Beats & Percussion Sessions

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

A: The 'Versace On The Floor' track by David Guetta vs Bruno Mars. I never imagined that I would work on such a massive international production (level) from my 'simple' studio in my Amsterdam home.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Music for Mike Garson, David Bowie's piano player and yet another another track for Giorgio Tuinfort, the composer/producer who got me to play on Michael Jackson, David Guetta, Bruno Mars music.

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

A: Jim Verschueren for mixing and producing EDM/Dance tracks.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital because of Logic.

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

A: I'll make you smile when you first check my work in your song. And I'll make you happy no matter what.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Never knowing what is next!

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

A: Do you want a midi example and/or other example that tells me what to play? 'Up to you, I can work with and without examples', is my answer. Do you want the full Logic session or is an audio enough? 'Just sending me the audio track will do, but if you have many tempo changes and or crazy measures during the song a full session c will be helpful' is what I say.

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

A: That the vibe/groove I bring in can also come into the session through loops and/or programming.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Are you in a hurry? What sound file format do you work in?

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

A: Look at the providers recommendations by others, listen to his/her work.

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

A: Conga, shaker, udu, cajon (also to sit on) and brush like blast sticks.

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

A: Born 1962, drums at 15, percussion at 17 and at it all that time professionally.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Versatile, intuitive, groovy ánd atmospherical.

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

A: There is quite a few, but Donald Fagen is one my big time heroes. Both the compositions and the productions are as clever as accessible, so the general listener hears pleasant music while the professionals are in awe about 'how it's done'.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: If possible, work with big time personalities who have little ego.

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

A: Pop music.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Communication with an open mind.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Taste, craftsmanship, passion, experience, devotion...

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: The customer sends me a track, in whatever format and/or phase of the recording project, I load it into Logic and start doing overdubs and editing in such a way that my tracks can be downloaded and imported directly into the customers session after the wetransfer link came in the mailbox. I can be briefed or given directions as to what the customer expects. Quite often they leave to me, the guy who has done these sessions for ± 40 years yet.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use Logic Pro X and SE Electronic Voodoo 2 miles for most of the dubs. Sometimes I use other mics for specific recordings. Other than that I have an extremely large collection of percussion instruments.

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

A: That list is too long to write down here. There is so much high level musicianship in the world that has inspired me over the last ± 40 years.

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

A: Since 2008 I constantly record for every music style imaginable from my Logic Pro X based 'Percussion Today Home Studio' in Amsterdam.