Pro Session Drummer

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I love creating and playing different styles, so what I'm working on varies from week to week. Recently, all on the same day, I was recording drums a chilled laid back tune for a singer-songwriter, as well as high energy metal track with full growling vocals. Later that day I recorded a dance style track, which also had a hard rock edge. No days or songs are the same and I love it!

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

A: That I'm a magician* as I record drum tracks for people I've never met in different countries. *(To confirm, I'm not a magician, I just have the internet).

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

A: Bruce Springsteen. I love the music and also the challenge of pulling out any of 300 songs at five seconds notice!

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

A: Singer-songwriter Rock Folk Punk Rock

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I love to hear what someone has been working, as by hearing the music it ensures I'm the best person for their song and can do an incredible job for them. From there I'll find out exactly what someone wants from the drum (and/or percussion) track and work to their vision. I'll record the drum track and then send it back as a general mix into their song. This gives someone the opportunity to feed back and let me know if they'd like any changes or happy with the first take. When happy, I'll transfer over all the files and we're both happy!

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

A: Creating great sounding custom drum tracks for people's amazing songs.

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

A: I'm proud of every project I do when recording drums, whether it be a high-level release or a bedroom musician. That person or band I'm working with is my number one priority and I treat every project with the same level of passion, enthusiasm and respect.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: It's all about getting what's right for the song, so don't sit in one camp or the other. However, I use digital as it works well for me and enables me to easily record custom drum tracks and send them to musicians all over the world.

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

A: That I'll make sure their songs are the best they can be, work to their vision and ensure they're totally happy before signing off on the finished track.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Getting to meet and work with talented and creative people all over the world.

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

A: Client: "Can you work on my song?" Me: "Sure, send it over so I can have a listen. That way I can make sure I'll be the best drummer for you to work with on it and you get exactly what you need."

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: If you would like me to create my own drum part that works for the song, or if you have a certain beat or style reference in mind that you want me to follow? Your sampling rate, e.g. 44.1kHz and 24 bit and also the BPM and Time Signature? The date by which you need to receive the completed track? If the track you send me is the completed version, or if it is a guide for me to lay down the drums to a click track, which you’ll then re-record to?

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

A: You've worked really hard on your songs, so take the time to find the best musician(s) for your own unique style, so they'll really help bring your vision for the song to life.

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

A: Drum kit (which I'm going to count as all the kit, snares and cymbals) Recording equipment (again I'm going to cheat and lump in the microphones, interface and DAW as one piece of gear) Generator to power my equipment A strong wi-fi hub so I can communicate and send custom drum tracks to people. A water purifier, as I'm not drinking all that sea water.

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

A: I started out playing in rock bands and touring heavily across the UK and Europe. Releasing albums, getting some cool magazine features and a bit of radio play along the way. This led to me being asked to tour in a theatre show and I did that for a number of years, whilst also getting asked to do a lot of drum sessions. As times moved forward, I established myself with remote drum drum recording. This has enabled me to work with people across the world and made it easier for musicians to get great drums without having to all be in the same place at once. I also gig and tour regularly.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Someone that plays for the song and supports the vibe and feel. I listen out for any nuances in the music, such as accents in the vocals or guitars, to make sure the drums really fit and lift the music. I play what works, whether it be simple or technical. I'd rather make the songs sound incredible than try to show off; I'm just not that guy!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: When you feel the track is finished. Take a break and come back to it, preferably the next day. Listen with fresh ears to make sure it sounds as good as you remember.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Listening to what people want and playing for the song.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I play for the song I care about making your songs sound great I’m responsive to what you need and easy to work with I work fast, but don’t rush I make sure you’re totally happy The whole process is quick, simple and affordable The drums sound incredible!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: A great room for recording acoustic drum tracks. The large space and natural reverb allows for multiple mic setups to get the perfect sound for each project.

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

A: Ash Soan, Kenny Aronoff, Josh Freese, Warren Huart