Exquisite grooves from Berlin

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

A: I love the album "Alles Fliesst" by my band "BAP". We all put our hearts and souls into this album and it entered the charts at #1. So it was worth all the sweat and tears.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm currently working with Alice Merton and Mogli, two extremely talented musicians. I'm also preparing for live shows with BAP, Stoppok and Cologne.

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

A: I know Björn Werra, a great bassist from Germany who is also listed on Soundbetter. He's definitely one of the three best bass players in Germany and has given every song that special sauce. And he's super nice too.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I love the combination of both. But what I find most interesting is recreating electronic drum sounds with real, home-made percussion instruments.

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

A: We don't stop until you are satisfied.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: That in studio work you can freeze the perfect moment forever and make emotions audible.

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

A: "Can you also record percussion?" Yes I can. :-))

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

A: It is a hobby.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: My customers often tell me exactly how they imagine the drums to be. Then I'm interested in references, in terms of both sound and style. I also like to ask what creative leeway I have.

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

A: Be direct and honest. I want to please you, you should then love the drums that we record for your song. And in order for us to do that, I need your feedback.

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

A: Kick, snare, hihat, sticks. And a proper seat :-).

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

A: I started drumming when I was six years old. My uncle led a big band, which is why I only played in big bands until I was 18. After that I got the chance to study drums at a university for pop music, the Popakademie in Mannheim. During this period I discovered my passion for studio recording.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would say that I have an earthy sound and i always want to groove. No matter what I do, it has to serve the song - I'm completely with my role model Jim Keltner. I like to listen to others and play dynamically and I love searching for the perfect sound to a song.

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

A: Rufus Wainwright. His music touches my heart and he is getting better with every record. Also, I'm a big Kendrick Lamar fan. He has deep output on all musical and content levels. It would certainly be an extraordinary experience to drum for him.

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

A: The Berlin sound is currently in high demand: short, deep snare, tight, driving drums and cool grooves. At the same time, I play in a successful German band with a slight Americana and folk influence. There were years when I was only asked for hip-hop acts. Overall, I am said to have an urban sound.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My greatest strength is that I am at home in many different styles, but always with my own touch.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I always try to capture the essence and central emotion of a song and amplify it with my drums.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I love Coles 4038 Mics as Overheads. also I use BAE-Preamps and Daking-Preamps for Room-Signals, Kick and Snare. The rest goes through Apollo soundcards. We record with Logic as a daw and invite anyone interested via audiomovers to join the recording-session with a live-stream.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Always be humble towards the song.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I will first find the sound and groove that you wanted for your production. Only after you really are committed to my interpretation I will start with the recording. I'd prefer having you live on the session via live broadcast. I will provide you with a link to my session.

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

A: I deeply believe in the idea, that you can transport emotions with drums. I love listening to drummers like Matt Chamberlain, Jim Keltner, Joey Waronker or Jay Bellerose that are absolute masters in this very special part of the profession. Getting into the right mood is really an important part of the process.

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

A: I always concentrate on style, groove and sound. The things I care for the most are the best drums I can offer for the track and to really feel what the singer/producer/songwriter wants to tell with his song and the style of the track.