checked in on her videos on-and-off for several years, and it's always satisfying - it's technically interesting, and her joy is contagious. I didn't know this stuff about her, so her drum performance came across to me as a moment of triumph. That was just lovely to watch.

[@clownnookie]

I love when she plays TOOL and RUSH.

[@ChrisBrengel]

Yes! More Rush please!

[@nachomax7475]

clownnookie the 2 best ones!

[@JFields1231]

Yes more TOOL please! But keep up the originals. Good stuff 👍

[@lordertai]

Two of the best bands .*.

[@BobLoeber]

clownnookie I’m with ya on that but man Meytal has developed her own iconic sound and style. I love listening to her play, but especially her original music!!!

[@davidcosten8508]

Meytal I am so impressed with you not only as a drummer, which you’re a phenomenal drummer, but even more so as an inspiration to others. Thank you for sharing your story and I hope that it will inspire others to have the courage to live their dreams too. You are a tremendous person and I believe your future is as bright as the shining sun.

[@ShannonHernandez]

I've been watching Meytal since she started. She's proof that the music industry has changed and can't be run by "labels" and the "industry". The industry is found on the internet anymore. She's an inspiration for so many new and upcoming musicians.

[@macmasks]

Thank God the music industry is changing like this. A lot of the corporately-constructed bands suck. It's sad to think a unique singer like mick Jagger or axel rose wouldn't be looked at now by the big labels.

[@kapitandima]

For me it isn't sad at all. I would surely get over that.

[@caseyplooy1696]

Shannon Hernandez ........she's proof any half assed hack can get on KZbin and ruin songs..........just cuz she's kinda cute is the ONLY reason anyone pays attention to this chick.

[@Hopstoopider]

@ Casey Plooy Geez, it must SUCK to be YOU.

[@paulmcewan5048]

Hey Casey where is your half assed video?

[@AlizeeDefan]

I was saddened to learn of her dad's passing when she was just a child. I bet in back of her mind, he was pushing her along the whole way. I am so proud of her and privileged to have known her ..

[@kgedeongedon5933]

1'st ted talk a bibilo wrx ut minal(sp) ie cymbal shoppe

[@kgedeongedon5933]

buys a truck hangs onhollywood blvd meets waitresses mafioso lady gaga sniffs madonna's leotard sacked

[@kgedeongedon5933]

6:10>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[@frederickculpepper2486]

I absolutely cannot express my adoration for this woman. The way she makes it so easy and so much FUN!! I have bartended for almost 30 years and when she gets so happy and literally jumps off her throne, I relate to that emotion so much. I consider myself an entertainer at times, and when I get my crowd going, I start jumping up and down, it makes me want to do more, go farther, and think of different ways to make the people in front of me enjoy it even more and to make it even more memorable. For the life of me I cannot in my wildest dreams imagine someone that talented, that young, and from what I can tell,someone that modest actually feels, it has got to be astronomically overwhelming, yet, I have never seen a person that grounded. Good for you, and continued success! As an aside, I am friends (literally) with some of the most undiscovered musical talent in the country.

[@warrensegura1241]

This young woman plays incredibly well, especially given she just started playing at 18 yrs old. Fantastic talent

[@corywinchester6260]

I love watching her, I'll sit for hours and watch her, she's definately one of my favorites ❤

[@joehicks6765]

Cory... you sound like me. I sit and watch her videos for hours. Honestly...hours. it's just so addictive watching her play and how easy she makes it look. Not to mention that infectious smile of hers. Such talent. I play drums but I'm not even an ant compared to her ability. Maybe I'm just prejudice but i believe that she's the best.

[@MrWilderNapalm]

Big fan of this lady. Among one of the best out there today, what a find this TED Talk is.

[@user-qn6eo8yy8m]

Meytal, Goddess of drums and inspiration to all of us !! Thank you so much !!

[@udananda]

I love Meytal for years now and I am sure this will stay for a long time. Because of her fabulous drumming, her incredible smile, her inspriration for my own drumming, her super personality, simply her everything aaaah melting thanks Meytal

[@michaelquintana2244]

I just found her recently. She is easily one of the best drummers I've ever seen. Always smiling....Rock on Meytal!!

