Bringing the big beat

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

A: Recently I was asked to replace a top Nashville player. The artist had completely orchestrated the drum part to synch with his guitars. The guy in Nashville disregarded this and apparently played something he thought was just fine - only it wasn't. I ended up creating a note-for-note transcription of what the artist had scored. It was significantly more effort than a standard session but the results, and happy client, speak for themselves.

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

A: The people that have been hiring me are doing so because they feel good about what I'm going to do for their music. If anything, I'm the one that's asking all the questions. Most typically though, they're curious about what I think of the existing drum part on their demos and how I may be hearing things differently. In many cases I prefer to take what they've begun and simply put a clear lens on it. Rarely do I say let's throw everything out and start over.

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

A: This is about breathing life into your creation. Any drummer here can play the notes. Take some time to get to know us and find someone who is most in synch with where you want to go. Don't get caught up in style/genre. Look for authentic

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

A: I've been gigging and recording non-stop for well over thirty years.

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

A: Anything that is focused on the song - notice a theme here. The style or genre is irrelevant.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Clarity, drive, feel, intent. I like to really get down to the core of the song and go from there

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: First and foremost - understand what it is you are looking for. It's not about me playing the drums. It's about you having a great sounding song. From there I like to sit with the material for a bit. If I play through it every day the nuances will start to emerge after a week or so.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: There are a few pro-grade studios I work with in Chicago. My go-to I've been working out of since the mid-90's. Over the years they have hosted artists such as Cheap Trick and Mike Chapman. The Ludwig kit there always sounds great.

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

A: You'd never know it from hearing me play, but my favorite drummer is Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden. What appeals to me in any artist is authenticity. Technique is useless if you can't find your voice. Go and listen to, "'Til I Get To You" by Nikka Costa. Lenny Kravitz plays drums. He may not be known as a drummer, but he certainly knows what a drummer should do.

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

A: My approach has always been song first, drums last. The notes are easy. What I'm looking to do is get down deeper into who you are as an artist, what you are trying to communicate, and how I can bring that out to make you look good.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: A very 70's sounding album. It ranges from Smokie, to Elton John, with a sprinkling of Bowie on the top. Much more range than most albums. An 80's sounding hard rock album has just begun. And I just wrapped up a very light Pop album. Outside of the recording world I'm always speaking with artists in regards to touring opportunities.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Who cares. Hit the drums.

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

A: I'm going to take the time to understand what it is you want and go in deep

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

A: That simplicity is easy. You can't hide in an open field.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Always there, solid, never in the way, clutter free.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Let everyone else do their job. Focus on your own.

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

A: Iggy Pop - because he's Iggy Pop (Nikka Costa, Paloma Faith, Beth Hart, Bonnie Tyler or Paul Stanley would all be pretty great as well)

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I've been at this long enough to know how to put the song before the drums. At the end of the day though I'd rather hear a good song, or better yet, be a contributor to a good song.

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

A: Doesn't matter. Whatever I'm being paid to play. You can't beat Yamaha drum hardware, though. Nothing else comes close.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Drums, music, what's not to like?

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What's your vision? Do you have anything points of reference stylistically or sonically I should be aware of? If you have worked with other drummers what was it that you did or didn't like about them? (musically, not personally)