Credits include: Lil Nas X / Bebe Rexha / Scott Weiland / Leslie Odom Jr. / Tori Kelly / Hailee Steinfeld / Nick Lachey / NOTD / Bea Miller / Ruel / Emblem 3 / Disney / Pixar / MTV / VH1 / CMT / Hi-Finesse Music and many more.
I’m a Gold and Platinum certified Drummer, Engineer, Mixer, Producer and Musical Director based in L.A. I have a drum recording studio in Studio City and I do remote sessions there for Singles, Albums ,TV shows and Films for all over the world. I've had the opportunity to tour, music direct and record with some amazing artists including Lil Nas X, Scott Weiland, Leslie Odom Jr., Hailee Steinfeld, Bebe Rexha, Bea Miller, NOTD, Tori Kelly, Ruel, Caroline Jones, Emblem3, Zella Day, X-Factor USA, The McClymonts, Reece Mastin, VH1, MTV, CMT, Discovery Channel, National Geographic and many more. I also have been a featured artist for major companies including: Avid Pro Tools, AKG, A Designs Audio, JHS Pedals, Beryerdynamic, Standard Audio, Retro Instruments, Focusrite and more.
Services Include:
- Recording live multi track drum tracks and percussion
- Mixing
- Drum Programming
- Live show music directing, track building and playback
I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.
Credits
25 Reviews - 3 Repeat Clients
Endorse Mike Avenaim
check_circleVerifiedMike made my tracks 120% greater with his drumming. He's not only great on the skins but also a very meticulous engineer. Would definitely do business again!
check_circleVerifiedMike is an icon! He works really quickly and delivers legendariccc results. He also constantly asks for feedback in order to go exactly where you want to be and I can't thank him enough! Love love love working with him!
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I'm scalped 😭 Mike literally took my skeleton of a demo and fed it with the most amazing drums!! He's extremely talented & fast too! Recommend a million times!!!!!!
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Working with Mike is a pleasure. Perfectly in the mood with great taste and touch!
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Great to work with, sent three different takes for me to use and edit. Had the job done on the day he said it would be and provided a professional sound.
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Working with Mike has been a great pleasure to me. Great drummer, he immediately entered the song mood and provided me with what I was looking for. Hope I may work with him again in the future. Thank you Mike!
check_circleVerifiedQuick turnaround and killer fills as always, thanks Mike.
check_circleVerifiedMike is a super nice dude and an absolute weapon on the drums, it was a total pleasure to have him work on my track! Looking forward to the next one :)
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I programmed a beat for my song, but it needed that live feel. In stepped Mike, and he listened to what I had and really got where I was going, and made it legit with real drums. A total pro all the way, I will definitely hire him again.
check_circleVerifiedMike is a very talented musician! It was a pleasure working with him! Great vibe, great fills, drum sound is very inspiring. 10/10
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Fast turnaround, great skills and approach, awesome work.
check_circleVerifiedMike was a pleasure to work with! His musicianship was top notch and his communication and professionalism was great. Look forward to doing more work in the future!!!
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Mike was very patient and had a very fast turn around. He saw what I was going for and brought it to what I heard in my head. Extremely happy with the results. Will be using his services again
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Superfast turnaround, great energy and killer fills.
Mike is a true professional, easy to work with.
Thanks Mike! - check_circleVerified
Mike was great about keeping in touch and moving the project along. Thanks for going to extra mile!
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Mike just nailed it, again…Second time working with him and
always top quality. Highly recommended! - check_circleVerified
Mike delivered 3 great drum tracks with high quality and quick turn around and was very professional. Highly recommended. Thanks Mike!
I've worked with Mike on the road, in the studio, and remotely, and I can tell you that he's one of the best. Not only a killer drummer, Mike is also a great engineer, musical director, and multi-instrumentalist who will bring any type of production to the next level. If you're considering booking Mike, just stop thinking about it and pull the trigger... you'll be glad you did.
Mike is a consummate professional with exquisite musical sensibilities. A pleasure to work with, great attitude, killer drum tones, and a solid groove. He puts his heart into his work, and its clearly shows in the final product. Highly recommended!
A truly great drummer, human being, and talented musician that I'm happy to call a peer. A+ 10/10 would use again.
Interview with Mike Avenaim
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Be very specific in your wants and needs and make sure that you’re hiring the person because they are going to contribute and element to your music that will help you achieve your dream and vision.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: All types. Honestly, I play everything.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Being able to deliver a serious sonic approach and pocket to enhance the music
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have a very large selection of microphones and outboard analog equipment. My goal with this setup is to be able to meet your needs in any musical genre without the use of plugins. Obviously, I’ll use plugins if need be - haha!
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I’m music directing projects for various major labels.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Bobby Holland
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: It all depends on the client and their needs. I try to accommodate exactly what the client is asking for.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I specialize in remote custom drum tracks and mixing. I work to create the perfect tonal and sonic approach. Many of my clients are very specific in their instructions and my goal is to nail those.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I wrote and recorded on Scott Weiland’s last album before he passed. It was an incredible experience to make music with one of the greatest rock front men of all time.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both. Every clients needs a few different.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: You will LOVE what I deliver.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: That it was my hobby first.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Do your drums sound professional. The answer is, Absolutely!
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That I’m not an ACTUAL musician. That is very incorrect.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: - What sonic approach do you want? - Do you want minimal micing? - Do you want me to play simple or busy?
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Kick, Snare, Hat, Bass, Guitar
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: My life long goal was to Be able to live off being a musician full time and I’ve been very fortunate for this to be a reality. I’ve been a professional Session/Touring musician for 15 years.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Swanky and tight. It’s all About the pocket and groove.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: John Mayer - I feel he does not stray away from being creative.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Always get the sound at the source correct before capturing it.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Mojo, Life, Pocket, Energy and Realness that is so lacking in today’s music.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Vance Powell, Bobby Holland, Jack Joseph Puig, Steve Jordan, Justin Medal Johnson
I was the Drummer, Mixer, Engineer in this production
- Live drum trackAverage price - $250 per song
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $500 per song
- Programmed drumAverage price - $200 per song
- 50% deposit required up front
- MP3 examples supplied for notes
- Multi track delivery immediately after final 50% payment
- NOTE: please contact for revision/take terms.
- Modern and Vintage Ludwig and Rogers Drums
- Istanbul Cymbals
- BAE Audio
- A Designs
- Chandler Limited
- Universal Audio
- AEA
- SSL
- Retro Instruments
