Dillon Napier on SoundBetter

Drummer for Grammy nominated artist Margo Price. Previous live & studio work includes Kesha, Jessi Colter, Lilly Hiatt, Caitlin Rose, Chris Knight

Hello! I’m a drummer recording drums and percussion from my home studio in Nashville, TN. I’ve been touring and doing sessions for close to 20 years. I’ve worked with many Grammy award winning producers, toured the world and recorded on all types of records.

I’m happy to deliver tracks mixed with my production instincts or completely dry stems(or both), whatever you’d prefer.

I’m all about collaborating & hearing your ideas to make sure you get the perfect take for your song. Always happy to do revisions!

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Credits

AllMusic verified credits for Dillon Napier

Margo Price
Margo Price
Margo Price
Darrin Bradbury
Margo Price
Margo Price
Margo Price
Margo Price
Scatter the Ashes
Scatter the Ashes
Margo Price
Margo Price
Margo Price
Becky Warren

9 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Dillon Napier

by Lloyd L.
Verified
I completely enjoyed working with Dillon Napier. He is a fine drummer, and the tracks he provided for my project were just what the song needed. In our discussions, he was positive, helpful, and right there in the moment. He was quick to respond to my questions, and his project turnaround time was fast! Dillon is a good listener, and committed to making the connection a great experience for everyone. I will certainly hire him again!
by Carl P.
Verified
Dylan is exceedingly professional and very easy to work with.
by Alex A.
Verified
Dillon is SUPER talented and responsive. A pleasure working with him. Highly recommend him for future drum work!
by JS
Verified
I absolutely love working with Dillon. I can honestly say that no other drummer I have encountered has been as intuitive and so easy work with. He has consistently provided INCREDIBLE results. Don't let hisway too low prices fool you. I have paid more than twice as much for guys with half the ability that Dillon has. Dillon is amazing. My go to guy from now on. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
by JS
Verified
Dillon is a great drummer. He knew just what the song needed and laid it down without having to be coached. He has a tremendous ear and his kit sounds great. Highly recommended!!
by Jacob P.
Verified
It was a pleasure working with Dillon. A great player, clean recordings and very responsive. Will be back!
by Enric M.
Verified
Great drummer who brought what my song needed.
Good communication and open to suggestions and delivered on time.
by Marcus F.
Verified
Dillon was great, quick, and open to notes and tailoring the drums to what I was hearing in my mind. A professional all around.
by Daniel W.
Verified
Amazing drummer, super nice and easy to work with.

Interview with Dillon Napier

Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Don’t forget to click save after a good take!
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: My side band Crystal Gods. Recording our new album at my home studio, engineering and mixing as well as playing a lot of instruments.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both have their place
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: 100% passion and dedication to making sure your song is as good as it can be and that you’re happy with the results
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: When can you have my song done? Usually 3-5 days, 7 at the most if I’m overloaded with tracks ahead of you
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What type of vibe are you going for, any rhythmic ideas you might have, what’s the bpm?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Embrace creativity and enjoy the collaborative spirit of making music together
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: I’ll go with my Sakae drums, Sabian Cymbals, Sugar percussion snare, an acoustic guitar and a conga
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: My career path was always hopefully to be a professional drummer. I’ve been lucky enough to do that since 2002.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I have a background in rock but I feel working in Nashville for 20 years has made me adaptable to many different styles depending on the artist or song
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Margo Price - Midwest Farmers Daughter. Recorded in 3 days at Sun Studios in Memphis, TN with a bunch of friends. Went on to catapult all of our careers.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Yes
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The art of collaborating with fellow creative types
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That I’m just here for the free green room snacks, I enjoy playing music just as much as I enjoy snacking
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Rock, indie rock, americana or singer/songwriter, some country
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Hopefully my communication and ears
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Energy, passion, creativity
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Every track can be different, but typically I chart the song, get a good drum sound for the song, lay down a few takes and the share with the client for their input.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I’m tracking through a Universal Audio Apollo interface using 4 inputs with Shure microphones. A somewhat analog setup with digital plug-ins from UA, Soundtoys, Waves to bring drum tracks that are high-quality, easy to mix, and pop out of the mix.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: So many, from all types of music
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Remote drum & percussion tracks