Alex Benjamin on SoundBetter

I've worked with a wide spectrum of artists over the past eight years, and I look forward to creating the right sounds, grooves, and harmony for your song. Recording the highest quality Fender Rhodes, acoustic piano, Hammond B3 organ, digital Mellotron, Melodica, drums, or percussion on your project.

I'm a drummer, keyboardist, and composer based in NC with a decade of experience collaborating with a wide spectrum of artists. I deliver custom high-quality drum, percussion, and/or vintage keyboard tracks to help you realize your artistic vision by recording Fender Rhodes, acoustic piano, Hammond B3 organ, melodica, drum set and percussion for your project.

I am happy to record with you remotely or in-person at a studio of your choice. Tracks will arrive fully edited, and can be layered with percussion or multiple keyboards.

Over my career, I've shared the stage with many incredible artists-such as Hiss Golden Messenger, Justin Mazer Trio, Buddy Miller, Jackie Greene & Friends, G. Calvin Weston, Andy Frasco and the U.N, Billy Martin, Bob Weir, Holly Bowling and Madeline Hawthorne.

Feel free to reach out to me directly via my contact form with any questions you may have. Let's make a record, EP, or single!

I look forward to creating the right sounds, grooves, and harmony for you.

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Credits

Discogs verified credits for Alex "Al" Smith

Hiss Golden Messenger
Hiss Golden Messenger
Hiss Golden Messenger

5 Reviews

Endorse Alex Benjamin

by Madeline Hawthorne
I met Al while making my debut record Boots. His keys were the final element that really tied the whole record together. Since then we have worked together on the road and I can't speak highly enough of his professionalism. Al is the guy you want on your team when making a record.
by Carolyn
Al truly cares about the quality of the music and invests his whole self into your project! I collaborated with Al on remote drum work for my indie-folk-pop album and he was extremely dedicated and brought the tunes TO LIFE with his imaginative badass drumming! He is professional and easy to communicate with, and listens deeply to what you are looking for in your music while adding his own unique flare! Highly recommend!
by J Termini
Al has been a wonderful collaborator for commercial soundtrack work I have done for many clients. A reliable musician in the studio whether I need a composer or a session player! In my case, he understands client brief and can deliver what they are looking for on a musical level every time.
by Justin Mazer
I have worked with Al extensively both on stage and in the studio. He embodies everything that it means to be a professional musician. Aside from having a great ear and being highly skillful and thoughtful at multiple instruments (drums and keyboards), he is always willing to lend a hand to complete a task the right way, and committed to maintaining a positive attitude and helping others during the process.
by Jessica Stoll
Al Smith has been on a handful of tours as both a drummer and percussion/keys player with Boot Juice. He is solid! Great time feel and tasty accents! We love working with Alex. Highly recommend.

Interview with Alex Benjamin

Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both, however my current setup is digital.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: Professionalism and respect, and a positive attitude
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: First and foremost, a song-centric approach whether on drums or keyboards. This means asking, "how do I make everyone else, and the vocals, sound their best" ?. Mood, atmosphere, and texture are very important to me as well, and I will work with you until you're 100% happy with your song. I tend to take a less-is-more approach, but always provide multiple takes and layers so you have plenty to work with.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Singer-songwriter and Americana, but I have also worked extensively with instrumental music and creating original pieces for advertisements.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: James Gadson, Michael Ellsner, Carole Kaye, Joe Sample, Quincy Jones, Duke Levine, Jim Keltner, Jay Bellerose, Russ Kunkel, Narada Michael Walden, Doug Yowell, Arthur Adams, Steve Goold, Michael Andrews, and more.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I provide live percussion, drum, and keyboard (Fender Rhodes, Hammond organ, acoustic piano, melodica, Casio) tracks for artists’ songs as well as soundtrack music for commercial, film and TV.