Session Drummer, Producer

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

A: I worked on Dr. Dre's Compton album as a Producer and Drummer. Im proud because it was a chance to be apart of history with the completion of his 3rd and final album. Im also proud because one of the songs I produced -Just Another Day featuring The Game, was featured in the hit movie Straight Outta Compton.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I just finished Anthony Hamilton's new album due out Friday and I am currently working on Leann Rimes John Connor (Aftermath) and Banks(Capitol) as well as Daye( Warner Bros.)

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

A: Not at the moment but I am sure that will change once I start taking on projects.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog and Digital is how it has to be. Analog front end going into Pro Tools is the best combination in my opinion. It allows for flexibility but also a great sound.

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

A: I promise that I will be as prompt and professional as possible 100% of the time. I also promise to deliver 100% when I agree to deliver after I have herd and received the files.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: It has taken me all over the world and introduced me to so many people.

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

A: How is it working with Dr. Dre, Eminem, or Herbie Hancock.

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

A: Probably the biggest misconception is that getting a great drum sound is easy. There are a lot of factors that contribute to a great drum sound.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: 1.When do you need the files back? 2. What type of files are they? 3. What is your vision for the song? 4. Are there any comparisons that you would like me to reference for sound or style? 5. How ould you like the filed delivered?

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

A: . If you want Quality drum tones on the same level as LA's biggest studios hire me no matter the genre. You can also Google me or Look me up on Wikipedia to validate my credits and experience.

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

A: My DW drum set, Istanbul Cymbals, my Coles 4038's, Laptop, and My UA Apollo

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

A: I have been playing and recording professionally for almost 30 years. I have achieved most of the goals I set out for myself and now I am interested in being very active in the online session era that is upon us.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I am a session musician so I play whatever is required.

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

A: I would love to work with Prince in the studio because he's still not checked off of my list.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Its all about the Artist and the Song!

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

A: My clients include: Eminem, Anthony Hamilton, Lianne La Havas, Melissa Etheridge, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Dr. Dre, Euge Groove, The Big Short(Movie), Man Of Steel (Movie), Kendrick Lamar, India.Aire, Natasha Beddingfield and Many, many more.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Sessions Drumming is the main thing I am known for.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I have the ability to achieve any drum sound . I am very highly experienced and validated with many Grammy winning performances as a Drummer, Songwriter and Producer. I give 100% to any song I agree to work on.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Once I receive the files my turnaround time is usually 24 hours depending on how many songs. I send Pro Tools sessions with everything labeled or I can send the individual files. The typical drum sound for me is 10-16 Channels depending on the setup and style of music.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Pro Tools 11 with Universal Audio Apollo's. All UA plugins and 1073 and UA Mic Pre's. All the best Drum Mics: EV re20, AKG D112, Shure SM57, SM7B, SM81, Coles 4038's, Senheiser MD421, Telefunken M82, Shure Beta52, Lewitt LCT 840's, Copperhead Mic, Shure Green Hornet, Avantone CV-12, Blue Hummingbirds and many more.

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

A: Dr. Dre, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Arif Mardin, Tony Williams, Miles Davis, The Beatles, James Brown

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

A: Live Drums, Drum Programming, Production