John Venezia on SoundBetter

Hey y'all! I love playing drums, I love recording them and most importantly I love collaborating with different artists from different parts of the world.

Hailing from New York and currently living in Nashville, I am a drummer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Nashville. I studied at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where I graduated with a degree in instrumental jazz performance. My experience playing in New York and Philadelphia, with deep-rooted experience in jazz, R&B, and roots music, has allowed me to harness the creative skills necessary to play and record with a wide variety of artists across all music styles. I've been fortunate to record and perform with artists such as Elizabeth Cook, Thompson Square, Ian Flanigan, Will Dempsey, Dee White, Reid Haughton, and many more.

I specialize in playing and recording Americana, Pop/Country, Rock, and Singer-Songwriter genres.

In addition to performing, I own a rehearsal studio in Nashville that I rent out to artists looking for a creative space to rehearse for upcoming performances.

I'm looking forward to working and being creative with you!

Tell me about your project and how I can help through the 'Contact' button above.

Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.

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Interview with John Venezia

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What type of sound are we going for on the drums? (snare, kick, cymbals etc) Any specific parts you have in mind for the song? References for sounds and parts? Mood and vibe you are going for in the song? When do you need the track by? How would you like me to deliver final product (stereo drum mix or individual stems )
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Frame the vocals, and less is more.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Americana, Pop, Country, Rock, Jazz, Funk, and singer-songwriter
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, James Brown, Miles Davis, Allison Krauss/Robert Plant, The Band Session musicians: Jordan, Gadd, Ringo, Porcaro, Pino, Aaron Sterling, Gadson, and Levon Helm
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I am a versatile and well rounded musician.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would love to play with Keith Richards one day. His pocket and touch on guitar is unmatched. The pocket between Keith Richards and Charlie Watts on Rolling Stones records is so inspiring.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Listening. Being a musician who is able to support the song and the musicians I am playing with.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Creativity, originality, taste and a solid platform of a song for people to create and inspire off of.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Working with different artists, meeting/becoming friends with new people, and playing drums on great songs!
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I use 60s Ludwig Red Sparkle Kit (20-16-12), 1965 Slingerland Blue Sparkle Kit (22-16-13) , Tama Superstar Kit from the 1980s (24-15-14-13-12) I go between Istanbul Cymbals, Paiste cymbals and vintage cymbals. Wide selection of snare drums (63' Supraphonic 5x14, 70' Supraphonic 6.5x14, Sugar Percussion Cedar 6x14, NOB 1930s Ludwig, 70s Acrolite, 50s Magoghony 6.5x14 etc. I use Pro Tools and Ableton as DAW software 2 Apollo x8p thru a 500 series with 6 Bae 1073s and dual channel of 1073s in a rack mount. Mics: 2 Coles 4038s, RCA 77b, Miktek, Shure, Stager Ribbon mics, Soundelux 251 clone
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Remote Drum/Percussion Tracking Renting out my rehearse space for bands in Nashville