Ken Coomer on SoundBetter

I am an original founding member of Wilco, recording and touring the albums A.M., Being There, Summerteeth, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, and Mermaid Ave Vols. I & II. I love creating adventurous sounds and grooves in a wide variety of genres. For me, the most important thing is always to serve the song and the artist.

Prior to Wilco, I was a member of Uncle Tupelo, recording the groundbreaking Americana album, Anodyne. In the years since, I have played and recorded with many world-renowned artists including legendary soul icon Al Green, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Fitz and the Tantrums, Jars of Clay, Verve Pipe, Phil Lesh (Grateful Dead), Sean Rowe, Sylvain Sylvain (NY Dolls), Emmylou Harris, Little Jimmy Scott, Frank Black (Pixies), Roger McGuinn (The Byrds), Mary Gauthier, William Bell (Stax), Tim Finn (Crowded House), John Doe (X), Chetes, Sass Jordan, Waylon Payne, Billy Joe Shaver, Malcolm Holcombe, Dead Horses, Arlo McKinley, Peter One, Eli Paperboy Reed, and Peter Oren, among others.

I am based in Nashville, TN, where I have a full-service recording studio called Cartoon Moon that is ideal for remote recording. I am known for my playing on platinum and Grammy-nominated Americana records, but I also have extensive experience working with rock, pop, soul, country, and blues.

I look forward to connecting with you and hearing about your project!

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Interview with Ken Coomer

Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Everything. I love working on different kinds of projects and collaborating with unique, creative people from all over the world.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Paul McCartney: i can only imagine the amount of melodies and ideas that would come out of that Man.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: First and foremost i listen to the song to see what vibe the artist is going for, then we either zoom or have a phone call to discuss their wants and ideas.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have a full service studio. It was modeled after the historic Laurel Canyon vibe. It is called Cartoon Moon and is a combination of digital and analog—a hybrid set up. I have Pro Tools, 16 track MCI tape machine, drums, guitars, bass, amps, keys, mics, percussion, lots of toys, and everything you could possibly need to make a record.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have been doing this for 20 plus years. I played in rock bands growing up, with one thing leading to another. Then landed w/ a prog-heavy band that got an indie deal, that led to Uncle Tupelo, which turned into Wilco. But, I always played on records when it was possible. Living in Nashville there are many studios, which means there was always music being recorded.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Recording and playing on tracks and records. I also work with a wide range of artists as a producer.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Playing drums on an Al Green track in Memphis, with the one and only soul legend!
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I am finishing up the new Bendigo Fletcher record as their producer. I am also finishing up programming tracks and sounds for a new kid's video game app. Plus, I am drumming on and producing a 14-piece electro-folk band's record.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both—because why not?
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: Let's make your best record.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What is your idea situation for this song and or record?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Make sure the person you are hiring understands and is looking to execute your vision.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Listen to everyone's idea. You never know where a secret nugget will be hidden.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I love working on different kinds of projects. Every day is different. I do a lot of Americana, indie rock, soul, and experimental music. I have also worked on commercials projects such as video games and television.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Listening.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Inventive groove and an outside perspective.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I am inspired by many drummers, but Jim Keltner is the creative guru that I always ask myself... WWJD?