Drummer, Producer, Engineer

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

A: I'm very proud of the work I did with my band Vega4, both as a player and as a composer.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I've just done some work for a trailer that involved matching my drums to the sound of a rifle being reloaded, starting at 90bpm and gradually speeding up to 130bpm. It was a blast!

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

A: I'm new to the platform, but will definitely mention it to my colleagues.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: There is a place for both, but I centre my workflow around a DAW.

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

A: I will always put everything I have into each take and won't rest until I find the right sound for the job.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Getting to play music.

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

A: How soon can you get this back to me? Usually 48 hours, but I've turned around projects on the same day before.

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

A: I will sometimes get asked by non-professionals to do work for them 'because it's for fun'. Of course it's fun, but fun doesn't pay the bills!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: As I mentioned in my workflow, I'll ask them to explain their vision as clearly as possible. What references are they thinking of? Are there any thoughts on sounds?

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

A: Communication is key.

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

A: Ludwig Black Beauty, Sabian Artisan Ride, Sabian Artisan hi-hats, acoustic guitar and a practice pad.

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

A: I've been a professional musician for 25 years and started my career in London, England. I joined a band after studying music at college and we were signed to Capitol Records shortly afterwards. We recorded two albums in some of the world's best studios and toured extensively. I've always maintained a teaching schedule and have recently moved back to Canada to be closer to my family. I'm now concentrating on recording, writing and music production and have never enjoyed music more.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Musical

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

A: Daniel Lanois because I love his dedication to music and sound.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: I would suggest trying to maintain a vision for the song at all times, even when trying to iron out small details. I've worked in studios where drum tracks were immediately shipped off to a Pro Tools team where all tracks were lined up on a grid - regardless of the time. This of course mainly just removed all of the feel from the track. Could you ever imagine Led Zeppelin, The Beatles or The Who being quantized? Feel is just the relative placement of the beat and that's what makes something feel great!

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

A: My CV is quite varied, but I've had the most experience in Rock-Pop/Singer songwriter.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Listening.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I pride myself on bringing a very musical approach to any project that will serve and elevate the song to the next level. I will also work extremely hard at delivering high quality audio files.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Normally, once a client and I have come to an agreement, they will send me two versions of the song/audio file. One will have the programmed drums and one without. I will have a detailed conversation with them about their vision for the part and ask them if they have any preferences as far as sounds or approach is concerned. I will then normally have a mix of 3 alternatives for them to listen to within 48hrs. The first will replicate the programmed/original part closely, the second will be similar, but 'humanized' with a few more fills or embellishments and the third will be my initial approach to the music. Generally, this will provide the client with more than enough material to create their ideal part.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I'm currently using RME and Audient pres and A/D converters with a selection of Shure, Miktek and Ashton microphones. I have a very large recording space that I can either use for ambience or treat for a more close-mic approach. I also have a vast number of plug-ins to choose from. My drums are Tama Starclassic Birch Bubinga which are very versatile and record beautifully and I have a number of snares to choose from - including a 1978 Ludwig Black Beauty.

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

A: I have enormous respect for any songwriter. Getting the chance to help realize someone's vision for a good song is still a huge buzz for me and never gets old. I'm also really enjoying learning more about production and engineering these days. The marriage of technical expertise and creativity is a fascinating one, but it does lead to a rather expensive gear-buying habit..

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

A: I will generally receive inquiries from producers or songwriters who are looking to replace programmed parts with quality sounds and feel. There are also a number of composers in the film and tv industry that I work with on a regular basis.