Experienced Session Drummer Available To Track Organic and Tasteful MIDI Drums
Hi! My name is Martin Evans, and I'm a professional drummer originally from the UK but now recording MIDI drums and percussion out of my home studio in Philadelphia, PA. I've been behind a kit for over 30 years and decided in 2020, along with every other musician in the world, to set up a home recording studio. I'm able to provide you with a solid, tasteful MIDI drum part. You're not getting loops or programmed parts - these are professional studio-quality drum parts tracked by a veteran drummer with over 30 years of experience.
I've worked mainly in the Pop/Rock field. Still, I'm also well-versed in Country, Prog Rock, Gospel, Dream Pop, Hard Rock, Funk, R&B, Soul, Singer/Songwriter, Smooth Jazz, Musical Theater, Indie, Fusion... as you can see, I'm willing to turn my hand to most things, but please check with me first as I don't want to waste your money if I'm not a fit for your music.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks for your time,
Martin.
I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.
1 Reviews
Endorse Martin Evans
Martin has been my go-to online drummer for over a year now. I have asked Martin to do everything from "Copy this original track" to "Here's a no-drum mix and a click track do what you think fits'. He has always responded quickly and is happy to take criticism and revise tracks although, more often than not, he exceeds my expectations first time. Martin has listed my cover of Not Ready To Make Nice (self-produced) as an example. A very professional drummer - highly recommended! ND, Houston TX
Interview with Martin Evans
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I've recently started doing a lot of work for a sync library - they wanted someone to be able to cover all the bases so that's been fun as something different is always coming through the door. Also, I've been working on tracks for artists back home in the UK, Italy, and Sri Lanka.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: That I'm not in a band and dealing with that dynamic and that I get to work with all kinds of different people worldwide.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Take your time to find the right person, and don't settle.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I recently did a Dream Pop track that came through Fiverr (yeah, I know, don't judge). I always expect the worse with that site, so it was a pleasant surprise listening to the demo to hear that it was a cut above the rest. I provided a MIDI drum part, and I loved hearing my part chewed up and morphed into something completely different sound-wise but still me at the heart of it.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: A tricky question to ask someone who tracks using MIDI drums. If I had the space and budget, I'd be using an acoustic kit, but I'm not, so I play to MIDIs strengths. I go out the way to make sure my parts don't sound like a machine, and one thing I do have over some players is a virtual drum library at my disposal - I can nail any kit sound.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: "Can you put a fill there?" There's a trend in drumming right now to overplay (thanks YouTube). I'll put a fill in if I hear one, but I don't do it unless I feel it's a right for the tune. The client is always right, and if they want it there, I'll do it, but my communication is always clear, honest and open.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I like to treat the tracking process as if I were using an acoustic kit, so I track live and do minimal fixing. I learn the song, put some takes down then send them off to the client for feedback. This will continue until you're happy with the part.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: None at the moment as I'm new around these parts.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: That I'll work tirelessly until you're happy with the part. Also, no drama - I'm easy to work with.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That MIDI drums sound awful. They can but only in the wrong hands.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What do you want the drums to bring to the track?
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Tough one for a drummer, although I could use the kick as a boat to get off the island?
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I started playing in '86 and turned Pro in '92. I spent the next 20 years on stage, in a boat in a studio or band-pit throughout the UK and Europe. I moved to the States in 2010, and whilst no longer a full-time Pro, I still work within that mindset and standard.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Solid, tasteful and simple.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Steven Wilson. I'm a prog fan at heart, but he wears his love for Pop on his sleeve, as do I.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Step away if you're stuck/frustrated.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I've worked mainly in the Pop/Rock field, but I've also touched Gospel, Country, Prog Rock, CCM, Worship, Hard Rock, Funk, R&B, Soul, Smooth Jazz, Indie, Fusion... as you can see, I'm willing to turn my hand to most things.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My ability to work out fast what a track needs.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I'm a song drummer, so I keep it simple and do not tread all over the music. I like to keep my chops in the practice room where they belong.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: It's a simple space that works for me. I don't have the space or budget to record acoustic drums to a level I'd be happy with, so I went with an eKit.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I'm inspired by anyone who's out there doing this.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Multitrack MIDI drum tracks.
- Live drum trackAverage price - $150 per song
- Programmed drumAverage price - $150 per song
Delivery is usually within three days depending on my workload. No hidden costs.
- I use an upgraded Roland TD-27KV kit for tracking. For kit sounds I stay away from the onboard sounds and whilst I have a large selection of sound libraries to choose from I mainly use Toontrack's Superior Drummer 3 and it's extensive expansions.
30% off your first order.
