Ronan Skillen (Didgi-Taal) on SoundBetter

I've been a session musician for 20 years, have recorded on over 60 albums, produced soundtracks for movies (including Oscar Winning 'My Octopus Teacher - Netflix), as well as touring with the likes of Rodriguez, Jonny Clegg and Ancient Agents. I specialise in Tabla, Didgeridoo and north African percussion. World / Folk / African / Jazz / Electro

Ronan has been exploring a fusion of tabla, percussion and didgeridoo by means of a hybrid percussion kit which he designed. This has become part of his permanent set-up and demonstrates a rich textural variety and a unique versatility. He makes many of his instruments by hand, using natural objects such as seed pods, tree bark, cocoons, reeds and hide to create percussive sounds.

Ronan has featured his sound in musical genres across the board, from classical, rock and folk to electro, jazz, world music and hip-hop. He’s performed in South Africa, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, France, Lithuania, Swaziland, Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia the UK and India, and has featured on many recordings and film scores.

Ronan has a home studio set up where he's able to record, produce and collaborate with people across the globe. As recording engineer and producer, or mixing engineer, there's a wide pallet of services on offer.

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Credits

4 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Ronan Skillen (Didgi-Taal)

by 森優.
Verified
I’ve had the privilege of working with him multiple times, and he’s always delivered outstanding performances. Usually, it’s the didgeridoo, but this time it was the tabla! Whatever the instrument, he’s exceptional, bringing creative and inspired ideas to the table. Communication is always smooth, making collaboration a breeze. Highly recommended!
by 森優.
Verified
Seriously, Didgi-Taal is the best artist! His unique sensibility, profound understanding of the didgeridoo, and overflowing fantastic ideas. Thank you, Ronan! Looking forward to the next time.
by 森優.
Verified
Great and unique artist!
He have a lot of idea and instruments to make the music excellent.
And his recording quality is very high, all thing helped me a lot!
Thank you Ronan! See you next didge- project!
by Oren G.
Verified
What a pro. And a really nice guy, too. Ronan had sent me lots of options to work with, and was really open for an exciting creative process. Highly recommended!

Interview with Ronan Skillen (Didgi-Taal)

Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Either. Both have their functions.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: To keep at it, until it’s done.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The music
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: So many
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That I’m a barefooted hippie, culturally misappropriating cultures, purely because of the instruments that I play
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Not sure
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: If you can hear it in your head, you’re half way there already.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Headphones. My favourite instrument. A decent microphone. Soundcard and Laptop
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: 20 years
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Worldbeat
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Fatoumata Diawara, Sting, Oumou Sangare, Tigran Hamasiyan
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: There are no rules
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: African folk, world groove, improvisational jazz.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Tabla, didgeridoo and production
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring the glue and the spice. I bring a hidden layer, or a much needed texture to the sound palette.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: There’s no such thing. Every artist is unique, so the collaboration is fully dependent on that.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have a fully soundproof home studio, running Ableton Live, KRK 6’s RME Fireface 800 soundcard. An assortment of microphones, from Oktava condensers, to dynamic AKG and Rhode mics.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I’m a fan of almost anything from the ECM record label. I enjoy space, groove and textured sound.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I’m a collaborator by nature. Most of the session work I do involves adding various percussion to people’s tracks. I also produce tracks for people and am good at coordinating different artistic performances.