[@danhems5617]

I've seen her videos but I didn't realise she's now become a sensation - damn good for her! Also, metal performed live at a TEDx talk - outstanding!

[@chrisanderson7495]

The reason for your following is the joy with which you play. It shows on your face. Keep smiling!

[@oscarmorris6736]

It's me, the Navy SQUID here to tell you, YOUNG ONE, I'm blown away by you, and your talent as a drummer, and I'm one of those guys that's been playing their whole life. YOU ARE FOR REAL

[@christianbarros1580]

She has athis charming smile that make it seems like playing drums is so easy.

[@nickmoutos8308]

Meytal's connection and interaction with her fans along with her amazing talent make her a special, special and much loved musician!

[@Deathbird_Mitch]

Then throw it to the crowd, Pull another stick, and Keep Playing.

[@whatup654]

You are awesome Meytal.

[@jamesholland7268]

Well done, Meytal. I am very happy for you and proud of what you have achieved.

[@lrbantronox]

What sets her apart is her ambition and the emotion she feels when she plays. She is genuinely happy. This is her gift

[@thisistheescapeplan]

I love the fact that you KNOW that she is loving what she's doing. She has awesome technique, and I dont think I've ever seen her NOT smiling while drumming

[@drummonkeystuffuk1875]

So by this logic if a drummer isn't smiling he/she isn't enjoying it or has no talent...lol

[@johnshredder7078]

Such a talented, courageous, and class act.

[@mikosoft]

Meytal looks very natural in this video. It's refreshing to see her just like that instead of the stylized and well crafted look from her videos. To me she looks better this way and also she's much more believable.

[@Mirandorl]

Playing drums onstage to rock is the biggest rush I ever knew, and I love seeing it on other people's faces. HIT 'EM TIL THE STICKS BREAK :D

[@johnvanderkieftiv7327]

Amazing! Love the story, the struggle, the journey, the commitment to a dream. Inspiration to my 17 yr old son struggling with his own music project.

[@p.rossopperman4699]

Our sweet little MEYYYY will always be wonderful to us.......becuz she has stayed the same girl we all knew years ago.....and your smile IS YOU. HARD ROCK WITH A SMILE STARING MEYTAL COHEN.

[@yencyhill1548]

Life is a journey. "Measure not your life by the clock or the calendar, but by positive human experiences" [Yency Hill 2020]. Meytal, I started watching your cover videos early in your social media postings, blown away from the beginning. Traditionally I am a very strong Neil Peart fan, since 2112, Permanent Waves is what captured my soul. So to say that when I first heard you do a RUSH cover, I had to start listening to the other covers you posted. Guess what? Yes I bought both your CDs with serious anticipation of what YOUR music would do to my spirit (believing that music is how to communicate with the soul). Yes, you touched my soul. and I have never looked back. Except for the day when I discovered your tour would not bring you to Salt Lake City or Idaho Falls. DAMNIT!!!!!! I couldn't afford to travel to Texas or Colorado or California, so seeing your perform your craft live, just wasn't in my cards. Anyway, I still have your CDs sitting within reach of my computer in my office whenever I need to find that "Unique" spiritual experience through music. I applaud your ambitions to follow your heart and develop your drumming craft, I wish I had that card dealt to me when I was most vulnerable to see the big picture as you did. If anyone should ask me who I would elect to play a tribute at my funeral (Since it certainly can't be Neil at present, unless it's as I enter Heaven), I would most definitely nominate Meytal Cohen. Just an observation, but I noticed that you were playing on a DW set on this video? (Neil reference). I'm sure you have many stories about Neil, based on your ambitions travels. Congratulations on your family. I hope you don't abandon your fans and at some realistic point that is right for you, you produce another unique "Meytal" album, I will certainly buy it, I think you have some of the brightest talent I've ever heard. Your spirit for percussion (rock) does indeed currently touch my soul. And I hope your creative genius for lyrics and the way you tickle the skins finds a way to carry my soul at some point further in to my future. Thank you Meytal, may whatever path you travel be blessed with happiness and prosperity. Yency

[@ConstantineIsslamow]

Thank you for sharing your story with us.

