Session Drummer (Live/Studio Performance)
Hello! My name is Chris and I’m a session drummer from Los Angeles. I have 15 years of musical experience. Along with drumming, I also am a songwriter. I play multiple instruments, but specialize in drumming services. From pop, rock, funk, jazz, and everything in between; I have a variety of genres I can cover. I’m easy to work with and always want to make sure my clients are pleased with my services. So whether you need a live or studio drummer, I can provide both. Let’s make some music!
Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Interview with Chris Issac Lopez
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I would say the current project that was just finished in Nashville. There was no band rehearsal or run through. We had the music, learned the song structure and came in and recorded the album in 3 days! I was proud of the caliber of musicians and producers I got to work with. Excellent crew! Most importantly, the singer/songwriter was so happy with it.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I currently finished a CCM album in Nashville! It’s being mixed and mastered at the moment so I’m excited to hear it all baked and done. I have some original material I’m working on as well.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Currently, not that I know of, but will definitely recommend to my clients if/when I know.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Haha mean I love the sound of analog production, but it’s so expensive! It’s on my bucket list to make a record on analog. However, there have been many technological advances in the recording industry that allow digital to now have an analog filter that gives an analog warmth.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: My promise is that I’ll always try and be honest and try to give you my best.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I love my craft! Just love drumming and creating and helping people through that whole process of music production.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Usually it’s turn around time and rates. Usually it’s 2-3 days and I have a base rate but am flexible with artists who have a tight budget. I want your music to be made and out in the world for all to see!
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: Biggest misconception is that drums are quick and easy to track. That is not the case! It takes more time to dial in drums than it does guitar, bass, or keys. Tuning, mic placement, dialing in drum tones; these are things that take time before you even start tracking. Whether it’s in a pro studio or remote session from a home studio, these things require time and expertise.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I usually ask about time frame and what feel they’re going after for their song/project.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Communication is key. Let me know what you want/need so I can do my best to deliver.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Acoustic guitar, kick, snare, hi-hat
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: My career path has always been music. I went in tour when I was 15 and after that experience, I knew I wanted to be a musician for the rest of my life. Been going at it for over 15 years now.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Versatile
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would love to work with the Foo Fighters. I’ve dreamt of working with them since I was s kid! It’s the one band I’ve always connected musically to. Especially Dave Grohl.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Make sure to take your time setting up for the recording session. There will always be little things here and there, but take your time setting up mics, dialing in gain and desired tones. It’ll make mixing more enjoyable!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: My top genres are rock, pop, singer-songwriter, and CCM.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I would say my strongest skill is that I’m a great collaborator! Love working with others and getting feedback to make s song the best that it can be.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I always try to play for the song. As a songwriter myself, I like to play drum parts that are appropriate for the song and that feel good.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I like to talk with clients on what feel they’re going for on a song before tracking. I listen to a song a couple times to learn the song structure. In doing so it allows me the creative freedom to making great drum parts for the song. I like to dial in drum tones before tracking in order to get the right sound for the track.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Small room with light soundproofing. 8 channel audio interface. Great for tracking drums.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I look up to music greats like Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Stewart Copeland, Beck, Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Greg Kurstin. To name a few.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I tracks drums in studio and do live performance.
I was the Composer, multi-instrumentalist in this production
Please allow 2-3 business days for turn around time. Up to 3 revisions.
- Foo Fighters
- Beck
- Angus & Julia Stone
- Gretsch Drums
- Remo heads
- DW hardware
- Shure
- Sennheiser
- Electro Voice
