Sam Ridgell

Pro Drummer & Mixing

Sam Ridgell on SoundBetter

Professional drummer and mixing engineer offering custom, radio-quality tracks tailored to your sound!

With years of experience as a professional drummer and mixing engineer, I’m here to bring your music to life. Whether you need dynamic, custom drum tracks or a polished, radio-ready mix, I’ve got you covered. I specialize in a wide range of genres and work closely with each artist to ensure the final product exceeds expectations. My process is efficient, creative, and tailored to your unique sound. Let’s collaborate and take your project to the next level!

Send me an email through 'Contact' button above and I'll get back to you asap.

Interview with Sam Ridgell

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

  2. A: Small Victories Album - By Jax Anderson: Some of the songs that i played on got placed on Gotham City and Vanderpump Rules

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

  4. A: I'm currently mixing a live album for an artist called Living Army

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

  6. A: Not sure I'm new to the platform

  7. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  8. A: Honestly, both analog and digital are necessary, and each brings something unique to the table. Analog gives you that warmth and character that’s hard to replicate, and it can really make certain elements of a track feel more alive. On the other hand, digital offers precision, flexibility, and the ability to experiment in ways that analog just can’t. I love using both because it’s all about balance analog for the tone and texture, and digital for the control and creative possibilities. Together, they can make a track sound complete

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

  10. A: I’ll bring everything I’ve got to your project. I’ll listen to your vision, stay true to your sound, and work until it’s exactly what you want. You can expect attention to detail, creative energy, and a final product that feels right. I’m committed to making sure your music sounds the way you imagined—if not better—and that the process is smooth and collaborative from start to finish.

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

  12. A: What I love most about my job is seeing a track come to life. There’s something incredible about taking raw ideas or recordings and shaping them into something special. I love seeing artist / clients visions come to life

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

  14. A: Customers usually ask me things like: How long will it take? My answer is, it depends on the project. I always aim to work efficiently, but I’m all about quality. I’ll take the time to make sure everything sounds right and meets your vision. Can you make my track sound like [insert famous artist]? I can definitely bring that vibe, but my goal is to help you develop your unique sound, so it stands out. What do you need from me to get started? I usually ask for clear references, stems of your tracks, and a solid idea of the direction you’re going for. My answers always focus on keeping things clear and collaborative, so we're on the same page.

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

  16. A: Not sure

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

  18. A: When I’m talking to new clients, I like to dig into their vision right from the start. I usually ask: What’s the vibe or energy you’re going for? This helps me get a feel for the direction they want. Are there any specific artists or tracks that inspire your sound? It gives me a reference for their style. What’s the story behind the song? Knowing the meaning or emotion behind a track helps me capture the right feel. How do you want the final product to hit? Whether it’s big and energetic or more laid-back, I want to make sure the end result delivers exactly what they’re imagining.

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

  20. A: My advice? Make sure you find someone who really listens to your vision and cares about the details. It’s not just about the technical skills; it’s about working with someone who understands the vibe you’re going for and can bring it to life. Check out their past work, see if their style fits what you’re looking for, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You want someone who’s willing to collaborate and push your track to the next level, while still keeping it authentic to your sound.

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

  22. A: I’ve been in music for as long as I can remember, starting when I was around 4 years old when my grandma gave me my first drum. I’ve played in bands, toured professionally, and over the years, I’ve transitioned into producing and mixing. I’ve always had a passion for creating, and as I grew in my skills as a drummer, it naturally evolved into learning the ins and outs of audio production. Now, I focus on mixing, producing, and drumming for artists, helping them take their tracks to the next level. It’s been a long journey, but every step has been about refining my craft and pushing myself creatively.

  23. Q: How would you describe your style?

  24. A: I like to blend creativity with precision, making sure everything feels authentic and connected. Whether I’m drumming, mixing, or producing, I aim to capture the right vibe and give the music space to breathe. I’m always up for pushing boundaries and trying new things, but at the end of the day, it’s about making sure the song hits hard and stays true to the artist’s vision. It’s a mix of energy, feel, and attention to detail that brings everything together.

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

  26. A: Billie Eilish , Finnas , Tori Kelly , Maggie Rogers, Ryan Tedder, Coldplay, Amanda Cook, Tony Anderson

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

  28. A: One tip I always give is: don’t overcrowd the mix. Let the track breathe. Too many elements fighting for attention can kill the vibe. Focus on the core elements that drive the song and make sure everything has its space. When you let the music breathe, it hits harder and feels more alive. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where the energy is right, but the track stays clean and connects.

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

  30. A: I work on all kinds of music, but I’m especially drawn to anything with real energy and emotion. Whether it’s pop, rock, worship, or something soulful, I focus on capturing the right vibe and making sure the track connects with people. I’m always about making the music feel authentic, whether it’s a high-energy anthem or something that hits deep. I’m open to different styles, but no matter what genre, my goal is always to take the sound to the next level and create something that leaves an impact

  31. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  32. A: My biggest strengths come down to my ability to combine creativity with technical precision. Whether it’s producing tracks, mixing songs, or laying down drum parts, I bring a unique energy and passion to everything I do. I love connecting with artists and really understanding their vision so I can bring it to life in a way that feels authentic and powerful. My experience as a drummer, producer, and mixing engineer gives me the flexibility to move between different roles seamlessly and always deliver a top-tier product. On top of that, I’m a visionary—I don’t just create music, I shape experiences that resonate. Whether it’s pushing boundaries in the studio or making sure the final product hits just right, I’m always about moving forward and making a lasting impact. For me, it’s not just about the music; it’s about inspiring others and helping them believe that anything is possible

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

  34. A: I bring energy, creativity, and a deep commitment to every track I work on. Whether I'm laying down drums or crafting a mix, my focus is making sure the song feels authentic and hits with impact. I'm all about capturing the vibe the artist wants while adding that extra polish to take it to the next level. My goal is to make every song sound not just good—but unforgettable.

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

  36. A: My work process begins by understanding the artist’s vision and the style they want to achieve. For drumming, I craft custom tracks that fit the song’s feel and energy. When mixing, I focus on enhancing clarity, balance, and depth in the tracks. Throughout the process, I keep the artist involved, making adjustments based on their feedback to ensure the final product matches their vision perfectly.

  37. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  38. A: My studio is fully equipped with professional-grade gear designed to deliver high-quality recordings and mixes. For drums, I use Gretsch Drums paired with Istanbul Agop cymbals, providing a rich, dynamic sound. The drum setup is complemented by multiple mic placements to capture every detail. I also incorporate virtual instruments and MIDI controllers for electronic or hybrid projects. For mixing, I rely on industry-standard DAWs like Pro Tools and Ableton Live, alongside top-tier plugins from Slate Digital and Waves to deliver polished, radio-ready tracks. The studio is acoustically treated for precise monitoring and optimal sound quality.

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

  40. A: "I'm inspired by the creativity and innovation of musicians and producers like Quincy Jones, Finneas,

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

  42. A: The most common work I do for my clients includes recording custom drum tracks and providing professional mixing services. I collaborate with artists to create dynamic, high-quality drum performances that fit their vision, and I also take raw audio tracks and turn them into polished, radio-ready mixes. My focus is on capturing the unique sound of each project while enhancing clarity, depth, and balance in the final product.

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