[@isaacmontoya1695]

I remember seeing a lot of her covers and the joy she brings to playing music was always awesome and inspiring

[@biz4smitty]

Her smile is Amazing!

[@seank8686]

I absolutely love her raw honesty, about her success, she shares in this video! What a talent and what a gorgeous smile! Keep on rocking! 🇺🇸😉🇺🇸

[@chrisjl84]

Such a beautiful lady. I enjoy watching her play with that smile!

[@AndyMahnFL411]

Talent + Hard Work + Belief = Priceless. Awesome accomplishment!

[@Bunny99s]

I can't believe the toxicity promo video was her first uploaded video. It was the video were I saw her for the first time. Though I didn't realise she was unknown at that time. In the following years I stumbled over countless other videos. It's great to see such a talented drummer "growing up".

[@Paul.Douglas]

Blew HER away? That first video blew ME away!!! Been watching her ever since!

[@crashbandits5487]

She loves her craft, it's obvious, and that's as enjoyable to watch as the performance itself!

[@SatanistSin]

Meytal rocks, and Eric Emery is an amazing vocalist. Alchemy is such a good album. I hear the influences from all the bands I love, it's so good! So many great songs from start to finish... Breath, Immoral Exorcist, Shadow In Disguise...etc. SO GOOD!

[@georgeflaharty2497]

Ms meytal Cohen your a true form believer keep the faith in your heart your awesome standout drummer as female star queen your drum set is awesome George

[@chriskun32]

Your smile is so infectious Meytal!! Congratulations on all your and the band mates success.

[@L.A55]

You're amazing Meytal.. Big fan since 2012...rising star going to go far

[@scotttazz]

Your mom and family should be very proud of you!

[@pinkbubblegum143]

This young lady (not much younger than me but a million times more amazing) is such an inspiration. And humble. Keep going babygirl, you're a star.

[@watchman316ly]

She is so calm and makes drumming so easy. I love her smile as she is playing- it makes it look so comforting and almost like she is just imitating and really not putting much effort to it at all. Love it!

[@RaiderAnthony]

"It's so easy to get stuck in this victim mentality, where we're the innocent bystander of our own reality....." excellent quote

[@thanaedwards9660]

You don't need to be discovered; you can do it yourself. LOVE IT!

[@omarmckinley5205]

Meytal is one of my favorite drummers on KZbin. Perfect timing as well as having fun while she plays. Her smile makes you feel good while your watching. She rocks!

[@anthonyhyte9198]

Metal, don't ever let anyone call you the greatest "female" drummer-you are a great drummer period

[@davesurace1281]

Meytal.....I ahve been a fan since you were on KZbin doing covers...improving with every song. I was one of the first to order you album (CD, thumbdrive, photos and T-shirt). What a killer package and you have killer talent and thank god you did this on your own.

[@robertmackenzie3722]

Your story has touched my heart, your humility, and your passion. You are so fourth right about your life with honestly. I have decided to be a subscriber. I have been playing drums for 55 years, and it has been said to me that I can seem to play and song just by hearing it. Now I feel like I'm not that good. I have never made a dime playing, I just like to. You are very good, and I wish you well! Thanks for all your videos! sincerely Bob.

[@WOLFENCT]

Love you Meytal, it's so easy to pull for someone as genuine. beautiful and talented as you. Continued success!

[@bucolicbuffalo6379]

I've rarely seen anyone project the pure joy of playing music like Maytal does. Thank you kindly, Maytal, for many smiles and a lot of happy headbanging! Keep it up, girl!

[@joeherm6238]

Awesome testimony! I think you're really something to be looked up to by all young artist of any genre!

[@tonyervin5704]

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 a dozen roses from a new fan can't wait to see what's in your future. All from a friend who showed me one video of you drumming to tool I was hooked four life God speed young lady!!!

