Because the drums matter!

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

A: Clients’ most commonly asked questions of me a studio drummer are: Do I have comparable equipment in my studio as a really high end studio? My answer is yes. I have many of the main mics and other equipment that one could expect to see in those type of professional environments and more. Another common question is: If I feel like the song(s) in question is something I feel confident doing? The answer to that will be honest: If I don’t feel like I’m a good fit I have no problem with respectfully declining the job and maybe even referring a drummer that I think can do a better job. By being honest and upfront with clients about my abilities and equipment, I can establish trust and credibility with them. It is my sincere hope that will help lead to ongoing professional relationships and referrals in the future

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My drumming style is an eclectic blend of various genres that I've learned and grown to love throughout my career. I draw inspiration from the fluidity and improvisation of jazz, the groove and rhythm of hip hop, the soulfulness and power of gospel, and the smoothness and groove of R&B. When I play, I strive to create a sound that is unique and memorable, incorporating elements from each of these styles while still maintaining my own distinct voice. Whether I'm playing complex polyrhythms or laying down a simple, steady groove, my drumming is always infused with a sense of musicality and emotion. I believe that my drumming style is not only versatile, but also has the ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level. Whether I'm playing in a live setting or in the studio, my goal is to create a musical experience that is both enjoyable and meaningful, and that leaves a lasting impression on those who witness it.

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

A: Drummers: Steve Jordan, John "JR" Robinson, Chris Dave,Steve Gadd, Jim Kellner, Dylan Wissing, Bernard Purdie Musicians:D'Angelo, Roy Hargrove, Robert Glasper, Cory Henry, Prince, Steely Dan, Moonchild, Stevie Wonder Producers: Quincy Jones, J Dilla, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Timbaland, Teddy Riley, Rick Rubin, Pharrell Williams, Just Blaze

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

A: As a studio drummer I find that I am most commonly asked to reimagine drum parts and also reference and recreate drum sounds for clients.

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

A: Honestly I am proud of everything that I have done to date. Projects range from major jazz releases where my role was just the drummer to numerous artist' projects as both drummer and producer. However I'm still searching for that "One". I am hoping that maybe a new realtionship on SoundBetter could be that one for me and would be a proud bond that I alongside the client could pridefully share forever.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At the moment I am working on completing my own album in which I play drums, do all the production and mixing of the project. In addition to that I have been balancing a steady portfolio of clients and working with them to realize their visions as well as continuing to perform on stages all over the globe.

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

A: Another huge influence of mine that I also consider a great friend is not only on SoundBetter but has also been the driving force behind me being on the service as well. Dylan Wissing is the friend in question and he is a phenomenal drummer, a consummate professional and an even better person.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: When I first started building my studio about 12 years ago I was fully committed to utilizing the newest digital technology to record and make music. I wanted to only use plugin emulations of famous outboard gear that had become standard over decades in the world of recording. My view was that if the plugins have gotten to be such true recreations of the real thing then why would I ever need the "real thing". So that is the direction that I proceeded in for a few years. Throughout that time I was really paying attention to what other drummers, producers and engineers that I respected were using. Did they use digital means in their work flow? 100% yes. Did they use plugins? Of course. But did they also strategically have analog gear in the mix of their signal flow? Absolutely. I was admittedly torn and confused. I also was still working in studios that were definitely combining both analog and digital aspects into their recording and mixing setups. My head was spinning. While walking around at the NAMM Show around that time I ran into Trevor Lawrence. He quite literally is a hero of mine as a drummer and producer. (Not to mention a really cool guy.) I stopped him and introduced myself and we proceeded to have a great conversation. During that convo I just came out and asked him about the fact that he has presets on some of my favorite plugins yet when I see his work environment in his own studio on Instagram he is exclusively tracking through loads of analog gear. His answer was simple,"The digital stuff is great and really convenient for us but there's just something about recording with analog gear that has and will always sound better". Not a super technical answer but I wholeheartedly believed him. And at that moment I switched my own stance and started adopting analog into my digital set up. My studio now consists of a hybrid combination of the two. All mic signals are tracked through analog preamps before they are digitally converted. I have been extremely pleased with this marriage and feel that it has enhanced the quality of what I am able to deliver to my clients.

