Live Drums/Session Drummer

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

A: I wrote and recorded drums for an album for Clan of Celts that has yet to be released. I believe a single and music video is coming soon. It was so cool to work with people miles away from me and the style of the music was just so cool!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm working with someone on a couple of rock tracks, and some country music for another client!

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

A: Unfortunately I haven't been on SoundBetter long enough to get to know other providers.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital recording, analog drums! I think that accoustic drums bring a special feel to music, and leaving the human feel in the track is important. Programmed drums are cool, and samples can beef up a track nicely sometimes but I do think it's important to have a real drummer.

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

A: I will do my best to provide drums for your song that you love.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Honestly there's just something about playing drums that makes me happy.

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

A: What's your quickest turnaround time? Honestly when pressed I can usually get you something within a day or so. But I'd prefer to have more time to spend with the track and communicating with you so we can get it done right!

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

A: That drummers aren't musicians, I took music theory and can play some piano as well!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is the bpm of your song, and did you record to a click? I also ask how loud things should be, are there any major buildups or stops that are important to emphasize, that kind of stuff.

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

A: Have an idea for what you want, but don't be afraid to let the drummer be creative. They can add a lot to the track!

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

A: Man 5 pieces doesn't even cover the kit! I think for the most creativity I'd bring an octopad, laptop, and some hand drums.

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

A: I've been playing drums for around 15 years, everything from percussion, drum line, jazz band, to cover bands and some original work as well. Outside school has mostly just been cover band projects and some session work online.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Hard to say, I do lean more towards rock and more heavy styles, but love playing swing and getting to be more creative around the kit.

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

A: Foo Fighters would be a blast to work with! The style of their music and the grooves that Dave brings to the table are just awesome. When I want to just rock out and play something high energy they're a go to.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Keep things simple. The more you complicate the track the more muddy/busy it can feel. Sometimes that's what the track needs but sometimes it's best to simplify.

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

A: Typically rock, but I'm perfectly happy in most styles. Just wrapped up a reggae project recently.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Keeping things simple when needed. Sometimes it's hard not to want to just go nuts with fills and ghost notes and whatever else, but a lot of the time that's not what the song needs. Being thoughtful in what I play is important to me.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring excitement to a song. Weather that's some heavy drums for rock or something more laid back, I help emphasize whatever feel you were going for when writing.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: You send me a track and the BPM, if you already have an idea for the drums I'll do my best to bring that to life. Otherwise I'll spend some time listening to the song and work with you to bring the best out of my playing on your track. When we're both happy with the recording I'll either start on the mixing process or just send the stems along via dropbox or google drive.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I'm in about a 12 x 12 room, I use a scarlette 18i20 interface for my inputs. On my 5 piece kit, I have close mics on the toms, a mic inside the kick for some more thump, top and bottom mics on the snare, and a large condenser for the room.

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

A: The Rev, Dave Grohl, Buddy Rich

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

A: A lot of the time it's midi replacement with live drums. I get requests to write my part as well, which is a lot of fun!