drums | songwriting | producer

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

A: Well, The Casket Lottery's most recent release Short Songs For End Times is a record I'm incredibly proud of. We started writing this in late 2017 as we geared up for a variety of touring in '18. Nathan Ellis, the bands primary songwriter, came to rehearsal one day with a couple of short riffs (hence the working title that became the actual title) and we just hit it off with those two ideas. Before you know it we had 12 songs and about 2 other ideas. From there we hit the studio. It really just came together so easy for all of us. Can not wait to tracked the next one!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently working on the 6th The Casket Lottery album. We are in the writing stage of things as I type. Also, I am in the studio with Search & Seizure working on our first full length!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both are great! I work mostly with digital because that's the demand right now, but analog is fantastic even if more time consuming.

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

A: My promise is to always provide you with my absolute best.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The fellowship & travel.

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

A: "How much for one track?" Hahaha:)

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

A: That's a tough one to answer... Can't say I concentrate much on what other people think of me.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your goal for this project.

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

A: Bring confidence and pride with you. Know what you want. And if you don't know, be open minded and willing to work with those that can help you reach your ultimate goal.

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

A: Kick - Snare - Hat - Acoustic guitar & bass.

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

A: Started studying drums / music at age 14. Since then I've played in a variety of bands. Some more successful than others. In 2010 I found myself working as a stage tech for Motion City Soundtrack after my group Hopesfall split a couple years prior. From there I went on to production / tour manage bands like Garbage, Band of Horses, Jimmy Eat World... I've shared the stage with both Band of Horses & Jimmy Eat World over the years. Some drum duets, some guitar playing. I've managed to maintain a steady playing career amongst the hectic touring schedule that comes with PM/TM'ing. It's been a 21 year journey that I wouldn't trade for anything.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: finesse and powerful.

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

A: I'd love to work with Sheryl Crow. I think she's a fantastic songwriter and every song is a drummers paradise. Great grooves. Great music. Great voice. She has the whole package.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: There's no "right way" of doing any of this. There's only the best way for that moment in time. We can argue all day about parts, how to mic a kit, how to mix a track etc etc. But what is right for that moment, that one part, that one track. That's most important. And it doesn't matter how you get there as long as you arrive where you want to be.

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

A: Typically it's indie rock / alt rock stuff.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Playing to the song. I've always found myself in a good working relationship with every artist I've ever worked with. My goal to make the song the absolute best it can possibly be.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a variety of dynamics ranging from heavy rock, pop, country & singer songwriter. My goal is to make the song the best it can possibly be. I'm not interested in providing you with every drum trick in my bag... Unless that's what you want:)

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Same day turn around is possible depending on the number of songs. Typically I like to spend a day with the project before I start recording. As always, we can discuss this and work out a timeline as needed by the client.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Currently working out of B-24 Studios. Check out the gear list provided on the website. Everything is available for use. If you have a preferred mic pre, compressor, microphone etc etc we most likely have it.

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

A: I've been luck enough to work closely with those that inspire me the most. Butch Vig Zach Lind Ben Bridwell Jim Adkins Billy Bush Shirley Manson Josh Freese Jason McGerr

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

A: Drums tracking is the most common work I do.