Graham Bechler on SoundBetter

I've been a professional musician in Nashville TN for over a decade. In that time I've worked with over 100 artists, played on tons of records and have (literally) traveled around the world on tour. I am now working out of The Chapel recording studio and would love to help you find the sound you're looking for!

The Chapel is located just a few miles from the legendary berry hill (Blackbird, House of Blues, Sputnik Sound etc) neighborhood of Nashville TN. It's crown jewel is a Sphere "C" recording console (with EQ) from the 70's. We have a rack full of compressors and other fun things, but the real magic is the 32 channels in that desk that impart a "weight" and "color" that is so coveted.

I've been working in the Nashville music scene since January 2010. I've been playing drums for 18 years, guitar for 15, and piano for 5. My credits include artists like Jars Of Clay, Russell Dickerson, Leigh Nash (Sixpence None The Richer), Trent Dabbs, Andrew Belle, Allen Stone, Brooke Waggoner, Paper Route, Lovedrug, Matt Wertz and so many more.

Typically, artists will send me demo's (a voice memo is great) and a few reference tracks for where they'd like the song to live stylistically and then I will track all of the instrumentation myself. If you'd like to have real-time creative input, we can set up a video conference, or you can come to the studio if you're in Nashville!

I can also add single instrument tracks.

Ultimately, I'm here for YOU. Truly, one of my greatest joys in life is bringing an artists vision into life. There's nothing more magical or inspiring to me!

Hope to talk with you soon!
Graham

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

Credits

AllMusic verified credits for Graham Bechler

Myyra

7 Reviews - 3 Repeat Clients

Endorse Graham Bechler

by Luke S.
Verified
Graham drummed on a shoegaze/dream pop song for us and he absolutely nailed it. The production was pristine and his playing was exactly what we wanted. He built on our basic drum-scratch track and took it to the next level with his playing, and he finished recording extremely quickly. We'll definitely be working with him again.
by Gunnar S.
Verified
Graham is an amazing drummer and he always delivers top notch quality! I was in need for some uplifting drums for a vocal track and he recorded pristine and amazing drums full of creativity and drive! I could not be happier! Perfect experience! Highly recommended!
by Madelyn R.
Verified
Graham is fantastic! We're in the process of recording all the vocals together for my new album and he couldn't be a better person to do this with! Kind, effective, and professional - he enjoys working with artists and makes the whole experience fun. 10/10 would work with again.
by Luke S.
Verified
Graham was great to work with. He recorded acoustic guitar tracks for us and played them perfectly. The recording quality sounded great and he delivered the stems very quickly. He also suggested and provided some additional takes to layer on top of the main one, which we'll probably end up using because they sound great and really add to our track. We'll definitely be working with him again.
by Gunnar S.
Verified
I sent Graham a rather empty ambient / shoe gazy kinda track and he recorded amazing drums which totally took the track to another level. He put a lot of creativity and energy into the song and the end result is top notch! Graham is also a super nice dude and fun to talk to. I can't wait to work with him again. Highly recommended and fantastic experience! Thank you!
by James G.
Verified
Graham is an amazing Drummer and Producer! His body of work speaks for itself as he has played on some really great recordings. He provided exceptional drumming and went above and beyond by recording a variety of different takes/patterns. In addition, he has the ability to record really warm sounding tones that certainly stand out! Graham is very creative, timely and has excellent instincts. He is also a great communicator. I would definitely hire Graham for your drumming needs!
by Ryan Courtney
Graham is by far one of the most talented and "outside of the box" drummers/producers in Nashville. I have worked with him on a number of personal projects and am always blown away with his professionalism and results. Hire this guy if you want to take your project to the next level.

Interview with Graham Bechler

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: John Stanislawski's song "Catch My Breath". I played all of the instrumentation (except pedal steel by Smokin' Brett Resnick) produced, and mixed that song.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Producing more music local artists here in Nashville, playing live with Jars Of Clay and growing the studio.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Yes, Ryan Courtney and Chris Leonard are both fantastic.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both. Analog on the way into the box. Make decisions on the front end, commit to creative and save those decisions in the digital space for easy and reliable recall.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I will not give up on you or leave you in the lurch. If I commit to producing you, you will get a finished product that you love.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Recording and being creative.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Where do you see my song going? Exactly where we take it.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That it's easy.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What are your career goals? Which artists do you look up to? What albums inspired you to make music yourself?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Jump in! I find a lot of artists who feel they need to have everything figured out before contacting me or booking sessions... Recording is where that discovery takes place! Allow yourself the freedom and space to try and fail and try again.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Of my gear... My telecaster, my yamaha drum kit, the Mustang bass, my old yamaha drum kit and my Peluso P12.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I started touring professionally 12 years ago. I moved to Nashville in 2010 to fully immerse myself in the music business and have done just about every job in music since. Production is my truest and deepest passion. The last couple years I've been working out of my home studio, but moved into a full format studio a few months ago!
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Depends on the genre! I am pretty laid back and easy going, and love to work. I like to get things done in a joyful manner, and focus on creating that type of energy in the studio. People often tell me that I'm very thoughtful and intentional when it comes to their songs.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Thom Yorke, because I resonate with his creative process in a very deep way.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Don't insert yourself into your work. LISTEN. Allow the artist full range of emotion and expression... and stay humble.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: All kinds!
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Listening.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Excitement and appreciation. I genuinely love hearing an artists expression and can get excited by just about every genre. Creating the space in which a writer can come to life and tell their story.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: A songwriter or artist will send me a demo (voice memo is fine) of the song or songs they would like me to work on. Typically I will suggest arrangement or chord substitutions, find a groove that suits the song and then once the artist is ready, begin tracking! Sometimes I will play all the instrumentation, sometimes I will hire outside players to come in for a session.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Full format recording studio. 32 Channel Sphere Eclipse "C" recording console with EQ's. Live room, 3 ISO booths and expertly tuned control room. 1176, LA-2A, DBX160,162. '99 Gibson Les Paul Classic, Fender Bass IV, Fender Tele Deluxe 72 Reissue, Fender Mustang Bass, Hagstrom hollow body bass. TONS of guitar pedals. Yamaha Maple Custom drums, 60's Ludwig drums, lots of snare drums (tama, ludwig, sugar, yamaha etc.) Paiste and Zildjian cymbals. Upright piano. 6 Acoustic guitars. Lots of mics to choose from.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Nigel Godrich, Greg Wells, Brian Eno, George Martin, Rick Rubin.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Production.