Pepe Espinosa

Multi Percussion Recording

Pepe Espinosa on SoundBetter

With 25+ years of experience, I specialize in authentic Latin and Afro-Cuban Percussion. I've performed with Buena Vista Orchestra, Afro-Cuban All Stars, Isaac Delgado, Arturo Sandoval, and others, and contributed to the Latin Grammy-nominated La Rumba Soy Yo. Fast turnaround and world-class percussion tracks.

I'm a Cuban-American percussionist with over 25 years of professional experience, specializing in authentic Latin and Afro-Cuban Percussion.

I'm a signed artist with Meinl Percussion and Vic Firth, and have performed and recorded with Buena Vista Orchestra, Afro-Cuban All Stars, Arturo Sandoval, Isaac Delgado, Cubanismo, and many others. I also contributed to the Latin Grammy-nominated La Rumba Soy Yo.

Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, I was a protégé of legendary percussionist José Luis Quintana "Changuito," whose influence shaped my musical career.

I record from my professional studio using API preamps, premium microphones, and a world-class collection of percussion instruments, delivering broadcast-quality recordings.

Whether you need salsa, timba, son cubano, Latin jazz, pop, or world percussion, I provide clean, precise performances with exceptional groove, fast turnaround, and professionally edited tracks ready to drop into your session. Clear communication and client satisfaction are always my priority.

Let's bring your music to life!

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

Interview with Pepe Espinosa

  1. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  2. A: I record from my professional studio using a Mac Pro, Logic Pro, API 512 mic preamps, premium microphones, and a carefully selected collection of world-class Percussion instruments. Every recording is captured with exceptional clarity, warmth, and punch. I deliver clean, dry tracks, giving you complete flexibility to blend the Percussion seamlessly into your mix.

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

  4. A: My greatest influence is my mentor, legendary Cuban percussionist José Luis Quintana "Changuito," whose artistry and innovation shaped my musical foundation. I'm also inspired by master percussionists such as Tata Güines and Giovanni Hidalgo, as well as producer Javier Limón, with whom I collaborated on numerous recordings in Spain. From a production standpoint, I greatly admire Quincy Jones for his timeless musical vision, attention to detail, and masterful use of Percussion.

  5. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  6. A: Build your percussion arrangement from the ground up. Start with the lower-frequency instruments, such as congas, to establish the groove and foundation, then add higher-pitched instruments like bongos, timbales, and cowbells. A well-balanced arrangement always starts with a solid rhythmic foundation.

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

  8. A: Don't hesitate to reach out. I'd be happy to learn about your project, listen to your music, discuss creative ideas, and help you find the percussion that best serves your song. Great communication is the foundation of a great collaboration.

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

  10. A: My promise is simple: world-class percussion, clear communication, fast turnaround, and a recording experience that's smooth from start to finish. Every track is performed with precision, musicality, and attention to detail, delivering authentic percussion that elevates your music.

  11. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  12. A: Bringing music to life through percussion. Every song is unique, and I truly enjoy finding the right groove, feel, and energy that helps take a production to the next level. Music has been my passion since I was a child, and I feel incredibly fortunate to do what I love every day.

  13. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  14. A: I'm currently touring internationally with The Buena Vista Orchestra while continuing to record percussion remotely for artists and producers worldwide. Between tours, I'm creating new educational content for my social media platforms and recording from my professional studio, where I provide high-quality percussion tracks with fast turnaround for clients around the world.

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

  16. A: I highly recommend singer Jaki Nelson. Several musicians I know have had great experiences working with her, and she's known for her professionalism, talent, and excellent communication throughout the recording process.

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

  18. A: One project I'm especially proud of was becoming a signature artist for Meinl Percussion. Shortly after joining the roster, I was invited to record a series of professional percussion performances showcasing their instruments. I performed and recorded all the percussion, highlighting the sound, versatility, and musicality of the collection. Many of the demos featured on my SoundBetter profile come from those sessions.

  19. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  20. A: Both. I believe the best recordings combine the warmth and character of high-end analog equipment with the precision and flexibility of today's digital technology. I record through premium API preamps using carefully selected microphones, then complete my workflow in Logic Pro to deliver clean, polished, broadcast-quality percussion tracks ready for mixing.

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

  22. A: Most clients ask about pricing and delivery time. My rates depend on the number of instruments, the complexity of the arrangement, and the scope of the project. I always provide fair pricing, fast delivery, and recordings that are ready to drop into your session.

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

  24. A: Many people assume I only play Latin music. While Latin and Afro-Cuban percussion are my specialties, I've recorded and performed on pop, rock, jazz, EDM, funk, and many other styles. My goal is always to serve the music, regardless of the genre.

  25. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  26. A: I like to understand the vision for the song, the style they're after, which percussion instruments they have in mind, and their deadline. The more I understand the project, the better I can create percussion that perfectly supports their music.

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

  28. A: Timbales, Congas, Bongos, Cowbells, and Cymbals. With those, I could play for the rest of my life.

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

  30. A: I've been a professional percussionist since I was 14 years old and have dedicated my entire career to music. From performing with leading artists in Cuba to touring internationally and recording for clients worldwide, music has always been my profession and my passion.

  31. Q: How would you describe your style?

  32. A: Versatile, musical, and authentic. I adapt naturally to many genres while always focusing on great feel, clean execution, and the right groove for each song. My goal is to serve the music, not my ego.

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

  34. A: Sting. I've always admired his songwriting, musicianship, and the sophisticated rhythmic approach of his music. His productions create the perfect environment for expressive percussion, and collaborating with him would be both inspiring and rewarding.

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

  36. A: I specialize in Latin and Afro-Cuban music, but I also record for pop, Latin jazz, jazz, world music, rock, funk, EDM, and many other styles. My goal is always to serve the music while staying authentic to each genre.

  37. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  38. A: My strongest qualities are groove, musicality, versatility, and attention to detail. I focus on delivering clean, expressive performances with the right feel and dynamics, always serving the song rather than overplaying.

  39. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  40. A: I bring authenticity, groove, and musical sensitivity. Every percussion part is carefully crafted to enhance the arrangement, support the artist's vision, and add energy, texture, and emotion without ever getting in the way of the music.

  41. Q: What's your typical work process?

  42. A: Every project begins with a conversation about your vision, the style, and the percussion your song needs. If helpful, I'll suggest instruments or creative ideas to enhance the arrangement. I record each instrument on its own track, allowing maximum flexibility during mixing. You'll first receive a reference mix for approval, and if any adjustments are needed, I'll gladly make them. Once you're completely satisfied, I'll deliver professionally edited, dry, mix-ready stems, clearly labeled and organized for a smooth workflow.

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

  44. A: I provide professional live percussion recordings tailored to each song. Whether you need a single percussion instrument or a complete percussion arrangement, I deliver authentic, world-class performances recorded in my studio and ready for your production.

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Funk Percussion Groove Demo (No Drums)

I was the Percussion Player in this production

GenresSounds Like
  • Marc Anthony
  • Madonna
  • Arturo Sandoval
Gear Highlights
  • API 512C preamps
  • Sennheiser MD421s
  • Shure SM57s
  • AKG 414s
  • Shure Beta 91A and 52A
  • Lewitt LCT 140 Air and MTP 440 DM
  • Apple Mac Pro
  • Focusrite Scarlett 1820
  • Apple Logic Pro
More Photos
SoundBetter Deal

10% discount for 3 or more songs