Grammy Nominated Grooves

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

A: 3 records that have come out in the last year which I'm very proud are: Becca Stevens-Perfect Animal (drums, percussion, co-arranging) Anna Rose-Strays in the Cut (drums, percussion, co-arranging) Bobby Avey-Inhuman Wilderness (drums, percussion) 3 *very* different records of music. I've been a longtime member of all 3 bands (8-10 years) and am extremely proud of the current sound of all 3.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am preparing to begin work on a loop library, as well as an instructional site for drum set and percussion. Becca Stevens Band, a group I'm a long time member of, is gearing up to record our second record for Universal Classics.

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

A: Marc Plotkin

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital out of convenience. Analog one day!

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

A: My priority is your satisfaction. I want to play on your music because I want it to be great, and I believe I can provide that. Any less and I wouldn't be here!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Interacting with musicians and composers from all over the word. That, and playing drums all day :)

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

A: -Do I really need to record the scratch to a click. Yes! -Will I get individual files for each mic or a stereo mix? Whatever you prefer, but I recommend the individual files for further mixing possibilities, even if all you want is a stereo mix to start.

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

A: People often assume I'll just play whatever I feel like playing. While relying on your provider's instincts is important, we also care about what you want. When I'm feeling inspired to make my own music, I make it. I'm here to play YOUR music. That includes playing it how you want it to be played!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Who are some artists, bands or drummers you like? Do you have any preferences in terms of sound (i.e. tight or open micing)? Is your music recorded to a click.

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

A: Doing a little research into what kind of drummer you yourself like goes a long way. While you may prefer artist A to artist B, you may realize you prefer the style or sound of artist B's drummer. The more specific you an be with a session musician regarding your preferences the more successful your session will be.

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

A: U87, Bricasti M7, Manley Variable MU, something Neve, Ludwig Acrolite snare

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

A: I've been playing drums since 1992. I went to college for music and have been recording in my home for 8 years. I started to become interested in recording when I was in college. I was fortunate to be called for lots of recording sessions and interacting with the Production majors and watching them work was fascinating. Once I was able to have my own space and afford some of my own gear, I immediately started experimenting and was fortunate enough to begin working for many producers around NYC.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Equal parts John Bonham, Zigaboo Modeliste, Jay Bellrose and Bill Stewart...eclectic but deliberate and groovy.

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

A: At the moment, Soundgarden is at the top of my dream list. They write such a range of music and it's all interesting to me. Hard, riffy rock. Chord based songs. All with deep regard for a strong drum part. So great!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: If you're drummer's sound is brash and bright, observe the volume at which he's playing the high hats. In most cases, drummers hitting the hats too hard are saturating their sound with the worst possible frequencies. Less high hat usually makes for a smoother, more even sound.

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

A: My comfortable range includes Singer/Songwriter, Rock, Jazz, R and B, Country, and Brazilian music and plenty more. If you're having trouble finding the right drummer for something unique or eclectic, let's talk!

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Playing with great time but still grooving. I think we've all heard musicians who play with amazing sense of tempo but sound mechanical. Making music FEEL good is my business. That is my strongest skill.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring creativity and deep knowledge of the drum set. The endless study of my craft is my true passion. I love drums; how they sound, how they're played, how they fit into a song, how they fit into an album. I'm often complimented on my ability to uncannily play "just the right part." Of all of the compliments I've received, I take this one closest to heart. Creating and executing the part is key!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: After a client and I decide we're a good fit, we determine our terms and they send me their song along with any reference material they have. The client notes any specific requests (i.e. "ride in the choruses," "4 on the floor in the bridge") and I proceed with the initial takes. Based on our terms, the client will receive anywhere from 1-3 versions of the song from me. The client can choose which take they like best and I will, based on our agreed upon terms, record a number of retakes to the client's preference. Sometimes 1 retake is a part of our terms. Sometimes it's 3. After a satisfied take has been produced, I send you the stems and you authorize SoundBetter to release payment to me.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I record to Logic on a Mac Pro tower. -Interface Rosetta 800 -Mic Pre's (2) API 500c (2) Great River MP500-NV (4) Daking -Microphones (2) AKG 414 (2) KM-69 Beta 52 Yamaha Subkick (2) Shure SM57 (4) Sennheiser e604 Electrovoice RE50N

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

A: It's a very long list, but a short sampling: Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden, Aimee Mann, Jay Bellerose, T Bone Burnett, Joe Henry, Brendan O'Brian, Tchad Blake and much more!

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

A: Clients range from commercial composers/producers to songwriters and bands. They either send me demos for me to put drums to in order to build the masters off, or, they send me the final takes of everything except drums, so I'm the final piece. I have no preference which order I lay drums down to, as long as the parts I'm recording to are played clearly and in time.