Ashton Dalfino on SoundBetter

Organic, powerful drum tracks that will take your songs to the next level! Let's collaborate and create a drum sound that is specific to you as an artist. It's my job to help your tracks speak rhythmically and dynamically the way your hear them in your head. Let's get to work!

Professional quality drum tracks delivered quickly and efficiently. Drum set, percussion, and electronic layers will be blended as needed per song. I play many styles, but I specialize in indie rock and singer-songwriter tracks.

Check out some of my recent work:

Zuma Creek - 2019 - (I played on all songs except "Favorite Headache" and "Should I Let It Go")

"Earthquakes" by Ashton and Jenna Dalfino - 2019 -

Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.

Credits

AllMusic verified credits for The Chris Stephen Project

The Chris Stephen Project

2 Reviews

Endorse Ashton Dalfino

by Nathan Fugleberg
Ashton is such a great percussionist and is super fun to work with. I recently released an album after working with Ashton and he brought so much to the table in terms of the rhythm of each song, combining what I had in mind with his own personal touch. If you’re looking for a session drummer who knows his stuff, definitely hit him up! Creative and professional.
by Nick Rector
Ashton is an incredible drummer with amazing chops and creativity related to his parts on recorded projects. He knows his stuff and is also a great teacher and communicator when comes to drums, parts, beats and applying what an artist or producer might be hearing!

Interview with Ashton Dalfino

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: "Earthquakes" by Ashton and Jenna Dalfino. We spent over a year writing, arranging and recording these songs alongside our label, Furnace Music.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: My wife and I released our album in June 2019, and we are trying to have a new single finished by January.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Lakes Recording!
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Whatever the artist wants. I think it depends entirely on the style of music. Its music people, there are no rules!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: To do everything I can to make their songs great.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Making great music and the challenge of coming up with creative sonic palettes.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: How much do you charge? (see previous question)
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: People assume they can't afford a quality session drummer, but really I'm willing to work with an artists budget, especially if I like their songs!
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Their musical direction, how soon they need tracks, and their budget.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: No matter who you decide to go with, pick someone who wants to make your songs better. That should always be the goal!
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Any drum kit (I'm not picky)! My Dominion Dark Legacy ride cymbal. Apollo X8. A pair of earthworks M30's.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I've been working part-time in the music industry for over 10 years. I used to tour, and now I have a band with my wife. We will be touring next year! I have recently become a full-time drummer. I do a combination of live shows, recording, and teaching.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Dark, organic, and energetic.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I'd love to work with Spoon. Their music is so simple but so amazing. I could learn a lot from those guys.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Play less, listen more.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Indie rock, singer-songwriter, and worship.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I can adapt quickly to many different styles and situations... I once recorded drums in a man-made cave where I had to hunch over while playing. The track turned out great!
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Organic energy with a unique quality that won't walk all over the song. My goal is to make the song the best it can be, not prove what an amazing drummer I am by covering up the melodies with chops.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: A lot of listening. Working closely with the artist to determine a direction. More Listening. Measure three times, cut once!
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Tons of drums and mics, all into an Apollo X8 and Scarlett Octopre. I also work with a few local studios if I need to go there to track a sound I can't get on my own.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: As far as drums sounds, it's hard to top Aaron Sterling and Carter Mclean. Mike Sapone is a fantastic engineer. I'm currently really digging listening to Spoon and White Reaper.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Drum and percussion tracks.