Drummer/Engineer/Producer

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

A: A lot of people think I make EDM and play in a Mettalica cover band. I feel like most people who don't play music are just real dumb so it doesn't bother me.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What do you want this to be at the end of the day? Is it ok if I take a couple liberties here and there? Are you cool with ghost notes?

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

A: Shop around, find your best match, and don't compromise your art.

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

A: Kick, snare, hat, zoom recorder, sunscreen

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

A: I just wanna keep making music and meeting rad people that love the same things as me. I have been playing music since I was in elementary school (I'm 27 now). I have always loved recording music. It was one of my first obsessions. I got my first cassette recorder when I was in middle school and never looked back.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Heavy, Tasteful, Weird, Solid, Heavy

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

A: I would love to play drums with Shigeto. He is an amazing producer and even better drummer. I feel like he show me some insight in to how to think about music as sounds not songs.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Break the rules and experiment. If it sounds good, it is good. Also, don't mix with your eyes.

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

A: I really like playing groovy interesting drums, but I tend to lean towards heavier music. I'm kind of a weirdo when it comes to electronic stuff too.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Definitely keeping it real...but for real, playing drums is my strongest skill.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: When it comes to playing drums I have a very solid sense of timing and playing around the click to play interesting yet tasteful grooves and fills. With music production I have always felt like less is more. I would rather trying and get the best tones possible and keep the track list small.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I typically like to drink a bunch of coffee, eat vegan snacks, and get the job done in a timely manner.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I am currently working out of Signature Sound Studios in San Diego www.signaturesound.com It is a multiplatinum record award winning studio with two beautiful studios I have the honor to be a part of.

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

A: As for drum influences, it ranges from Elvin Jones and Dave Grohl to Eric Moore and Benny Greb. My favorite producers currently are Flying Lotus, Baths, Groundislava, Shigeto folks like that. My favorite audio engineers are J. Robbins and Steve Albini.

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

A: I can record live drums on your tracks, mix them, or both. I also make electronic music so I can make midi drums and wild soundscapes too.