Session drummer

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

A: This is fun, but it's also my full-time career. I take my work very seriously. Work hard and play hard.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your timeline? I want to make sure I work with your production and release schedule.

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

A: Take the time to think about what you want, and what you don't want. I can do my best work for you when I have more information from you. My job is to be a support to you and your music. Be as specific as you can but don't shy away from trying to explain something, even if you don't fully understand how to articulate it.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Listening. I think all musicians need to be great listeners before anything else.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I play songs from the perspective of a producer, because I am one. I make sure the groove and feel is right, and I always stay out of the way of the vocal, regardless of style.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: When I get the files, I like to find the right drum sounds that feel good with the song, especially the snare and cymbals. Once I get the right tones and tuning on the kit, I work on the part. I might listen to other music for reference or I might go with that feels best to me.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work at my private studio in Brooklyn called Boomtown. You can find all of our specs at boomtown.studio

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

A: My favorite drummers are John Bonham, Keith Moon, Steve Jordan, Dave Grohl, Matt Cameron, Questlove and Chris McHugh. I love big drum sounds, but also have a lot of fun with the tight Motown inspired stuff.

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

A: Pop and rock are the most common. I recently worked on a country EP.

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

A: Producers or artists send me demos or productions that need live drums. Sometimes I am replacing programmed parts, other times I am creating the parts myself based on references.