Ryland Steen

Studio Drummer

Ryland Steen on SoundBetter

I've toured and recorded with accomplished artists such as AMERICA (70's classic rock), REEL BIG FISH (ska/punk), MAROON 5 (pop), KRIS ALLEN (american idol), and PHANTOM PLANET (indie rock). My studio potofgoldrecording.com has three rooms that can achieve any pro drum sound you're looking for. In-person and remote recording sessions are available.

My name is Ryland Steen. I've been a member of the classic rock band AMERICA for the last 8 years. Before joining AMERICA, I was a member of the ska/punk band REEL BIG FISH (2005-2014). My studio, potofgoldrecording.com, is a 2,500 sq. foot space based in Orange, CA. It has three rooms of varying sizes that can accomplish any pro drum sound you're looking to achieve. I've drummed on records ranging from Rock, Indie, Ska, Punk, Reggae, Country, and Pop. My priority is to help you realize your artistic vision. In-person and remote recording sessions are available.

Microphone List:
Manley Reference Cardioid
Manley Gold Reference Cardiod
Telefunken ELA M260
Telefunken M80
Telefunken M81
Royer R–101
Mojave MA–101
Shure–SM 81
Shure–B52
Shure–SM57
Shure–SM58
Audix–D6
Sennheiser–MD 421
AKG–C414B-ULS

PreAmp List:
Warm Audio 273
Rupert Neve 511
UA 2-610
Vintech Dual 72
BAE 1073MPF
Shiny Box Si 4
Shadow Hills Mono Gama

Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.

Languages

  • English

Interview with Ryland Steen

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

  2. A: I played drums on several Reel Big Fish records that helped shape me not only as a player but a person who can listen and respect others opinions and ideas while working in the studio recording.

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

  4. A: I’m producing a single for an indie artist called, Miranda Kalagian

  5. Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

  6. A: Steve Fekete-guitarist

  7. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  8. A: I’m a pro tools user. I like having the ability to work quickly while maintaining great drum sounds.

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

  10. A: I will treat every artist and their music with the upmost respect as though it was my own music.

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

  12. A: I’m obsessed with listening to and playing music. I’m very grateful I get to do this for a living.

  13. Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

  14. A: How much will this cost? It depends on what the artist expects from me. I typically charge $150 per song.

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

  16. A: That I magically know what the artist is looking for musically speaking.

  17. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  18. A: What drum sound are you looking for? Is there a production/vibe you’re looking to achieve with your music? Is there a song already in that you’d like me to reference?

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

  20. A: Be prepared to be specific about what it is you’re looking to achieve with your project.

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

  22. A: My drum set, an Audix D6, 2 Neumann U 87’s, and a Neve 511 500 series preamp

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

  24. A: I’ve been drumming on records and touring the world for 20 years.

  25. Q: How would you describe your style?

  26. A: Cosmopolitan with a focus in rock

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

  28. A: Dave Grohl, he is the reason I started playing drums.

  29. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  30. A: Be open minded and be able to receive criticism.

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

  32. A: Rock, pop, and indie.

  33. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  34. A: Listening to what the artist is looking for and achieving their musical vision.

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

  36. A: I have years of experience from playing on records of all kinds of music and touring for the last 20 years with classic rock band, America, and ska/punk band, Reel Big Fish.

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

  38. A: I can accommodate in-person and remote recording sessions. I coordinate with clients through email, zoom, and telephone.

  39. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  40. A: It’s a 2,500 square foot studio with 4 different sized tracking rooms with mainly neve and vintech preamps. Large mic selection including Manley and Warm Audio mics

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

  42. A: Dave Grohl, Steve Jordan, Josh Freese, Abe Laboriel, jr.

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

  44. A: Session Drummer

Terms Of Service

1 revision offered, 1 week turn-around time.

GenresSounds Like
  • Reel Big Fish
  • America
  • Kris Allen
Gear Highlights
  • Manley Reference Cardioid
  • Manley Gold Reference Cardiod
  • Telefunken ELA M260
  • Telefunken M80
  • Telefunken
  • M81 Royer R–101
  • Mojave MA–101
  • Shure–SM 81
  • Shure–B52
  • Shure–SM57
  • Shure–SM58
  • Audix–D6 Sennheiser–MD 421 AKG–C414B-ULS
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