Drum & Percussion Tracks

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: I am happy with the albums I Made You Up (Michael Miller), Waiting For Clouds (Elsten Torres), I Can See The Brite Spot From Here (Volumen Cero), Individual (Fulano) because I recorded drum and produced the albums.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: This past week, I worked on drum/percussion tracks for the Singaporean pop star JJ Lin and his new album.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I have analog drums, mics, and preamps. But I use Pro Tools as a digital audio workstation.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: I promise that I will work hard on your song.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I have always loved the music making process.

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

A: What do I need to record? My answer is usually: I can record to a mp3 bounce. But, it's easier if I can get the music with and without demo drums. Also, a bpm tempo helps.

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

A: Since the song is 4 minutes long, it should only take you about 30 minutes to finish it. The reality is that I spend an entire afternoon learning the music, auditioning appropriate drum sounds, recording tracks, editing & mixing them, and preparing them for transfer back to the client.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Do you have any favorite drum recordings to use as a reference?

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

A: If you have a clear vision of what you want, please let the session music know. If you do not have a clear vision, then allow the session music to guide you with his or her musicality and experience.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: '68 Ludwig bass drum, '80 Ludwig acrolyte snare drum, Shure sm7b microphone, UA Apollo Twin, MacBook Pro.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I'd probably say my time feel and my attention top detail. When you receive the drum files from me, you should be able to drop them into your song or session with no issues.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a home studio in Los Angeles. It consists of an array of vintage and modern drumsets. Plus, I have a Pro Tools rig, a large choice of microphones, and over 18 inputs of Brent Averill, Chandler, and Universal Audio preamps.

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

A: I generally record drumset and percussion parts remotely for clients.

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

A: Trent Reznor. Depeche Mode. Massive Attack. The Cure. I am a fan of their work, their music, their drum parts, their productions.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: When constructing drum parts (and percussion overdubs), think about frequencies. High's, mid's, and low's. Do you have all the sonic regions covered? Are any of them too cluttered?

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: Pop, rock, singer/songwriter, latin.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I compose my drum parts from a producer's perspective. I like for tones and parts to make sense in the context of a composition.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I normally receive the song or project, load it into my Pro Tools, and set up a recording session. Then I learn the song but writing a chart and making markers. Next, I set up drums and cymbals that I believe will work for the song. Then, I play along with the song to hear tones and parts. When I am happy, I begin tracking the "real takes". When everything is complete, I mix a version for the artist, and I send them the individual hi res files via WeTransfer.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: Tchad Blake (engineer), Matt Chamberlain (drummer), Steve Gadd (drummer), Dave Fridmann (engineer).

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: ---

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I have been playing piano, trumpet, and drums since a child. But I attended the University of Miami: School of Music and that set me on my path. When I lived in Miami, I did quite a bit a recording in various studios, and I also began experimenting with "home recording". I moved to Los Angeles in 2004, and this city's scene motivated me to take things too the next level. I suppose I have been recording music for over 20 years now.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I focus on accuracy. I like composing tasteful drum parts and playing them as accurately as possible. I like my drums to be appropriate, but also to have something new, edgy, or weird.