Session Drummer

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't be afraid to try every possibility, even if it feels wrong, or that you're breaking some rules. It might be what a song needs. Sometimes great parts sound terrible on their own but perfect in an ensemble.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I want to give you drums that have a unique character. Something that another drummer might not offer you. Everyone has their strengths and weakness and I want to give you the very best of myself. Drums that are musical, dynamic, that serve the song, while retaining their own personality are my goal, every time.

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

A: Anyone who cares about making the best music they can is an inspiration to me. Whether it's someone in their bedroom, a commercial studio or somewhere in between.

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

A: Generally, my main role for a session is to send mix-ready multitracks of the best possible performance. Lately, the genres that tend to "come through my door" are rock, indie-rock, pop-rock, alt-rock, alt-pop and metal.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Once you’ve sent me your music and we’ve discussed your vision for the production, I’ll choose drums, cymbals and other sounds that I feel are right for the song. From there I’ll record three takes and send them over to you alongside one-shot samples from the session as well as a reference mix of one of the takes. If I nailed it, then great! If not, let’s discuss what worked and what didn’t and I’ll send you any revisions you feel are needed.

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

A: I like to chat first, before setting up a session. It's not always easy to know who the right guy is for the job, and sometimes, that might not be me, and thats cool. I'm always honest, and if there's something I feel like I'm not right for, I'll tell you. Let's chat first, let me hear some of your music, let's get on the same page, and then nail it!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Microphones: Warm Audio, Sennheiser, Lauten Audio, Shure, AKG, SE Electronics, 12 Gauge Microphones, Lewitt Interface & Preamps: Clarett+ 8Pre, Clarett+ Octopre Warm Audio - WA412 Drums: YC Drum Company - Maple/Poplar/Maple "Vintage" (22/13/16) YC Drum Company - 8ply Maple "Modern" (20,10,12,15) Snare Drums: Ludwig - 6.5x14 Supraphonic, 6.5x14 Acrolite, 5x14 Acrolite YC - 6x14 - 10ply Maple, 6.5x14 Brass Tama - 5x14 Stewart Copeland Signature, 6.5x14 - SLP Black Brass, 6x14 SLP Dynamic Kapur, 5.5x12 SLP Oak Cymbals: Dream Cymbals: 15" - 16" Hats - Multiple pairs from dark to bright 18" - 20" Crashes - Different weights and models from dark to bright 22" - 24" Rides - From Jazzy, to washy, to pingy and dry. Percussion: Hand percussion of varying qualities and timbres from tambourines and shakers to unique sounds. Electronics: Samplers & Drum Machines from Roland, AKAI & Teenage Engineering

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

A: We don't give up on a drum track 'till its 100% right.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I'm always creating, always challenged, and always learning.

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

A: Mostly indie-pop, indie-rock and alternative. The occasional heavier rock, punk or metal sessions come through and those are a lot of fun too!