Live Drum Tracks & Programming

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

A: One project I’m especially proud of is OnesAll Band’s latest production. On this project, I not only recorded the drums but also contributed to the musical arrangements on bass, guitar, and piano, and even began working on the lyrics. The most exciting moment, though, was hearing one of my songs included on the album—it’s an indescribable feeling to know that a piece of my creativity is part of something that will be shared with the world. My role on this project allowed me to grow as a musician and collaborator, and it reminded me why I love making music.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I’m currently working with a few local bands in my city. One of them is a punk band recording in a fully analog studio, and the other is an indie rock band recording in my fully digital studio. It’s exciting to balance the energy and rawness of analog with the precision and flexibility of digital, adapting my approach to fit each band’s unique sound and style.

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

A: The only person whose musical contribution I’m familiar with is drummer Lester Estelles II—I hope to meet him in person someday. Beyond that, I’m open and excited to collaborate with other talented musicians at SoundBetter and explore new creative and bussines opportunities.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I work with both analog and digital tools, but I tend to lean toward digital for its flexibility and precision. Digital recording allows me to capture multiple takes, experiment with arrangements, and make detailed edits while maintaining high-quality sound. That said, I appreciate analog for its warmth and character, and I often combine the two to get the best of both worlds—keeping the feel and emotion of a performance while taking advantage of modern technology for editing and production.

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

A: My promise to clients is simple: I will always serve the song and the artist’s vision. I commit to bringing musicality, precision, and creativity to every performance and recording, listening carefully to feedback, and adapting my approach to ensure the final result exceeds expectations. My goal is to make the process smooth, collaborative, and inspiring, so that every project reaches its full potential.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I love most about my job is being able to bring music to life. Whether I’m in the studio or on stage, I get to contribute to the emotion, energy, and feel of a song, helping artists share their vision with the world. I enjoy the creative collaboration, the challenge of finding the perfect groove, and the satisfaction of knowing that every note, rhythm, and dynamic choice can make a real impact on listeners.

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

A: Some of the questions customers most commonly ask me include: “Can you help us shape the drum arrangement for our song?” Yes! I work closely with artists to craft drum parts that serve the song, enhance its feel, and complement the original arrangement. “What genres do you specialize in?” I typically work in Pop/Rock, Alternative, Funk, Indie, Country, and Worship, but I adapt to the unique style of each project. “Do you record in a studio or live?” Both—I provide professional studio recordings as well as live performance services, always focusing on musicality, tone, and dynamics. “How do you handle feedback during recording?” I take multiple takes, provide a preliminary edit for review, and work closely with clients to refine the performance until it matches their vision. These questions help clients understand how I approach their music and ensure the final product reflects their artistic vision.

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

A: The biggest misconception about what I do is that playing drums is just about keeping time or hitting hard. In reality, my role is deeply musical—I think like a bassist, guitarist, or pianist, shaping the rhythm, dynamics, and feel to serve the song. It’s not about playing more; it’s about playing what the song truly needs and enhancing the emotion and energy of the music.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: When working with prospective clients, I ask questions to fully understand their vision and needs. Some key questions include: What is the style and feel of the song or project? Are there any reference tracks or artists that inspire the sound you want? Do you have specific ideas for the drum arrangement or performance? What is the desired vibe, energy, and dynamics for the track? Are there technical requirements, like in-ear monitors, click tracks, or backing tracks? What is your timeline and preferred workflow for recording or performance? These questions help me tailor my approach to the client’s vision and ensure that the final result serves the song or performance perfectly.

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

A: My advice for a customer looking to hire a provider like me is to prioritize collaboration and communication. Make sure the provider understands your vision, style, and goals for the project. Look for someone who listens carefully, offers creative input, and adapts their approach to serve the song or performance. A good provider not only delivers technically solid work but also brings musicality, energy, and emotion to every recording or live performance. Trust the process, provide clear feedback, and be open to ideas—this is how the best results are achieved.

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

A: Haha, right—no cell phone! If I were stuck on a desert island and could only bring five pieces of equipment, I’d take my computer, kick drum, snare drum, ride cymbal, and guitar. With those, I could keep creating music, experiment with rhythms and melodies, and still have a little fun while waiting to be rescued!

