Funk Remote Drum Recordings

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

A: I had the incredible opportunity to record drums for vocalist and keyboardist Nigel Hall (John Scofield, Snarky Puppy, Lettuce) on several tracks, and it was exactly the kind of work I want to do for the rest of my life. I was hired as a session drummer, laying down the drum parts for his songs. I’m especially proud of this project because I grew up listening to his music—playing on it felt like a full circle moment and a major milestone in my career.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At the moment, I’m working on various funk and soul productions with different producers. One of the most requested sounds lately is a tight, high-pitched “pancake” snare, usually a 13x3 tuned high—perfect for that crisp, vintage vibe.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: A hybrid of both is the right path. Analog brings warmth, character, and vibe, while digital offers precision, flexibility, and efficiency. Combining the two allows me to capture the best of both worlds and deliver high-quality, musical results.

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

A: My promise is to bring out the best in your song by delivering a drum part that perfectly fits the vibe, feel, and message of the music. I’m committed to playing what the track truly needs—no ego, just what serves the song best.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to connect with talented musicians from all over. Collaborating with skilled artists allows me to learn and grow while contributing to projects that are both challenging and rewarding.

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

A: One of the biggest misconceptions is that groove and pocket are easy. Tell that to Steve Jordan or Steve Gadd and see what they say. It’s a highly skilled and nuanced art that requires deep musicality and precision. It’s not just about playing in time, it’s about feeling the space and knowing when to lay back or push forward to enhance the track.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I usually ask my clients the following questions to make sure I understand their vision and needs: 1. What is the vibe or mood you’re going for with the song? 2. Are there any specific drum sounds or styles you want to explore?

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

A: My advice is to export the take starting from zero and make sure to specify the BPM. This ensures that the drums fit perfectly into your track and makes the whole process smoother and more efficient.

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

A: I’d take my snare drum, a pair of drumsticks, a microphone, my audio interface, and a tuning key for the snare. With these, I could still capture and create music, no matter the circumstances!

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

A: I started playing drums at a very young age—beating on my father’s paint buckets with sticks and using my mother’s wooden spoons on pots. At the age of 6, I received my first drum kit, and from that moment, I never looked back. I’ve been playing and studying music ever since, continuously honing my craft across various genres and styles.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I can be energetic when the song calls for it, but I’m just as comfortable playing delicately and softly. It’s not always about hitting hard; it’s about listening to the track and playing what it needs. My style is focused on serving the song, creating the right feel, and supporting the music in a way that elevates it.

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

A: I’d love to work with any artist who is a true professional in the genres I specialize in, whether it’s Funk, Soul, Rock, or Jazz-Funk. What matters most to me is working with musicians who have a genuine passion for the music and are dedicated to making something unique.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Start with the sound. Before you even play a note, shape the drum sound—it will inspire the groove you need to play. Focus on tuning and tone: does the song need something open and ringing, or dry and controlled with minimal overtones? Having the right sound from the start helps your drums sit naturally in the mix and results in a high-quality take that truly supports the track.

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

A: I usually work on Funk, Soul, and Rock—often blending these styles with touches of Jazz-Funk and Blues. I love playing music that grooves, moves, and leaves space for the song to breathe.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skills are groove, pocket, and finding the right sound for the song. I focus on feel and tone to create drum parts that sit deep in the mix and elevate the track—always serving the music with intention and taste.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: As a session drummer, my first goal is simple: make the song sound better than the demo. I bring a deep understanding of groove, tone, and dynamics—always focused on serving the music. I work to deliver exactly what the artist has in mind, crafting parts that feel natural and essential to the track. It’s about enhancing the emotion, not showing off—just making the song feel right. I’m always open to feedback and revisions to make sure you’re 100% happy with the result.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I start by carefully listening to the song to understand its vibe, structure, and emotional direction. Then I shape the right drum sound—choosing tuning, cymbals, and mic placement to match the track. Once the sonic foundation is set, I study the song and craft the groove and feel that best supports it, always aiming to elevate the music and serve the artist’s vision.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio is equipped for high-quality remote drum recording. I use a Universal Audio Apollo x8p, paired with an Audient ASP880, giving me 12 channels of clean, punchy conversion and flexible routing. Microphones include classics like the AKG D12, Electro-Voice RE20, Shure SM57, Universal Audio SC1 Condenser and the Universal Audio Sphere DLX modeling mic, which gives me access to a wide palette of vintage and modern tones. I record in a treated room designed to capture everything from tight funk grooves to fat, warm backbeats.

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

A: I’m deeply inspired by artists like Steely Dan, The Meters, and everything rooted in blues, rock, funk, soul, and jazz. I love how these genres balance groove, feel, and musical storytelling. My playing blends the pocket and grit of old-school funk with the sophistication of jazz and the energy of rock—always with the goal of creating the right part for the song.

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

A: I record custom drum tracks remotely for artists, producers, and songwriters looking for tight, musical, and groovy drums. I specialize in Funk, Soul, Rock, Blues, and Jazz-Funk, always focusing on serving the song first. Whether it’s a laid-back pocket, syncopated groove, or a fat backbeat, I shape the sound and feel to match your vision. Each track is delivered with separated stems, ready to drop into your session.