Session Drummer / Producer

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

A: I'd say the two questions I get asked the most frequently are "How long does it take?" and "How much does it cost?" When you boil it down, these are the two things people want to know above all else. My standard turnaround time is five (5) business days and my standard rate is $200 per song for drum tracks. But I would ask that if you want something different than that, please just ask me. I always want to find an opportunity to work with someone!

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

A: That because I do what I love for a living, and because I work for myself, it's not really work at all. Don't get me wrong, my profession is a complete joy, but I am the only one responsible for the work getting done for my business so, more often than not, I have to work twice as hard!

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

A: I was the drummer in a band that got signed to Lava / Universal Republic under the direction of Jason Flom. For that record, we recorded with Josh Abraham, Ryan Williams, and Chris Lord-Alge. The experience of making that album probably did more to inform me about making a great recording than anything else has in my career. It also gave me a huge boost of confidence to have guys of that level compliment my playing. I will carry that experience with me forever.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am consistently turning out multiple drum sessions and producing EPs and LPs for bands and artists in Nashville, TN.

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

A: Nick Scallorn. He is an excellent guitar player and an even better guy. I work with him on an ongoing basis in my studio in Nashville and could not give him a higher recommendation.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Oh man, both. Each for their own very different reasons. I prefer a combination of the two. A good hybrid produces great sound quality and a much more manageable workflow.

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

A: I will do my very best to deliver exactly what you want and need for your project. And I will keep a consistent, open line of communication throughout the entire process.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I get to do what I love for a living. And I am in charge of my own schedule. Not having to ask anyone for time off is my version of success.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: My favorite one is, "If everything worked out perfectly and you had the career of your dreams, what would success look like for you? What kind of artist would you be?" That answer can tell you a lot about the kind of record someone wants to make.

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

A: Trust your gut. If someone feels shady or doesn't get back to within a reasonable amount of time, don't work with them. There are far too many people of integrity and skill in this world to waste your time on those simply looking to turn a quick buck at your expense.

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

A: Kick, snare, hi-hat, iPhone (with the Garageband App installed), and some sort of solar charger so I could keep recording stuff!

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

A: This has been my career for the entirety of my professional life. Music is what I have always done in some form or fashion. I used to tour a lot more, but I have gravitated more toward the studio the longer I have been in business.

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

A: My focus is generally on rock, pop, and electronic music. I also really enjoy working on metal but don't get to do quite as much of that as I would like.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I built my entire studio myself. It is isolated, tuned, and treated. And it is super-comfortable and vibey. It's a great place to create music. I have a big drum room with 40 channels, industry standard microphones–Sennheiser 421s, SM7bs, 57s, 81s, Fatheads, RE-20, AKG D11, some really great RME preamps, a Universal Audio Apollo 16 interface, and I am running Logic X and Ableton Live 9. I have a great Ludwig kit and a bunch of snare drum and cymbal options as well. It's the kind of thing I've dreamt about having my entire life, and now I do!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I am definitely a rock drummer, first and foremost. Groove, feel, and consistency are the most important things to me. And I mix and produce from a rock and pop perspective. No doubt about it.

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

A: I think Muse would be a ton of fun to work with, or a band like them. I would love to be a part of making a record that has no rules.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Less is more. Don't get bogged down in parts. It takes just as much talent to make a song huge with minimal parts as it does to create a slew of really great individual pieces.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I do my best to be a great communicator. In my experience, the better the communication, the better the final product and the happier everyone is throughout the process.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I believe I am good at helping to guide a song along its way to becoming what it wants to be. As a drummer, I try to lay a solid, consistent foundation for the band, create special moments, and accent the lead vocal. As a producer and mix engineer, my job is to make the song the most impactful version of itself that it can be.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: For drums, I will usually listen to the song several times through to get all of the finer points of it internalized. Then I will track 3 takes in a row and come back into the control room and review them to make sure it all works well for the song. If I am happy with the parts and performance, then I will compress and post the files to Dropbox and send the link on its way! As a producer and mix engineer, the process is more complex and varies from client to client. In a nutshell though, I do my best to communicate well and make the client as comfortable, encouraged, and inspired as possible. I believe a relaxed environment is key to making great music.

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

A: As a drummer, I draw a great deal of inspiration from Josh Freese and Kenny Aronoff, guys who have the ability to truly play for the song, and whose work has spanned many genres over the years. Like them, my goal is to be someone who can add value to any piece of music that is put in front of me. And as a producer and mix engineer, I believe Rick Rubin, Andy Wallace, Butch Vig, Butch Walker, Chris & Tom Lord-Alge, and Neal Avron are at the top of the game. If I could be put into the same category as any one of those guys, it would be an honor.

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

A: The thing I do more than anything else is provide high-quality drum tracks for my clients. I have worked very hard over the years to cultivate a collection of top-notch recording gear and to hone my skills as a player, in an effort to provide the most seamless and rewarding experience possible.