Andy Rinn Martinek on SoundBetter

Hi I’m Andy. I’m a NYC based drummer with 15+ years of session/drum programming experience and I want to help you make an awesome recording. I’ve worked across many musical genres as a side man in NYC and I’ve tracked drums for several big label artists. Working together, we can bring your recording to the next level!

The drums have been a part of my life for almost as long as I can remember. I’ve been playing the drums for over 20 years been touring and recording with bands for the past 18+ years. It’s what I love to do and, it’s what I’m best at. To me, few things in life are as satisfying as laying down a track that has the right feel, vibe and energy to serve the music.

I’ve been a working session drummer for close to a decade in NYC now. I have tracked drums on hundreds of recordings in NYC from smaller DYI projects to artists signed on major labels. After 7 years of studying the drums at the conservatory level, I’m fluent and have tracked drums across a wide range of musical idioms including rock, metal, jazz, country, pop and more. As a performer, I’ve shared the stage with Diana DeGarmo (American Idol), Alexa Green (Wicked), Terell Stafford and various bands members from Snarky Puppy, Taylor Swift and Sting to name a few.

I have a variety of cymbals as well as modern and vintage drums to suit any need musical needs. Everything is recorded using quality preamps and industry standard mics. Along with live drums, I can also program loops and rhythmic tracks with my modular synth setup as well as my extensive sound library in Ableton. The parts we’ll work on will be completely custom to your music and I will work hard to deliver quality drum tracks for your musical vision!

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

Credits

8 Reviews - 2 Repeat Clients

Endorse Andy Rinn Martinek

by Andrew U.
Verified
Andy laid down some killer takes and is both friendly and a good communicator. A+ experience!
by Marco M.
Verified
Andy did a fantastic job. He is ultra knowledgeable, has top notch skills, great ideas – nothing more to wish! A++
by Chris Ott
Verified
Andy is a total pro and is great to work with! He laid down exactly what I was looking for: great drum sounds, impeccable time, and a touch of his own creative style. I would definitely hire Andy again, he is one of the best in the biz!
by Emily Claman
I love working with Andy!! I hired him to play on my EP (produced by Hanan Rubinstein) He did a great job and was super professional! He’s super talented, respectful and an awesome energy. I'd highly recommend him!!!
by Liam Budge
I hired Andy a few years ago for a live session in Brooklyn. It was such a pleasure to work with a drummer who so versatile in many styles. As my music crosses from Jazz-Pop-Rock, I needed a drummer who could shift gears and was so happy to find Andy. Super relaxed as well, despite my last minute changes to the music! Highly recommend this great player and guy!
by Paul Maddison
Musicianship, hang, vibe, depth of music, experience, ideas, groove, tone and time! Andy is a first call NYC pro for a reason---he's F'N BAD ASS. A true pleasure to hang and work with, comfortable in all styles and takes care or business: musically and professionally.
by S.D.
We've worked with Andy steadily over the past 2.5 years and have found him to be indispensable. Andy's musicality is unsurpassed, great idea man, willing to jump into anything at any time and has a very open mind. He's professional, timely, responsive and experienced. Wouldn't hit the studio without him!
by Dylan Glatthorn
Absolutely amazing player - I'm a composer/producer and I've hired Andy for many different projects over the years. He's an incredibly versatile musician with a lot to offer. He's also very responsive and easy to work with. Definitely my top pick!

Interview with Andy Rinn Martinek

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I recently recorded an EP with a new band called Savarre. We spent a week at Power Station and a week at Sear Sound in New York tracking parts. The producer has worked for John Legend and a variety of mainstream artists and it’s been a blast working with him! We worked together closely on percussion orchestration and programmed drums as well. I was also recently hired by producer Hanan Rubinstein (of Alicia Keys) to track drums for Emily Claman. Those tracks are ROCKIN’ and they’ll also be coming out very soon as well.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Right now, I’m working on my own original project, RINN. It’s been in the woodshed for a long time and I’m finally taking steps to bring it to life.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Yes! My buddy Darren Fewins is an amazing pop singer. Hit him up if you need vocal tracks. He’s amazing. I’m sure there are others here too. I just haven’t found them yet!
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both! It really depends on the situation. Everyone’s music is different and vibe of the music will usually guide you there.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I will work hard to deliver drum tracks the serve the music and your vision for the song. My top priority is to make sure YOU are happy with the results.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I love working with people to make something amazing. There is nothing more satisfying to me than building something. Music is a powerful thing!
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: The thing I get asked the most is, “How long does it take to finish my song?” It usually takes me about 3-5 business day to turn over the files. Then, we can talk from there if you need any tweaks.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: I think a lot of people see the drummer as “just the drummer.” But, I think what makes a good song is largely the feeling produced by the drummer and the rhythm section. Without the feel, you’re dead in the water!
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I always ask what kind of music influences and inspires them the most. That can cover a lot of ground in understand where the client is coming from.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Go with what feels right. I’m might be the perfect drummer for you but if not, that’s okay too! The important thing is that you’re happy with the end result.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Certainly a kick, snare and hi-hat. For the last two items, I’d bring a speaker and an iphone to play with the music I love all day!
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I new at a young age that I wanted to play the drums for a living. So, in that way I’ve been very luck. I’ve been tour with different groups since I as 14 and I’ve been play the drums for over 20 years now.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Definitely BIG. Consistent and powerful are two descriptors I’ve been told if myself in the past
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I think I’d like to work with Nine Inch Nails. That music is so hard hitting and yet, so musical at the same time. Each track is like it’s own little production gem.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Go with your gut! It’s easy to mess around with something for months and it can stifle the process. Go with what feels right in the moment. There is plenty of time to change it down the road.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I’m playing and tour with a lot of different bands from pop, blues, theatre and rock. But currently, I’m mostly working on rock and metal!
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I think I’m a great listener. I’m best at translating what a client has in their head to the drums. I’m also very comfortable coming up with material to add to the song if that’s what is needed.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I like to think I bring a lot of energy and power to whatever musical situation I’m in. I also feel confident in my ability to serve the music and support whatever else is happening.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Typically, I like to hear thoughts from the client before I listen to the track. I usually ask what recording they like the drum sound on or if there are any notes about the music I should know ahead of time. Then, I’ll track three takes and we’ll take it from there.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have a drum room in NYC that is treated and fully functional. I have Steinberg pre amps, plenty of drums/snare to pick from and professional grade mics.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I’ve always been a huge fan of Josh Freese, Steve Gadd and Brian Blade. As far as production is concerned, Trent Reznor has been an idol of mine since I was 12 years old!
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I work with clients to create drums tracks that best suit their musical vision.