Hi. I'm Mike.. I’m a session and live drummer based out of Nashville. I want to help you make an incredible recording. I deliver high-quality online drum tracks and remote production to clients from any location. I use top of the line gear and deliver commercial quality. Hit me up and let’s work together and make something special! 🤘🏼
I have been a music lover my entire life. I started playing drums at the age of 3 and began my career as a professional during my teenage years. Now, over a decade later, I have been fortunate to have shared the stage and recorded with major artists and musicians from all over the world. I have played everything from small dive bars to sold out arenas and everything in between! These range from touring/recording with artists with #1's on the billboard charts and working with major labels, grammy award winning artists and producers. I have had the honor to have played with some of the most talented and amazing musicians/people from all over the world and I am so excited/humbled to be able to continue to do that today.
I want to help you make amazing recordings, and would love nothing more, than to work together and make something incredible with you!
All I need from you is an mp3 of your song with any instructions you have on drums. It would be best if your song is recorded to a metronome. If it isn't I can play right along with it and still hold a very solid beat with nice feel.
I deliver within 3-5 business days.
I will send you a stereo mix wav file of my drums for your song, and/or will send you individual drum stems.
Send me a note through the contact button above.
Credits
11 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client
Endorse Mike Smith Drums
check_circleVerifiedI've hired Mike a few times now - he always delivers exceptionally well played tracks - he's passionate, got great a musical ear and can play the sh*t out of those drums! Highly recommended!!
check_circleVerifiedI've worked with Mike a few times now and every time I get tracks back it's like Christmas! He's great with communication and has some stellar skills! Tracks always sound better after he's played on them. Hire him while you can!
check_circleVerifiedMike is amazing. Really easy to work with and an exceptional drummer. Thanks so much Mike! For a very reasonable price we have drum tracks no "canned" software dummer can provide. We will definitely be using Mike in the future!
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Mikey is a professional drummer that provides 1st class quality gigs ...and we will be tracking with him again ...highly recommended!~
check_circleVerifiedMikey's drumming is world-class -composed, performed and delivered lightning fast!
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I gave Mikey a complex song requiring a high level of detail and he absolutely knocked it out of the park. It's like I've been playing with him for years. He is a powerhouse of a talent and knows how to deliver. Let him know what you need and you won't be disappointed. Excellent comms and a wonderful spirit.
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Michael is a fantastic musician and drummer! Not only is his time-feel impeccable, he served the song perfectly and came up with some truly amazing drum parts.
Michael, thank you again for playing on our track. We really appreciate your time and musicianship. This was a great Soundbetter experience and we hope we can work with you again in the near future.
Michael is an amazing drummer live and session. Very professional and efficient. Responds fast and produces amazing work. I would use Michael over and over again for any of my projects.
Michael is an amazing musician! 100 % Professional. I had the honor of also playing with Michael in live situations as well. If you need a pocket drummer with just the right amount of spice, he's your guy!!
Not only an amazing drummer, but has all the additives to go with it. Genuine, professional, on time, easy to be creative with, hard working... this dude will sweat it out whether performing live or in the studio. Cheers in hopes of more music endeavors we may have in store Mike!
Michael is a total pro with great feel and intuition on drums! I will definitely be using him again!
Interview with Mike Smith Drums
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I am currently working on the new Trapt album, and some other country projects at the moment.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both!
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I focus primarily on feel, groove, and timing, as those are the most important things to me. I always play to serve the song. Its about making the sound feel good, and sound appropriate.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Less is more. Feel and taste matter.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I love and work with all styles! Primarily rock, pop, country, hip hop, Gospel, r&b.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Listening, communication, groove & creativity, & getting a great sound!
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: As a drummer, I try to lay a solid, consistent foundation for the song, create special moments, and accent the lead vocal. I've been playing for many years both in the studio and on the road. I bring experience, groove, and feel to a song, supportive of the lyrics and the music.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: My typical work process starts with listening to the clients tracks and then talking with the client to get an understanding of their vision for the track. Reference tracks are always helpful for me as they give me a good idea sonically and stylistically of what the writer is after. I dig in and start recording.. Then after I do a few takes, either 1 of 2 things. After a few takes, I will do a final run through and typically the track is finished. Or I will comp a few takes together to achieve what the client is looking for. Then I do my best to make sure they're very happy, & come back again & again! Communication is very important to me! My ultimate goal is to write creative parts that enhance and maximize the song without ever distracting from it.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have accumulated my studio collection over the years. I have a modern studio with a Universal Audio Apollo as the hub. I have a nice large drum room, with plenty of channels, industry standard microphones- Shire 57s,81s,AKG414, D-112, Audix, Sennheiser, Audio Technica 4040s, and more. I am running Logic X w/ many plugin choices (waves, fab-filter, sound toys, etc). I have a couple choice pieces of analog gear as well (1176,api style pres, adl600). I have a great DW kit, and a bunch of snares (many different sizes) and cymbal options. I have various knick knacks such as mutes, muffling rings, tambourines, shakers, toca shells, etc to help me achieve the right sound and vibe.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Steve Gadd, Carter Beauford, Chris Lord-Alge, Josh Freese, Dave Grohl, Teddy Campbell, Eric Moore., and many others.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Drum tracking.
I was the Drummer in this production
- Live drum trackAverage price - $170 per song
- Programmed drumAverage price - $100 per song
- PercussionAverage price - $100 per song
- Podcast Editing & MasteringContact for pricing
- Mixing EngineerContact for pricing
Up to 3 revisions. Very quick turnaround, Typically within 3-5 business days.
- Jason Aldean
- Dave Matthews Band
- Foo Fighters
- DW Drums Ludwig Drums Yamaha Drums Zildjian K Cymbals Universal Audio Multiple Snare Drums BigFatSnareDrum Audix Rode Sennheiser AKG Audio Technica microphones ADL600 Pres API Style Pres 1176 Style Outboard Logic Pro X
Discount for 3+ Songs