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

A: My musical journey began when I was just seven years old, at the Escuela Libre de Música Especializada in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. A year after enrolling, I joined the school’s Symphony Orchestra, and six months later, the Popular Music group. While still a student, I began playing at Tierra Nueva Church in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, where I was first introduced to in-ear monitors, backing tracks, clicks, and computer-based setups—tools that would become essential to my professional work later on. Over the following years, I started performing with various local artists, gaining stage experience and developing my versatility across genres. In 2018, I moved to the United States, where I joined one of the city’s most influential churches as part of their music team. That same year, I performed with the High School Marching Band, and a year later, became a member of the OnesAlls Band. In 2023, I joined the band Hallyways, contributing to both their studio projects and live performances. By the end of 2024, I also became part of Damn Bullet. My experience in recording studios throughout 2019 inspired me to create my own custom drum studio—built to deliver high-quality recordings tailored to each artist’s sound. Now, I’m opening that studio to artists around the world, offering professional drum recording and production services designed to bring their musical visions to life.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My musical style is rooted in the rhythm and groove of funk, which forms the foundation of my playing. I naturally blend that rhythmic feel into genres like rock, worship, indie, and even country. No matter the style, I like music to vibrate—to move people and evoke emotion. For me, it’s all about creating a pulse that feels alive and connects both the musicians and the audience.

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

A: I’d love to work with artists like Brandon Lake for his powerful energy and deep spirituality that connect so strongly with audiences. Jason Aldean inspires me with his simple yet precise rhythms that perfectly serve the song. Toto stands out for their unique groove and musicianship that blend technical mastery with feel, and Colony House for their creative patterns and dynamic approach to arrangement and performance. Each of these artists represents a different side of what I value most in music—emotion, precision, groove, and creativity.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: My advice on music production is to always let the song lead the process. Focus on capturing emotion and authenticity before perfection—great production starts with a great performance. Pay close attention to arrangement, dynamics, and space; every sound should have a purpose and support the story the song is telling. Take time to choose the right tones and textures, and don’t be afraid of simplicity—clarity often makes a stronger impact than complexity. Most importantly, trust your ears and instincts. Technology is just a tool; the real production magic comes from knowing when a song feels right.

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

A: The musical genres I normally work with, both in the studio and in live performances, include Pop/Rock, Alternative, Funk, Indie, Country, and Worship. These styles allow me to explore a wide range of dynamics, grooves, and textures—always adapting my playing to fit the unique character and emotion of each song.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My greatest skill on the drums is my musicality. I don’t play just to fill space or showcase technique—I play to serve the song. I approach the drums with the same mindset as a bassist, pianist, or guitarist, always thinking about melody, harmony, and feel. Every groove, accent, and dynamic choice is made to support the music as a whole and bring out its emotion. For me, it’s not about playing more—it’s about playing what truly matters.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My contribution when recording a piece of music focuses on enhancing its musicality, sound, and dynamics. I aim to create drum parts that complement the song’s arrangement and emotional intent—balancing groove, texture, and space. Sonically, I work to achieve a tone that fits the song’s style, whether it calls for a warm, vintage feel or a modern, punchy sound. Dynamically, I shape each section with intention—building energy where needed and creating subtle contrasts that bring the music to life. My goal is always to serve the song and elevate its overall impact.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: When a client contacts me, we start by discussing the song in detail—its style, feel, and dynamics. I make sure to understand the artist’s vision and take into account any creative suggestions they may have. From there, I develop the drum arrangement, respecting the original structure of the song while adding ideas that enhance its overall character. During the recording process, I capture several takes to provide options in tone and performance. A simple preliminary edit is then shared with the client so they can hear the direction of the track. Based on their feedback, we refine and improve the recording until the drums perfectly match the artist’s sound and expectations.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: DW Performance (7 pcs) Toms: 6", 8", 10", 12", Floor Toms: 14" 16", Kick 22" Snares: DW 5.5"x14" / Yahama Supraphonic 6.5"x14" / OCPD 5.5"x14" Heads: Remo Sticks: Endorsed by Haram Cymbals: Zildjian K Custom Dark / Meinl Byzance Mics: Shure SM57 / Sennhiser e600, e604 & e906

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

A: Lester Estelles II - Pillar / Kelly Clarkson Simon Phillips - Toto / Protocol Will Chapman - Colony House

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

A: I work as both a studio and live performance musician, offering professional drum recording, arrangement, and performance services. In the studio, I focus on capturing the right energy and tone to serve each song’s unique sound—whether that means tight, precise grooves or dynamic, expressive playing. For live shows, I bring that same dedication to delivering powerful, engaging performances that elevate the band’s overall sound and connect with the audience. My goal is always to enhance the artist’s vision and bring their music to life both in the studio and on stage.