Caleb Gilbreath on SoundBetter

Credits include Zac Brown, Hunter Hayes, Brian Kelley and Brett Eldredge. Nashville-based drummer Caleb Gilbreath here. I want to use my background in audio engineering, as well as extensive experience in touring and session drumming, to bring your music to life!

My experience begins with a degree in Music Production and Engineering from Berklee College of Music. My audio background has provided me with a foundation of skills that allow me to deliver high-quality sound, delivered as neat, contiguous .wav files to make make integration into your session a simple process.

Since moving to Nashville in 2011, my more notable studio/touring credits include country artist Zac Brown (for his pop band Sir Rosevelt), Brian Kelley (of FGL), Hunter Hayes, Brett Eldredge, and Gabby Barrett. Other credits include a wide range of country, pop, CCM, and Americana artists: Grammy-nominee Sierra Hull, Michael Ray, Gloriana, Charlie Worsham, Maddie and Tae, Clare Dunn, Jenn Bostic, and many more.

My setup includes an array of industry-standard microphones (Shure SM 57s and KSM 137s, AKG 214s, Sennheiser 421s), two Universal Audio x8p interfaces with multiple outboard preamps, and Pro Tools, fully outfitted with UAD, Steven Slate and Waves plugins as well as Maschine for custom drum loop programming. Also including a wide inventory of drums, cymbals, and percussion toys to compliment any style. My focus, above all, is to serve the song!

Contact me through the green button above and let's get to work.

Credits

37 Reviews - 8 Repeat Clients

Endorse Caleb Gilbreath

by Mariano Di Gabriele
Verified
Great experience with Caleb as always.
by Mariano Di Gabriele
Verified
This is the second song Caleb has played drums on for me. He has always done a great job and has consistently helped to elevate the songs I've given him to a higher level. I am appreciative of his work.
by Zahari M.
Verified
Quick and professional! Thank you Caleb!
by William
Verified
As always an incredible experience and performance by the amazing and talented Caleb Gilbreath. Thanks!
by William
Verified
Caleb has worked on 4 songs so far and is the best drummer I have ever worked with. Fast and a top notch player. Thanks Caleb!
by Mariano Di Gabriele
Verified
Caleb did a great job playing drums on my song. Brought great energy to the song. Thank you!
by Adam Birtwistle
Verified
Fantastic job from Caleb again. Exactly what I asked for. Great performance. Would definitely recommend! Thank you.
by Sean E.
Verified
Caleb knocked it out of the park! Was exactly what I was looking for. Super friendly guy and a killer drummer. Definitely plan on working with him again.
by BRIAN
Verified
Incredible feel and groove
by William
Verified
As always amazing job and quick turnaround.
by Brad B.
Verified
Really impressed with Caleb. He understood the details of our request and executed the tracks very quickly. The patterns and fills are right on and fit the song completely. The overall quality of the drum sound he delivered is excellent. Cheer to Caleb !!!
by Frederick S.
Verified
Great to work with. Super talented and delivers at the highest level. Thank you Caleb
by Adam B.
Verified
Extremely happy with the drum track Caleb provided. Exactly what I was looking for. Very quick turnaround with a high quality sound and performance. Thank you!
by BRIAN
Verified
Great performances and audio quality every time
by BRIAN
Verified
Kills it every time
by William
Verified
Caleb is amazing. One of the best drummers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. We've done 3 tracks now and he never disappoints. Thanks man!
by Edú B.
Verified
Outstanding! Caleb is taking my craft to the next level.
by Edú B.
Verified
Amazing sound! Caleb delivered the sound that I was looking for. I can't wait to have his sound in my next song :)
by Tony M.
Verified
Amazing drummer
by BRIAN
Verified
Nails it every time

Interview with Caleb Gilbreath

Q: What's your typical work process?
A: First, I listen to the song! Then, I typically start with playing a full kit, to dive right into getting a full sound, then ornament with loops and percussion. Sometime's that's not the move though. Sometimes I might program a loop to play along to, for added inspiration, or start with some simple percussion to get the vibe going. I always start with listening, then I let inspiration take it from there.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My mic/drum setup varies from song to song, but a typical mic/input list would look like this 1. Kick In - Beta 52 2. Kick Out- Subkick 3. Snare Top- SM57 4. Snare Bottom- SM57 5. Hi Hat- Shure KM81 6. Tom 1- Sennheiser 421 7. Tom 2- 421 8. Tom 3- 421 9-10. Stereo OH- KSM 137 11-12. Stereo Room- Cascade Fathead I have an array of Pearl, Ludwig, and Barton drums, a near endless stack of Zildjian cymbals, and no shortage of shakers, tambourines, hand drums, toys that make interesting sounds, whatever I need to make cool sounds.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I like drummers and producers who play without ego. It's not about having the coolest drum part (though it's always fun when you get one!), it's about drawing focus to the lyric and emotion behind the song. Aaron Sterling is one of my biggest influences in the drum world because of this approach
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: In short, I play drums on records. This can mean anything from programming pop and hip-hop style loops, laying down big huge drums on a rock song, playing that one brush part that makes your Americana song pop, or doing it all at once on the same song! Whatever the song needs, I've got the gear and the experience to make it happen.