Josh Bailey Drums on SoundBetter

Hey I'm Josh Bailey out of NYC! Offering top level drum/percussion recording. You can hear my drumming/remote recording on Netflix (series/movies), VG scores (PS5), sampled: CuBeatz & SKNote, & more! Also with friend Adam Neely (JAZZSCHOOL/many YouTube releases). I'm comfy in all styles/genres & love collaborating w/ artists. Lets make music!

I provide professional quality drum and percussion recordings for your music! I love working with artists to recreate/re-record existing programmed or demo'd drum parts and ideas, as well as creating drum parts for new music. I have never subscribed to the idea of "one size fits all" in music, and the discovery process while collaborating is what I love to do from behind the kit! I record via ProTools (and Ableton if preferred) and have collected a stock of killer outboard gear and microphones catered towards multi-use functionality and my sound.

I endorse: Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth Drumsticks

I can provide processed & pre-mixed stems as well as RAW audio for all projects, and am happy to do multiple revision rounds until the artist is happy and the song is done right. I also have the ability to stream my session live via audio movers so the artist can "join" me while I track and provide comments, ideas and feedback live!

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Credits

9 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Josh Bailey Drums

by Vitali V.
Verified
Amazing as always! Pleasure to work with, great talent! Til next time!
by Vitali V.
Verified
Josh is an exceptionally talented drummer, very easy to communicate, absolutely professional, responsive and creative. I'd love to work with him again soon.
10/10.
by Drew Coles
Josh is an incredible drummer, collaborator, producer, and overall musician. I've had the pleasure of working with him in a number of contexts, and he always brings significant value. Even more helpful than his ability to play (he's got a Masters in Jazz Performance from NYU) is his ability to solve problems in sessions. Josh has the gear, know-how, and professionalism to bring your project to the next level.
by Darius Christian
Josh is hands down the most professional drummer I've worked with. He is highly skilled and flexible. He truly dedicates his craft to your project and has ridiculously quick turn arounds. He's a gem, a world class drummer, and a true PRO
by Sara McDonald
Josh is one of the most versatile, professional, charismatic drummers I have ever worked with. He brings a warm, supportive presence to the bandstand and is by far one of the easiest musicians to work and play with. The way he is able to internalize and execute different musical styles and genres is incredibly inspiring. I always feel supported and safe when Josh is driving the rhythms of the band. He is a human metronome that also maintains a soulful, individualistic style when performing that can compliment any type of music. I am so grateful to work with such a wonderful person/musician!
by Peter Wise
Josh is one of the most professional musicians I've had the pleasure of working with! He always does his homework on the music you present to him and the references you are going for to perfectly fit the vibe of the song and the artist. I've had the pleasure of working with Josh in a variety of capacities and musical genres, from working with him as a fellow session player, to having him record drums on my music, to hiring him to record drums for clients of mine, and in each and every circumstance he knocks it out of the park. Hire Josh and thank me later!
by Hillary Capps
Josh is an incredible drummer and percussionist! I'm a singer/songwriter and he has recorded drums for me remotely for several projects. His creative choices perfectly support the track, and the recordings are sonically pristine. He's also super communicative, fast and just so nice to work with! Definitely my top choice for drums!
by James Downes
Josh is a 100% sure thing if you need drums for live or tracking. He's the type of player that can hop in and nail his parts on the first run through. He's the best of both worlds: he can really absorb your notes and plays what you specifically ask him to, or he'll add his own personality if you'd rather not micromanage. His groove is deep, bullet proof and his choices are tasteful. Overall, he's a true musician with a profound understanding of what a song needs. And, he's easily one of the most organized, punctual, professional, positive, and kind hearted people I know.
by Tiger Darrow
Josh is my favorite drummer!!! I hired him recently to remotely track some indie rock drums, and he did a beautiful job playing and self-engineering!! He gave me pristine stems to work with and was extremely prompt and communicative. It's a dream to work with Josh. :)

