Live Drum & Percussion Tracks

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: That a drummer just keeps time while the rest of the band plays the music. A drummer is just as integral to the music as any harmonic instrument. We make you want to dance, move with the music, we build the dynamics, cause tension and release by pulling the time around. The storytelling arc and support to the melody and lyrics of a song come from the feel and groove just as much as from the chord progression.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: There three areas of information I'll need: Firstly, the housekeeping. Things like the BPM, audio format, and the track itself. Then we can get creative - What beat, pattern, sound do you want? Reference tracks or influences? Dynamics? Finally, and most importantly; What is the song about? What is the overall feeling, vibe, and emotion? Lyrics?

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: You need to know what you and your project wants and needs. Don't get enticed into someone because they have that shiny bit of gear, or the big credit, a fancy video or photos. Ask yourself what you need from a session drummer first, before even looking at who's out there, then find the person that does that for you.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Once I've been sent the music ready to track my drums, I create a project and learn the music. I'll work out what drums and cymbals are needed and create the right sound. I track my first take and send an mp3 of the recording plus a snippet of the individual stems. After receiving feedback on what I have done I will either make revisions and repeat the above, or I will bounce out the final individual stems and send.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Whatever the music needs to get the right sound and get the job done!

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: Could you record drums on my song? Of course the answer is yes.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: It's quite hard to pick just one. Sting comes to mind, but so does John Mayer, Adele, Toto, Steely Dan, Jeff Lynne, James Taylor, James Morrison. They are just amazing musicians and write unbelievably good music. Their music is just full of great grooves, sounds and songwriting.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Outside of my drumming abilities, I like to better understand the music that I'm working on. I don't want to just listen to the track, work out a beat, and then hit record. I like to get inside the music, learn the story being told, and craft a drum part that is right for the music. I want to portray the emotion in my drumming and help tell the story, help create the vision that the artist has imprinted into their song which they have so lovingly created.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I record live drum and percussion tracks from my home studio.