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

A: My sincere promise to all clients is that you will get my best and I will work hard to deliver what they are seeking in a recorded drum performance. As a drummer,I understand that my role in a recording is crucial. My clients rely on me to provide them with the highest-quality recorded drum performance possible that meets their needs and exceeds their expectations. By making this promise to my clients, I am setting the bar high for myself, and I am committing to providing them with the best possible service.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I like the most about my job is sharing creative energy with others. Whether that's on stage or in the studio I enjoy the language of music. This language helps convey feelings and emotions that words simply can't.

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

A: This just might be the toughest question of all just picking one artist but I think that if I have pick one it would be Donald Fagen. I have been a huge Steely Dan fan for as long as I can remember and I have some wild ideas that I would like to collaborate with Donald on. His approach to harmony and his relentless pursuit of excellence in the studio make him my hero. Donald call me!!

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

A: I believe that the biggest misconception about me is that I'm potentially not open to constructive criticism or that I might not like a client's music that is outside my musical norms. Being open to feedback and willing to work within a variety of musical styles are essential qualities for any successful musician or producer. It's true that as a musician, I have to be adaptable and not only able to work with a wide range of musical genres and styles but different personalities as well. And, being open to constructive criticism is an important part of the creative process, as it can help you grow as a musician and improve the quality of one's work. By being open-minded and receptive to feedback, I can create a collaborative and productive environment that fosters creative growth and mutual respect between myself and my clients. Ultimately, this will help to deliver the best possible drum recordings and elevate the quality of the music you're working on.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: As a professional studio drummer, there are several questions that I typically ask prospective clients before getting started on recording drums on their project. Here are some examples: What is the style and genre of your music? Understanding the style and genre of music that you're creating is important for me to tailor my drumming approach and drum kit selection to fit your specific needs. How many songs will I be recording drums for? Knowing the number of songs will help me plan for the amount of time needed for the recording process. Will I be recording drums in a studio or remotely? If I'm recording remotely, I'll need to know the specifics of how the recording will be set up, such as tempos, sample rates etc. What is the timeline for the project? It's important to know when you need the drum recordings completed so that I can schedule my time accordingly. Do you have any specific drum sounds or reference tracks in mind? If you have a particular sound or reference track in mind, it can be helpful for me to hear that so that I can tailor my playing and drum sound to match your vision. What is your budget for the drum recording? Knowing your budget will help me determine the best approach to recording drums within your financial constraints. By asking these questions, I can get a better understanding of your needs and goals for the project, and ensure that we are on the same page before starting the recording process.

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

A: If you're considering hiring me to record drums on your project, I would encourage you to first listen to some of my previous recordings and familiarize yourself with my drumming style. This will give you a sense of whether my playing is a good fit for the style of music you're creating. Once you've decided that you'd like to work with me, I would suggest that we have a conversation about your vision for the project. This will help me understand what you're looking for in terms of the overall sound, feel, and energy of the drums. It's important to me that I'm able to bring your musical vision to life and help you achieve your creative goals. When it comes to recording drums, there are many variables to consider, such as drum kit selection, microphone placement, and mixing techniques. I will work with you to determine the best approach for your particular project and ensure that we're on the same page every step of the way. Throughout the recording process, I will be focused on delivering the best possible performance, with attention to detail and a focus on musicality. I'm committed to working collaboratively with you to create a drum sound that is both technically precise and emotionally impactful. In short, my advice to you would be to communicate clearly with me about your vision and goals for the project, and trust that I have the experience, skills, and dedication to deliver high-quality drum recordings that will elevate your music to the next level.

