Not an Addict by K’s Choice is more than just a 90s alt-rock classic — it’s a deeply personal, emotionally charged anthem carried by moody textures and anchored by subtly powerful drumming. Released in 1995 on the band’s breakthrough album Paradise in Me, the song became their international calling card, catapulting them from Belgium’s underground scene onto the global stage.
The track began as a raw acoustic idea between siblings Sam and Gert Bettens. Sam, reflecting on personal experiences with dependency and the emotional tug-of-war between control and surrender, penned the haunting lyrics: “It’s not a habit, it’s cool — I feel alive.” The phrase doesn’t just echo through the song — it defines its core tension. Gert developed the music around that emotional center, layering sparse guitar melodies that leave space for atmosphere to breathe.
But it’s the drumming by Bart Van Der Zeeuw that gives Not an Addict its quiet intensity. His performance isn’t about flashy fills or complex grooves — it’s about tone, timing, and restraint. The tom-heavy intro feels like a heartbeat — steady but fragile — and it sets the tone for what follows: a careful build of emotion, held back just enough to create tension, then released with precision. The snare hits land like punctuation marks, adding weight without overwhelming. Every beat supports the vulnerability in Sam’s voice, guiding the listener through the song’s emotional arc.
In the studio, the band recorded at Jet Studios in Brussels, working closely with producer Jean Blaute to maintain the song’s honesty. The drums were recorded with warm, natural room mics to preserve their organic sound. Nothing too polished, nothing over-compressed — just raw human playing that fit the song’s introspective mood.
When Not an Addict broke internationally — especially after its U.S. release — K’s Choice took the song around the world. It became a centerpiece of their live shows, from European festivals to intimate club dates across North America. Live, Van Der Zeeuw sometimes emphasized dynamics more heavily, pulling back even further in the verses and letting the choruses bloom with fuller force. His feel was always central — not flashy, but crucial.
For drummers, Not an Addict is a masterclass in emotional support. It proves you don’t have to play fast or loud to be powerful — you just have to serve the song. And here, Bart Van Der Zeeuw did exactly that.
The Easy Version is a simplified drum sheet designed to help you play the song quickly while keeping the feel and structure of the original version.
It follows the complete arrangement of the track: intro, verses, choruses, bridges, breaks, transitions, and ending, but with more accessible grooves, fills, and rhythmic cues. The most technical passages are adapted to make reading, timing, and playing along with the music easier.
This version is ideal for beginner and intermediate drummers, as well as musicians who want to learn a song faster, prepare for a rehearsal in a short amount of time, or play the track without getting stuck on the hardest parts of the original transcription.
The layout remains clear and practical, with form markers to help you follow the song easily from beginning to end. This allows you to focus on what matters most: groove, consistency, structure, and the pleasure of playing.
Practice tip: start by playing the Easy Version from beginning to end to fully understand the structure of the song. Then, work separately on the more difficult sections of the original version and gradually add them into your playing.
| Artist | K's Choice |
|---|---|
| Song | Not An Addict |
| Album | Paradise In Me |
| Année | 2009 |
| Tempo | 84 |
| Signature Rythmique | 4/4 |
| Longueur | 4:49 |
| Video URL | |
| Musician | Bart Van Der Zeeuw |
| Page(s) | 3 |
| Version | Album |
| Transcription | Sebastien POITEVIN |
| Style | Rock |
| Niveau | Intermediaire |
| Product format | Drum sheet easy |
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