Drummer | Remote, Studio, Live

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

A: L.A. Peach are a lovely band to play drums for - genuinely the kindest people you will ever meet, and I love every second we spend together, whether it's out on tour, one-off gigs, or in the studio getting the next singles ready! And while some artists I play for require a hybrid approach to drumming, the drums in L.A. Peach are very much on the straight-forward side, which I love just as much.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on writing some of my own music, and also getting ready to organise more content for my social media channels (I am epically bad at posting frequently). I am also teaching drums privately, and getting ready for some new gigging/touring projects.

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

A: Pete Clark (also from What The Floyd) is an AMAZING bass player, who is bound to get you the bass sounds you need for your tracks. Linus Fenton is another incredible bass player that I've had the chance to work with before, and is an absolute low end wizard!

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

A: Do not be afraid to be yourself and saying what you want. At the end of the day, this is YOUR song(s) (or a song that you may have strong ideas about), so don't be afraid to ask for specifics, offer directions and request things to sound a certain way. I also offer up to 3 revisions, as I am committed to achieving the drum tracks you are looking for, so while I aim to get these done as quickly and efficiently as possible (by understanding your brief and intentions as best I can), I offer up to 3 revisions in case you need me to change something about the tracks I deliver - don't be afraid to use them!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: - An acoustically-treated, specifically-designed studio room - Gretsch Catalina Club Drum Kit (modern) - Yamaha 5000 4-piece Drum Kit (vintage) - Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 14x6.5" Snare Drum - Ludwig Black Magic 14x5" Snare Drum - Tama Swingstar 14x5.5" Snare Drum - Pearl Forum 14x5.5" Snare Drum - Sakae 12x5" Snare Drum - Audient ID44 Interface - Two Behringer ADA8200 (with Midas-designed preamps) - for a total of 20 inputs - dbx 266XS and 266XL Compressors - Various mics: AKG D112, Shure SM57s, SM58s, SM57A Betas, sE X1A, V3 and V7, AKG C3000, T-bone SC400 Beyerdynamic, Aston, Behringer, Stagg and JTS condensers, and a sub - Zildjian K Hi-Hats, Ride, Splash and Crash, A Crash, Constantinople Ride, Sabian Crash, Wuhan China, and more - Kali LP6 Studio Monitors - A variety of small percussion instruments: various shakers, maracas, triangle, tambourines, rattles, sizzlers and more

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both (sorry)! Analog for the vibe on compromise. Digital for the flexibility.

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

A: I promise to deliver drum tracks that you will be happy with. Whether that means an extra revision, or a change in my recording setup, I want to make sure that you get what you are paying for.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The fact that I get to do what I love for a living.

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

A: There isn't ONE question that comes up too much. I get asked frequently for my opinion on the customer's thoughts on what the drums should be, and I always offer my honest views on this.

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

A: Not sure! There may be a slight judgement from non-musicians at times, as it's widely believed that music is more of a hobby than it is a job, but I can't say this has bothered me much.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What sample rate do you want to work at? When do you need these tracks by? Have you got any ideas for drum sounds or feel (any references)? Have you got a drum demo that you'd like to send my way? Will you want to receive a stereo drum mix, or all of stems? And will you want it mixed, raw (or both)?

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

A: I started out in a more Symphonic/Classical/Philharmonic backdrop. Classical Percussion and Drum Kit were a big part of it. As I developed a taste for rock, metal, pop, etc, I focussed more on the drum kit. Moved to London in 2013 to pursue music, finished a BA(Hons) in Popular Music Performance (Drums), and have been teaching privately, and performing for a long time. In these last few years, I developed a taste for the studio, and recording/production techniques, so I love to be involved in those, alongside live work. And thanks to the way I started playing drums, I also became very comfortable with various percussion instruments. The pandemic drove me to build a dedicated room in my house in which to practice and record in, so this has helped me to offer a high-quality remote drum recording service, from the comfort of my own home.

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

A: John Mayer, mainly because of the sheer compositional genius and constant reinvention in genre (and obviously incredible musicality and chops). He is an artist that went through Pop, Blues-Rock, Country, and Electro-Pop (and whatever else you'd like), so the compositional and production ideas/possibilities are endless. Also the banter.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Rest. Spend time away from mixes after working on them for a couple of hours in a home studio. Go outside, listen to the birds, people, cars, and let your ears get accustomed to real-world frequencies and dynamics. This will help when going back to a home studio that may, at times, not include the most expensive gear in the world, or even the best room setup.

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

A: Generally Rock, Pop, Indie, Electric Pop, Indie Pop, Pop-Rock, Soul and Singer-Songwriter. I have also worked on Metal, Prog, Folk, Classical, Grunge, Jazz, Big Band, and I am also very comfortable in these genres, among others.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: The usual process begins with you getting in touch with me to discuss your music and the kind of service you're looking for, and the details of your project, your ideas and thoughts on it. I am happy to work on any genre, so don't be shy! We can communicate through email, video call, or whatever way feels best to you. You can send your songs in whatever format works for you (mp3, WAV, MIDI) and include any demo drum parts that exist on your track, if you like. From then on, we will discuss specifics and other technicalities, such as when you are expecting to receive the tracks by, the sample rate of your project, how you would like to receive the drum tracks, and so on. Next, I'll start working on the drum parts for your songs in the studio and have a few takes sent back within a couple of days. Three revisions will be included for each track, so don't be afraid to ask for things to be changed! When you're happy with the drums, I'll export each track individually in WAV format and send them to you. This will normally include some basic editing, but if you would prefer to receive the raw recordings (or both), this is totally fine. Equally, if you prefer to receive a ready-mixed version of the drums, I will be happy to do so for an extra cost.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Coming up with strong drum parts for songs, and having the dynamic awareness to bring these to life in an effective way. I also have a solid knowledge about drum recording, mixing and producing, so I am confident I can get my drums to sound like you want them to on your song(s).

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I add rhythmical interest to it, while always prioritising the serving of the song, and not overpowering any of its other elements, but working with them instead. I offer a professionally-recorded drum sound, with lots of groove and feel. If relevant and opportune, I am also happy to offer any insights I might have on any other elements of the track.

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

A: My Ludwig Supraphonic snare drum, a U67, a general drum stand clamp, my Fender Strat and tape. You always need tape.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Effective and to the point. I was never one for chops, so musicality is also extremely important for me. I like to listen. Listening to the other instruments, their dynamics, and parts are normally a huge part of my own approach to playing. I also aim to sound as effortless and flowy as possible.

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

A: Too many to even be able to remember: Aaron Sterling, Gavin Harrison, Steve Gadd, Nate Smith, Alex Guarnieri, Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, Steve Jordan, John Mayer, Warren Huart, Carter Mclean, and so many more.

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

A: Studio recordings and live gigs/tours are the most common jobs I get. Occasionally I assist with track orchestrations and arrangements.