[@franciecotton8026]

I've been following you for so long. Im so PROUD of you..you are doing what you LOVE Meytal. I feel like you are part of my family hon.

[@TheTubeLiber]

Simply....you’re a great drummer and you have to thank your perseverance! A huge applause for you

[@tip21967]

well done young lady living your dream is the only way to be happy

[@jeffstange9183]

this girl is awesome, she had a goal, a dream, and went for it. Unlike most of todays youth, wants everything for doing nothing. You can call me old school, but I was brought up to work hard, work smart, and everything that you accomplish in this world you can be proud of.

[@mikey8392]

love watching her jam. Great music choices. just incredible talent.

[@Mr_RRE]

So simple and yet a genius in her own way, I have always watch this drummer back those years. Its really amazing how someone has the guts to make things happen

[@takshidokaito5778]

I envy you Meytal Cohen. You have a unique style, always with a smile. Keep rocking. \m/ Long Live.

[@nicholaswheaton9216]

Know what? I love how you play with so much emotion. I see a lot of percussionists perform almost robotically just trying to get to the end of the set. You almost seem to enjoy anticipating every note to come. Keep up the good work. You deserve every ounce of recognition and happiness gained from doing this. :)

[@CrzyWile]

keep smiling, it is contagious. Can't help but to smile with her.

[@Silent-Lucidity]

Meytal is amazing! Her attitude, never ending smile, and last but not least her talent!

[@metaltrekman]

Ive watched her video's on & off for a couple years, and never knew she did a Ted talk. very cool. She Rocks!! \m/

[@franktalk2585]

OMG, Meytal! I am so happy to see you in a TED talk.

[@dustoff85]

Meytal, WOW, you made it to The Awesome TED X. Great performance glad you stuck to your Guns. I first started playing the Electric Guitar back in 1967. I made my first one from a discarded guitar neck I found behind a Music Store in Covina California. I have been playing for over 52 years but I never joined a Band. In 1969 I joined the US Military, got out in December 1971 and became a Los Angeles County Emergency Paramedic until 1979. I became burned out being a Paramedic, the hours were just too much. I got married and on January 11th 1980 I went back into the Military and went to The US Army Warrant Officer Academy and flight school. I flew Helicopters for over 33 years and now live in Texas. I still play the Guitar and so do 2 of my 3 daughters. Like President Trump I am a huge Supporter is Israel, Keep it up Maytel U R awesome and driven I love that

[@johnleak2756]

I have been following Meytal since pretty much the beginning of her KZbin career. When the Kickstarter campaign for her first album, Alchemy, was announced, I knew I had to help back the project. It's a great album. Now, in 2019, she's released a second, The Witness. (Also Kickstarter financed) That project brought in almost double what her goal was. She has created a loyal fanbase that simply loves watching her create and play music. Plus that smile, who wouldn't enjoy seeing it while she's playing.

[@LisaSimpson2]

Well done Metyal! I've always loved you're KZbin channel and amazing drumming skills. It was nice to see you give this talk and find out more about you in person. I like how you always smile and are modest and sweet and you don't dress scantily like some other female drummers to get views you just do what you love! Respect to you. You really inspire me and you're well loved because you're talented but real. And wow that drumming at the end blew me away. Will continue to support all that you do. Keep up the amazing work! :-)

[@master0fpuppets]

