Chris Couto

Drummer,Percussionist,Producer

Chris Couto on SoundBetter

Nominated for a JUNO for best World Music Album 'PATRIA' 2021- MAZACOTE BAND.

Chris Couto is a respected, dependable professional session-musician, Producer, Arranger and Educator from Vancouver, BC. He has just been Nominated for a JUNO for best World Album of the year 2021 titled 'PATRIA' with one of his many groups, MAZACOTE. His professional career has spanned for over half of his life, gaining experience touring Canada-wide and internationally and getting to play a command performance for her Majesty the Queen. He has also opened up for names such as DJ Premiere, Booker T. Jones, Ozomatli and Salif Keita to name a few. 

His skill set ranges from African, Brazilian & Latin percussion with his expertise on the Congas, Bata, Timbales, Bongo, Marimba, Djembe, Miscellaneous (clave,guiro,guira,triangle,Surdo,shekere,shakers, assortment of bells) and Drum Kit.

Chris is always working on an assortment of varying projects and genres breaking the boundaries with known rhythms and incorporating them seamlessly to any style.

Please tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.
Many Blessings.

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Interview with Chris Couto

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

  2. A: Micheal Jackson, Q-tip, Nas, Dr. Dre, Chris Dave, D'angelo, Los Van Van, Erykah Badu, Anderson Paak, Ralph Irizarry, Orishas, Snarky Puppy, Mr. V, Atjazz

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

  4. A: I've just finished producing 2 albums for my good friend for our group called CALICO. Genre is Americana with nostalgic lyrics. I also play the drums, percussion as well as some background vocals. This is special to me because it was something that was a thought and now it has come to fruition.

  5. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  6. A: I am constantly making music and producing tracks for groups and clients

  7. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  8. A: Making people smile and groove as I strongly believe that music has the power to change lives—to enhance the social, cultural and spiritual lives of people, and serve as a profound medium of personal expression.

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

  10. A: Music has always been my career choice and been in the game for 20+ years, with 10 years of arranging and producing experience.

  11. Q: How would you describe your style?

  12. A: A cross between traditional and contemporary with a fusion of fresh creative ideas. I love to arrange shots and breakdowns that gives the music a sense of clarity and takes you on a journey.

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

  14. A: Justin Timberlake as I love how he interacts with his band and puts them before himself. Also Snarky Puppy for the incredible musicianship and vast musical content.

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

  16. A: Salsa, Funk, Dancehall, Reggae, African, Brazilian, Americana, Hip-Hop, R&B, House, Pop

  17. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  18. A: Hand percussion, arranging and producing.

  19. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  20. A: Texture, colour, creativity and soul.

  21. Q: What's your typical work process?

  22. A: I start by listening to a track and make notes of what feel or texture I want to create if thats on percussion or drums. I then do a couple scratch takes to catch a vibe and start layering percussion/drums where it needs it within a day. I send off to the client promptly and await any feedback for edits/revisions if any.

  23. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  24. A: I have a studio space where I track most of my percussion and drums. I run a Mackbook Pro with Logic Pro X with a handful of nice condensers and percussion mics.

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

  26. A: Mostly hand percussion and producing

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A Celebrar by MAZACOTE

I was the Percussionist and Arranger in this production

GenresSounds Like
  • Pedrito Martinez
  • Timbalaye
  • Jamiroquai
Gear Highlights
  • 12' Matador Conga
  • 2x 13' Matador Tumbas
  • Matador Bongos
  • Gom Bap Timbales
  • 5-piece Pearl Vision kit
  • 3-piece Ludwig Breakbeats kit
More Photos