Pro Session Drummer

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

A: Nikki Naia-Lieke. I've recorded 3 songs for Nikki and each were loads of fun. 2 upbeat dance songs and the other was a more gentle half-time feel. Just an all around super talent with lots of ambition and a creative style not found within her age group.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Working on drum tracks for 3 songs. One is a ballad moving from soft brushes in 3/4 verses and moving to a 12/8 power ballad style chorus. One is a 90's Country and the other is a Southern Rock party anthem.

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

A: Not that I'm aware of.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog pre-amps because they sound better! Digital workstation because it's easier and less expensive than tape. I have plenty of outboard, analog gear that I run through because they sound better and I like the hands on, knob-turning experience but I also won't hesitate to reach for a plug-in... There are some really great sounding plug-ins!

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

A: That it's just me playing a 4 minute song, once and that the drums and mics already set up.... therefore it must be easy and doesn't take much time. I take time to pick appropriate drums, mics and mic placement to fit the needs of a song so there's alot of time spent in order to get things right.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Is there a reference song, drummer or style that you can give, so that I can help you get the tracks or product you would like? What is the tempo? Where would you like the drums to come in on the song?

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

A: Have a clear picture of what your need for the song is and communicate that in various ways... Reference songs, artists or musicians is a great, definitive way to express your needs.

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

A: Ludwig Black Beauty 6 1/2" x 14" snare drum. MacBook SM57 microphone. Headphones. Drumsticks.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Very groove oriented, pocket and song awareness. Certainly not a "drummer's drummer".

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

A: Wilco. I love the songwriting and the sound textures they use.

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

A: Country and Americana/Folk.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Groove, communication and flexibility.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Groove and dynamics.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I work with my clients to find out their needs for the song. After I have a wave or mp3 of the song, I'll chart it and notate any specifics points that the artist needs; stops, starts, accents, etc. I'll record a few passes of the song while picking the right sounds (drums, mics, placement, etc.). When I have a take that fits the need of the artist, I'll send them a rough mix of my drums along with their track and ask for any changes they would like. If revisions are needed, I follow that process until the artist is happy with a maximum of 3 revisions. I will upload the wave files of all drums, usually 10-14 tracks and we'll complete the order.

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

A: Lots of drummer influences; Jeff Porcaro, Jim Keltner, Levon Helm and Richie Hayward just to name a few off the top. Production professionals would be Dave Cobb (producer), Quincy Jones(producer), Al Schmitt, (engineer), Sylvia Massy (producer/engineer).

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

A: Drum tracks for a variety of styles ranging from Country, Indie- Rock, Americana, Folk, Soul and Praise/Worship.

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

A: Started drumming a little late, in high school, 1985. Started out at the peak of hair bands, so those drummers were my heroes, along with Phil Rudd from AC/DC, Bill Gibson from Huey Lewis and The News, and the band, The Outfield, whose hits were all over the radio and MTV. I progressed quickly into Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs, Toto, etc. which started an interest in studio drummers. I joined a Country band with some school friends and started gigging most weekends. I went to music school and studied all styles. After school, I worked for a reputable, Atlanta drum store and started playing in a corporate/wedding band, playing Jazz, Disco and Soul standards and eventually started working in the Atlanta music scene a few nights a week for a house gig at a Country bar playing Top40 Country hits of the mid-90's. I eventually made the move to Nashville and played Classic Country standards a few days/nights every week on the strip, while maintaining wedding/corporate band gigs playing dance beats in the Atlanta area most weekends. After years of commuting back and forth, I made the move back to the Atlanta area to play in a house band at a much larger Country venue, Cowboys. I continue to play with local and regional acts and stay busy in my home studio. Still loving what I do.

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

A: That I will work with them on what they need and offer suggestions if they're open to it. And, I will always let them know what to expect during the process of working together and keep them posted on the progress being made.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Working creatively and getting to know people from all over the world.

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

A: Do you record room mics? The answer is yes, always.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: There's no harm in leaving space in the arrangement.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Large room, high ceilings. Lots of drums and percussion to choose from. Great mic selection and pre-amps.