Session Drummer/Studio Owner

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

A: The movie soundtracks that I have done for AR Rahman will always hold a special place. Especially if the mixing engineer phones you from Hollywood and compliments you on a great product. Also any work with LEBO is amazing! I always learn so much from him...Who knows, maybe someday the call will come from Hans Zimmer...:)

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Same old. Just played on some killer rock tunes for a client from Dubai. Just before that, I recorded on a live album for an African artist, and something new for LEBO M coming up.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog all the way from a sonic point of view. But digital is the age we live in.

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

A: I am my own biggest critic! So even if I do not sleep for 2 days, my clients will be happy! I have been a dedicated studio drummer for the past 20 years.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I just love to play!! Regular studio work hones your skills, matures your chops, and sparks your brain constantly. Also listening back to a track through the monitors, smiling and thinking "I wouldn't change a single thing", is something you can't explain to anybody..

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

A: Try out the new unfamiliar-to-you guy. You might just be pleasantly surprised....:)

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

A: A metronome, stick bag, my Zildjian 15' K-Sweet hi-hats, Legend 6.5x14 Phosphor-Bronze snare, and my 24x16 Padauk kick-drum.

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

A: I am actually a Jazz Graduate. I completed my studies in 1998, and have been playing pro ever since. I always had love and a passion for the studio. The "on the spot" creating process is what always turned me on. I have toured and recorded with all major SA artists, and eventually my path went international.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would like to think of myself as a "pocket" player, rather than a "Gladiator". I believe I have sufficient chops to carry me in most situations, but in the studio game, "less is more" rings true most of the time. Good time, feel and sound is always king!

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

A: Sting, Peter Gabriel, Tim Akres and The Smoking Section, and Mozart. I listen to composition and arrangement. These mentioned artists are just next-level!!! Gonna be hard to get hold of Mozart, though...:)

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Always serve the song, never your ego. Don't take It personal if a client asks you to change something. Remember, they are not in the studio with you to explain what they require on a face-to-face basis.

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

A: Mostly Rock, Pop-Rock, African and Country. But I would like to think that I can cover most genres.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I am a pain when it comes to time!! I am very good on a click, but even so, I will always check the track for human errors once done. To a degree, that is. It still has to feel great. That being said, a "looser" approach can also be exercised, should a client require that.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: It all depends on the client's requirements and the style of music to be performed. Some prefer a bit more "busy" approach, while others just want you to sit in the pocket. I will always strive to serve the song though, playing as musical as possible, checking for great time all the way.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I will always ask for a brief or a reference from the client. Once the session is prepped, I prefer to have a final conversation, to make notes on my chart. Once tracking is done, Ill send a mix down for any possible changes. Once the client is happy, I will send the edited stems.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: DRUMS: I have two designer kits that was built by Brian Spaun from Spaun Drums in California. One is all-Maple, the other is my flagship Padauk-wood kit. SNARES: An array of drums, Spaun DW, Ludwig etc, in Wood, Copper, Brass, Carbon Fibre, Bronze. MICS: AKG D112, AKG D12(Original vintage) AKG C451, C12's SUB-Kick, SHURE Sm57's, SENNHEIZER 421's, Earthworks. PRE,s: Neve 1073's, Neve 1272, Focusrite ISA110's, Prism. CONVERSION: Prism & Apogee PLATFORM: Mac with Logic Pro.

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

A: There are way to many to mention. I love all styles of music, and are required to play anything from pop-rock to jazz. But guys like Vinnie Colaiuta, Bill Stewart, Abe Laboriel Jr, Dave Weckl, and the Country greats like Shannon Forrest and Paul Leim seriously inspire me.

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

A: 80% of all my work, involves recording drums on artist's tunes. I spend most of my time each day writing charts, picking the right set-up for a project, laying the track, doing final edits, and sending back the final product. Thats why the studio was built in the first place.

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

A: Do you have good coffee? YEEESSSS!!

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

A: "Playing in a studio to a click, takes away the feel and artistic integrity of the song"... Ive heard this quite often from non studio-fit players. FACT: The better the time and pocket, the greater the feel!!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Would you like me to stick religiously to the programming/reference, or is it open for interpretation?