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

A: If I were stranded on a desert island with only my musical gear, I would want to make sure I had everything I needed to create high-quality recordings. (Assuming there is electricity and Wifi on this desert island..wink) My top five essential items would be my Mac Studio, Apollo X4 interface, WTS Bebop Kit, Earthworks mic kit, and my trusty stick bag. My Mac Studio is my go-to tool for recording and producing music. With all of the necessary software and plugins installed, I can create and edit tracks to my heart's content. The Apollo X4 interface is an essential part of my setup, allowing me to connect my microphones and instruments to my Mac with pristine sound quality and low latency. The WTS Bebop Kit is my drum set of choice, providing a classic jazz sound that is both versatile and expressive. With its warm and resonant tone, I can lay down grooves and fills that capture the essence of jazz, as well as other styles of music. The Earthworks microphone kit is another essential item, providing high-quality condenser microphones that are perfect for capturing the sound of drums and other instruments. With their wide frequency response and low noise floor, these mics allow me to record with clarity and detail, even in the most challenging environments. Finally, my stick bag is a must-have item, as it contains all of my drumsticks, brushes, and other percussion accessories. With my stick bag by my side, I can create a wide range of sounds and textures, from the softest whispers to the loudest thunderclaps. With these five items, I'm confident that I could create high-quality recordings that capture the essence of my musical style, even if I were stranded on a desert island.

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

A: I've been a professional drummer for over 30 years now, and my journey has been a fulfilling one. I started playing drums when I was just a kid, and as I got older, I knew that I wanted to make a career out of it. I pursued my passion by attending Berklee College of Music, where I honed my skills and learned everything I needed to know about drumming, from the fundamentals to the most advanced techniques. Over the years, I've played with many different bands and artists, both live and in the studio. I've toured all over the world, playing in some of the most iconic venues and festivals, and have recorded on countless albums, spanning a wide range of genres. Now, as I move forward in my career, I'm looking to strengthen my resume as a studio musician. I'm always seeking out new opportunities to work with talented producers, engineers, and artists in the studio, to bring their musical visions to life. I believe that my experience, skills, and dedication to my craft make me an asset in any recording situation, and I'm committed to delivering the best possible performance on every recording I play on. I'm excited to see where my career path will take me next, and I look forward to continuing to grow and evolve as a drummer and musician. I hope that we can make history together!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: A music production tip that I would share as it relates to recording would be to take some extra time to experiment with microphone placement as well as drum tuning so that the performance that is ultimately captured and sent to the client is the very best sonic palette in which to build the song from.

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

A: The music that I usually work on is what I call "Feel Good Music". Rock, Jazz, Funk, Soul, R&B, Hip Hop, Country, Blues...the list goes on but I can guarantee that whatever the song or style in question; it will ultimately fall into the "Feel Good" category.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is definitely the art of drumming. I have spent many more years as a student of the drums than I have being able to record and produce. I consider myself a player first.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I feel that I bring a level of love for music, sophistication and attention to detail to each and every song that I am fortunate enough to work on. My passion for drums, recording and music in general is what I always set out to bring to each and every song I have the opportunity to be a part of.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical creative process and work flow consists of first getting a firm understanding of the recording task at hand, any potential sonic and/or stylistic references and the time frame of which I'm operating under for deliverables. I will sit down at the computer and map out the form of the song and start to familiarize myself with the track. I will then pick the proper drum set up needed for the recording. Then it's time to choose which microphones will capture the sounds best suited for the song. Hit record and go for it!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup is designed to deliver exceptional drum recordings that stand out from the rest. The combination of analog outboard gear and state-of-the-art digital conversion by Universal Audio gives me the best of both worlds, allowing me to achieve the warmth and character of analog gear with the convenience and flexibility of digital technology. With industry-standard microphones and high-quality Mogami Gold mic cables, I capture the sound of the drums with clarity and detail, ensuring that every nuance of the performance is faithfully recorded. The implementation of iconic drum sets and snare drums further enhance the quality of the recordings, giving them a unique sound that can only be achieved with such instruments. My studio also has an area with flagship Roland V-Drums just for capturing midi performance so that clients that are more interested in midi can have the freedom and flexibility to carve out their own desired drum sound with my performance using their own VST's and sample libraries. Moreover, my custom-built and acoustically treated recording studio provides an optimal environment for recording drums, minimizing unwanted reflections and ensuring a consistent and accurate sound. With such attention to detail and a commitment to using only the best equipment and tools, you can be sure that you will be thrilled with the drum recordings produced in my studio.