I get hired by artists because my drums sound awesome, I play with great ears for the tune and I'm easy to work with. I can record many different drum sounds, fit comfortably into most genres and I meet deadlines. Check out my audio samples. If you dig what you hear, let's talk.
I specialize in custom drum and percussion tracks, live instrument tracking or solo singer/songwriter recording. I also offer full song production services as well as arranging, writing, editing, mixing, music direction.
I have a large selection of drums cymbals and percussion that provide a full spectrum of tonal and stylistic colors. I capture everything with great mics in an awesome room that brings everything to life!
I have an extensive list of top session musicians all over the world who can be contracted to play on your recordings. Let's bring your songs to life!
Send me an email through 'Contact' button above and I'll get back to you asap.
Credits
7 Reviews
Endorse MikeHolowatch
Mike has recorded drums for several of my songs. Mike's playing is very musical. He is a keen listener and takes his time and lets the quality of the song guide him the play the parts that make the best musical fit. Mike has a great combination of music and business skills. He is extremely to work with. Mike is flexible and cares more about getting the best performance for your project. I highly recommend Mike. I'm grateful to have someone of Mike's talents to record drums on my songs.
Mike is aware of every sonic detail around him, but never sacrifices groove. As a bass player, I know I'll be able to perform at my best relying on Mike's impeccable feel and time.
He brings the same mindfulness to production. I would trust him on any project.
Mike is the consummate pro. His time is impeccable, his playing is precise, and he has incredible attention to detail. Mike can play any style or genre and holds himself and the people around him to the highest possible standard. I learn something new every time I work with him.
Mike can really play ANY Genre. I have a Reggae Band in NJ. Mike was in town for the weekend. We were to play a Charity Event and got a call from our drummer that he had a family emergency and wouldn't be able to make it. This was one hour before our set. Our friend recommended that Mike could fill in. We trusted our friend and Mike fit in as if he rehearsed with the band and had been playing with us for years. He was excellent. We happened to have another gig that evening and Mike was able to help us then as well. Excellent drummer and person. He's the real deal.
Mike is one of the most versatile drummers I've ever had the pleasure of working with. He is kind, professional, and highly skilled. You will not be dissapointed!!!
Mike is one of the most well-rounded drummers in the industry. He’s ‘in the pocket’, groovy, funky, soulful, his meter does not waver, and he’s humble AF! Seriously, his skill level is off the chain which puts him right up there with the biggest names.
He’s also an incredible producer, recording engineer, and mixes tracks beautifully. His ears are special. And he’s super patient and easy to work with.
He’s a perfect fit for most every genre - I’m not kidding!
And his gear is awesome.
Excellent experience!
Interview with MikeHolowatch
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Recently I tracked drums for a local singer songwriter, I was given the freedom to go completely "out" in some parts as the writer was "conducting" me through these between song transition sections of the recording that had "no time". The end result was absolute magic and I couldn't have been more pleased.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I am currently working on Mixing a 5 song EP for an artist in Italy where all of the tracks were recorded on different continents. As well as recording drums for some soundtrack work for a composer and drums for a singer songwriter.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Matt Hornbeck! Amazing guitarist and one of the most talented, versatile and sweet natured cats I know. The guy makes it his mission to get every tone possible!
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I'm a child of the 80's so when listening... Analog! But when recording, Digital saves a lot of time, space, and most of all MONEY!!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: You will get exactly what you want and more!
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Making life-long friends and working/creating with with so many different people.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Q: How soon can you get started? A: Immediately!
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: It's easy.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Who are your influences? Where are you from? What instruments do you play? How many tracks do you need? Will I need to record multiple set ups too complete the project?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Understand you are investing in your musical future, allow me to give you the quality you deserve.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Kick, Hat, Snare! And maybe a floor tom and ride in case i get bored...
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have been a session drummer for over 25 years and have been mastering the recording arts for the last 10.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Fluid, Tasteful, Versatile, and Easy Going.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Daniel Lanois. We have a couple mutual friends and have hung a few times at parties, he's definitely a cat I share many influences with and I have a feeling the end result would be epic!
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Be a cool hang!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Usually Rock and Pop but I have been doing a lot more Americana and World Music lately.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Finding the perfect groove.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: A solid pocket, high level musicianship, dynamics, great sounding drums, support for the other players, a deep well rounded understanding of many genres and the ability to apply it in a session, and most of all fun!
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I like to get to know the artist as a person and find out what their inspiration for the song is before i get started picking the right drums and cymbals to fit their sonic vision for the song. Once we're all on the same page, I get started tracking!
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: In my 20 X 20 studio with a17' ceiling, I record up to 16 channels of any combination of my drums, cymbals and percussion through an Antelope Audio Goliath interface into my Mac Mini running LogicX
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Steve Jordan, Questlove, AaronSterling, Daniel Lanois, T. Bone Burnette I could go on for days!
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: The most common work I do for clients would be recording live drum tracks and percussive accompaniment for their original works.
- Live drum trackAverage price - $200 per song
- PercussionAverage price - $100 per song
- Recording StudioAverage price - $500 per day
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $300 per song
- RemixingAverage price - $300 per song
- EditingAverage price - $100 per track
- Time alignment - QuantizingAverage price - $50 per track
I allow for one comprehensive revision list per track, any further revisions will generate additional costs. My turn around time is fast and my work is solid.
- Too many to list! contact me1