(I apologize for not seeing this and commenting sooner - my health hasn't been that great, and I've been sorta 'hiding out' I guess.) I remember the early days, the videos from your bedroom, you being an adorable, amazing, sooo modest, and sooo humble - but for me, it was the passion I saw in your eyes when you even just looked at your drums. You felt it in your soul, they were an extension of you, and I saw that. Even though I'm a disabled Veteran with no income at all (15 years fighting for social security, 10 denials) I still donated what I could when you first started asking for donations. I was one of the first people to sign up for your mailing list, before albums or signed sticks - long before that - I think you had 4 videos on youtube maybe? It might not even have been that many - but since that first video with your friends doing Toxicity - I saw in you the fire and the passion that I've felt myself, for percussion and for singing, that I've had since I was a kid. I figured, since I never did anything with my talent, the least I could do was help someone who was actually out there doing something with her amazing talent. Your personality and your spirit were so strong, and you were so darned adorable - yet powerful - a dangerous mix in the music industry ;) I knew from the beginning that you'd be world-renowned - I said it to you in one of the FB messages (or was it twitter? I'm not sure, I just know we've spoken a few times waaaay back in the 'beginning') and you were so cute in your responses and how completely non-conceited (is that even a word? lol) you were... I'm soooo proud of you for making it as far as you've come already - and like I"ve always said, each step of the way, you're gonna go even further this time - I can feel it - I can see it in you - just believe in yourself as much as I believe i you (which you definitely do) and never let anything negative that anyone on the internet says, get to you. It was great seeing you in a Ted talk! I'll admit - I didn't ever expect you to do one of these! I know how you looooove talking to large crowds :P You did great. I'm even more impressed than I was before, again. Keep on doing that... keep sharing the spirit and the strength you've shown all along with other people - because the ability to reach so many people at once, to express yourself so widely and let people know that you CAN reach your dreams, and inspiring people the way you do... you're going to go down as not just one of the best female percussionists of all time, and not just one of the best percussionists of all time, but one of the best artists of all time. Thank you, Meytal, for showing me that there are still true artists of music left in the world, and also that there are women who believe in finding their passion, and expressing it, and sharing it with others, and inspiring others to share their passions as well (I started writing again). Wow. I just realized I wrote you a book. Oops. Can't help it, I haven't spoken to you or messaged you in a long time, and I had a lot to say to you ;) Hopefully, by sharing my passions with the world again - this time where people can really see it - I'll get back on my feet and be able to actually afford to come see you perform!! On that note, (I'm punny, aren't I? lol ok that was lame.) I'm heading off to sleep. Keep up the kicking as* and doing what you do so well!

[@ericwiitala5407]

I just read your "book". lol!! I hope you are doing well and thank you sir for your service. God bless you.

[@MsJinkerson]

I absolutely love watching her play

[@rudywhitecow3097]

You are an awesome lady truly are one the best, I'm so glad your music came into my life god bless meytal

[@lukejackson3144]

I am absolutely in love with her.

[@RevolutionRoad]

Good for her! She put in the hard work and is now enjoying the fruits of her labor!

[@MrThuggery]

What a wonderful outlook on life, great job Meytal! Go get em!

[@johndorohovich3367]

Meytal you are very talented and very enjoyable to watch and always very beautiful God bless you in your career ❤❤👍🥁🥁

[@markricher7362]

DW, I'm in love...with your drums! Thank goodness you didn't listen to your Mom, I know that must have been difficult!

[@KeenenBlockson]

This presentation and performance has been phenomenal. Meytal your smile is SO gorgeous!!

[@lcdat]

Love you, Meytal! Keep rocking girl!!

[@kstailey56]

Glad to see you finally made it to this level. You worked really hard for this. I have been watching you for YEARS. You have always had the talent, now enjoy the fame. Congratulations. The next time I see you play, I hope to be paying for a ticket and you / your band is headlining.

[@geemanfunman1267]

Your a sweetheart your awesome 👏

[@michelletaylor2422]

in your face Mom! I hate that parents refuse to see talent And ambitions!

[@NuntiusLegis]

There's a song about it - For A Thousand Mothers, by Jethro Tull: watch?v=Z-QgHCLX0fM

[@allhopeabandon7831]

...But she is the exception, not the rule, to not listening to your parents, though without rebels we wouldn't have legends. Unfortunately, for every viable artist there are 1 M starving ones.

[@joejackson9172]

You are what people need to look to, Meytal. You exemplify what it means to earn. What it means to dig in to ones soul and hunger for what you want to achieve. Well done.

[@noelledosanjos]

You're such an inspiration!! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us, Meytal!