Live Drums, Percussion

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

A: The most recent Friendship Commanders EP, Hold On To Yourself, is my favorite thing my band has ever done, and that I've ever done. We recorded it here in my studio - I played drums and bass on it - and it was mixed by Kurt Ballou of at God City Studio.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: New HARDY record, and I'm working towards new video content and possible some singles for Friendship Commanders.

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

A: I'm sure, but I need to look first!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both, because everyone's process is different and suits one or the other better. If I was forced to pick one though, it'd be analog.

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

A: That you'll get a very high quality and emotional return from my playing.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: It's music! It's the only thing I know how to do or care to do. I get to be an artist.

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

A: Q: Pro Tools or Logic? A: Pro Tools. Q: Do you play klezmer? A: Probably not.

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

A: That it's not work, or that it's sterile.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What's the vibe of the song? How much do you want it to rock, or not rock? What kind of tones are you looking for? What spirit or style do you want the fills in?

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

A: Make sure you have your song set the way you like it first, and ready to track! My help will only go so far if you don't know exactly what you want yet.

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

A: Keplinger 8x14 stainless steel snare drum, early 80's Yamaha Recording Custom kit, set of meinl byzance cymbals, P-bass, and a Mesa Bass 400.

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

A: I was born into a musical family, so I've been playing since I was one-and-a-half. I moved out at 17 playing in local bars, and started touring professionally when I was 18. I've been doing sessions since I was 11 (seriously, my first paid session was at 11), but I've been making my living off only studio work since 2015.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I'm a feel-based player, in that accurate time and a good feel are the things I care the most about, but I'm very particular about volume. I play both as quietly as possible and super loud, but no matter what, there's some sort of swing to what I'm doing.

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

A: My band, Friendship Commanders! It's the best music in the world!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: There's no one right way to make music or play. It's different with every person or project. My only tip is to listen, and don't play with a spirit of calculation.

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

A: Professionally, country, singer/songwriter, indie rock, pop, and americana. Personally, very heavy rock and metal.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I believe I play with vocals and melody very well, and bring a cinematic story to my drum part. And I think I have pretty good time and feel.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Drums, mostly drums, but I also play with and around the song. I'm not one to force fills or a sound that doesn't blend well with what's there. I change to meld with whatever needs to happen.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I'll listen to and chart the song, take into account any direction or preferences I've been given, and play it until I have everything that's asked for or that I need! Pretty straightforward. I only like to think as much as I have to, I prefer to play and find it.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I run a 15 mic setup - Kick In (AKG D12VR), Kick out (LowFreq, and an Altec Dynamic), Snare Top (57), Snare Bottom (EV N/D 468), Toms (Josephson E22s), Hat (AKG C451), Overheads (sE Electronics RN17), Mono OH that pairs with a right side mic as a possible Glyn Johns setup (Beyerdynamic M160), and Rooms (AEA R88). They run through a multitude of pres - Daking Pre/EQ, Undertone Audio MPDI4, CAPI Heiders and VP28 Platinums.

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

A: I'm inspired by a good work ethic that's immaculate, while still remaining organic. From a drumming perspective, I'm a major fan of Jim Gordon, Pete Thomas, J.R. Robinson, Levon Helm, Mickey Curry, Chris McHugh, Shannon Forrest, Josh Freese, Dave Grohl, Matt Cameron, Nick Yacyshyn, and many others. A lot of the producers and artists I work with have inspired my work ethic and general ethos.

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

A: I record multiple playlists for whatever song is sent my way, giving you whatever options I deem appropriate so you can make the most of your track. You'll get a multiple-mic setup, including direct mics, rooms, and all.