Interview with Josh Bailey Drums

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: You can hear my drumming/remote recording on Netflix (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt seasons 3 & 4, El Robo Del Siglo), Video Game score (Kena: Bridge of Spirits), and reacorded on Stephen Sondheim's "The Flag Song". I am sampled a lot by: CuBeatz & once for SKNote. Also I am close friends and drum for Adam Neely (can be heard on all JAZZSCHOOL songs and on many YouTube releases/Gig Vlogs on his YouTube channel).
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I play in a group that writes, records, and mixes a song a week (called: Planetary People). I am currently in my studio coming up with the parts and recording that for this weekly tune! Tomorrow I will be tracking for a great band out of Philly (Americana, Folk/Rock vibes) called: The End of America.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: A few friends are here I believe, but am not sure of total list. I would strongly recommend any musicians with a few years of experience form NYC. This city does a great ob of vetting lesser committed musicians. Anyone who is here and has been for multiple years is likely to be committed to music making and will sound really great!
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both! Each song, each mic, each drum, each tempo needs to be treated differently. Never cut corners!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I promise your song will be elevated after we work together. It will be lifted to a new place of energy, sound quality, groove characteristics, and life!
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I love the variety of songs and artist types. I love helping a song grow and adding energy and the groove to make it dance.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Q: "Would it be possible to do a revision? Id like to try [insert musical idea at specific song moment]?" A: Of course! Lets get it right! (if we end up doing a few revision would you be bale to compensate me for the time?)
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: "There is no way he is ACTUALLY comfortable in all styles".... at the risk of being arrogant, I am. Trust me with your song and we will get it there :)
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: - Is this song a single or part of a larger project (EP/Record)? - What music, artist, genre, or specific recording inspired this and that I should capture when playing on it? - What is the meaning and message of the song? - Who are some drummers you like and would want me to sound like here? - Any specific tuning request for the drum sounds? - Any specific recording choices you'd like me to make? (mic's, placement, etc)
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Read into the person as much as their music ability. Their personality will reflect their approach to music and ultimately how they would play your music as well. If you link up as people, then you will also as musicians and collaborators ... benefiting everyone!
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Kick, Snare, Hihat, Laptop, Interface, SM57
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Went to college for Music Ed and then for Music Performance: Jazz (at NYU). I have been gigging in NYC (and elsewhere) for 10 years, but have been playing drums for over 20.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Musically I am often called for music that is groove based (funk, soul and pop singer based music). I focus on the groove and the song, not so much about showing off on the drums. Though I come from a jazz background originally. Professionally though... Id say I am reliable and confident. I have worked very hard for many years in NYC and abroad to gather as much knowledge and experiences as I can to use in my everyday music making. Still and always will be learning and growing to then re-apply that info to my future music offerings.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Ben Rector, Emily King, Lianne Lahavas, Stevie Wonder, Alan Stone, Prince, Brittany Howard, and many many more. These artists represent a song in totality and often do not have one aspect to them that can be defined. They serve the music above all, and I completely subscribe to that mentality as well.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Less is always more! Embrace silences and space between ideas. Also utilize dynamics as much as possible. Exploit volume and tonal ranges of instruments to fit the groove and the song, not just the bands parts.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Singer-Songwriter, Funk, Pop, Pop-Rock, Soul, Rock, Filmscore, Jazz (modern jazz typically)
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Groove and feel. My focus for so many years has been to focus on the feel and groove... to really make the song dance. Complicated ideas and busy drum fills will turn heads and can be exciting but I start form a place of functionality and feel first. I like to start simple and grow outward from there depending on what the song needs!
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring 20 + years of recording, performing, production and arranging knowledge from behind the drumset. I have worked with hundreds of artist in all styles here in New York, nationally, and internationally (touring in Ireland and India multiple times). I have played in almost all scenarios of pressure and intensity and with artist of all experience levels. I hope to bring that confidence to each song I record, while always being open to new ideas, and welcoming to all types of musical concepts and visions. I like to provide a positive environment in which communication is open and ideas are heard. I will always offer ideas but never "die for them" the artist vision and desires come first. I prefer to let the song tell us what directions to go in.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Typically once an artist sends me a track or demo... I start with a conversation. I like to hear the story and context of the meaning of the song as well as any specific references they may want me to emulate or sound like (either from a playing stand point or a recording/sound standpoint). To track all I need is: Full Demo for reference Demo without demo drums (if demo drums were provided) *Preferred but not required: Lyrics, Tempo of Song, Chart or Lead Sheet (Only if already exists. Again, not required at all)
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have a one room space here in NYC. It is solely for drum and percussion recording (as well as my production and arranging). I endorse Sabian Cymbals and Vic Firth drumsticks. I record via ProTools, but also run Ableton (if preferred). Ive got a healthy collection of outboard pre-amps including: - AEA TRP2 2-channel Ribbon Mic Pre - WA-412 (4 channel) - WA273 (neve style 1073) ...And Microphones: - Beyer-Dynamic M88 - AEA R88 (stereo ribbon) - SM57 (3) - AKG 314's (2) - AKG P170's (2) - Sennheiser e602-II - SM7b - Telefunken M80 - MXL Cardiod Tom Mics (2) - Shure 545SSD - AT2020 My main drum kit is a 70's Slingerland, and I supplement that with Sonor Drums, Dunnett Classic, a collections Ludwig Snares and other boutique snare drum options. I have percussion gear including (not limited to): Congas, Bongos, Shakers, Tambourines, Cowbells (rock/Pop and authentic), Rattles/Sound Effects, Glockenspiel and more! As well specialty world instruments (upon request).
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Clean Pop drumming, Funk Music and Jazz inspired genres (like modern jazz). Most of my work in "jazz" is with Adam Neely, Shubh Saran, Aberdeen. HipHop and Lofi music, R&B Motown (a la Stacks Records), music of Prince, Michael Jackson etc. Country Pop, and Heavy Rock music and also Musical Theater inspired productions. Drumming of people like: Aaron Sterling, Steve Jordon, Bernard Purdy, Steve Gadd, Vinnie Colaiuta, Stanley Randolph, Steve Goold & many more!
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Typical work is recording drums for their songs, EP's or projects either remotely or live via stream (audio movers/zoom)