Rob Mills on SoundBetter

On 200+ songs with over 40 millions streams. Tour / record with French Cassettes, Jess Williamson, Spooky Mansion, Tino Drima and more. Constantly in search of the perfect snare sound!

Hey I'm Rob!

After living in San Francisco for 10 years I moved to LA to start Bathmaster Studios - my self-made recording studio - where I produce artists, and record drums. I get the best drum tones in LA at my price range. As far as performance goes, with taste as my guiding light, I like to think my style balances professional and prodigal. I put fun in functional! Just listen to my audio samples to hear what I'm talking about.

As a carpenter, I built Bathmaster Studios, sound-proofed it, and acoustically treated it with the purpose of bringing out the best sounds from my drums and mics. I have a hefty (mostly vintage) drum collection that runs the gamut of kicks, snares, toms, cymbals which pair perfectly with my stellar (and mostly vintage) mic collection including an original RCA 44a, a U47 by Dave Pearlman, A matched pair of vintage Coles 4038's, a pair of hand made KM84 clones, and much more. My 16 channels run thru my classic (API or NEVE style) pre-amps and occasionally smashed, colored, or spaced out to taste with my family of analog compressors, EQ's, revers and delays.

I offer discount pricing on EP and album projects :

- Three-song EP: $400
- Six-song EP: $600
- Ten-song Album: $800

Let's make a record!
Smash the contact button and let's talk!

Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Credits

Languages

English

4 Reviews

Endorse Rob Mills

by Christine M
Rob brings incredible texture and depth to every track, enhancing each project with a distinct emotional resonance. His commitment to the sound and feel of your work is unmatched; he approaches every detail with meticulous care and precision, as if it were his own. His skillset is remarkably versatile, and whatever you ask of him, he delivers. Collaborating with Rob means partnering with a professional who is genuinely invested in bringing your creative vision to life.
by Austin Payne
It’s the best time! His skill and vision is remarkable. The way he takes the songs I write and turns them into a finished work that I could only dream of is amazing! Contact him and get in the studio!!!
by Marie M
Rob Mills is an exceptional drummer and producer at Bathmaster Studios, known for his ability to adapt to diverse musical styles. His meticulous attention to detail ensures that every drum track is dynamic and enhances the overall sound of the project. Working with Rob is a pleasure; his collaborative approach fosters a creative environment that inspires musicians. I highly recommend him for anyone seeking professional drum production and recording services.
by Hollie H
Rob has a fantastic studio in LA where I have tracked. His gear is extensive and he’s a true professional. Highly highly recommend!

Interview with Rob Mills

Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Gladly. Command + Save. Jk. I think it's really important not to be too precious with your art. I also think being unafraid to be adventurous is very important. I've found some of my favorite musical creations happen when I'm in an environment that trusts and encourages new ideas.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: In the past week since writing this, I cut an indie rock record, the same record again but this time in a reggae style, a few hip hop songs, a few pop songs and a few folk songs. In 4 days I cut almost 30 songs of much different styles.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I think I bring a unique card to the table. I've got a pretty vast threshold for music styles with different sets of priorities. Sometimes I'm the pocket/backbeat guy. Sometimes I'm the ringo type guy. Sometimes I'm a new york jazz guy. Sometimes I'm just an abstract paintbrush creating sonic textures and colors. Time feel is very important, but the most important thing that I feel I have is the ability to bring any song to life. Take a listen to my audio samples!
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: When you send me your song (mp3 or wave) and we chat about what you're wanting in terms of vibe and feel etc., I'll start with dialing in a fantastic drum sound then set up the mics to make sure it's captured beautifully. From there, I'll set the tune on repeat and play along until I have the perfect take. If necessary, i'll edit, then print/export the tracks and SEND.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have 2 rooms, a control room and a live room in my studio, each sound treated and separated by a window. The live room has all sorts of vintage drums, percussion toys, a piano, guitars, amps, a rhodes and a custom built fold-out vocal booth. The control room is stocked with great speakers, great analog gear and most importantly a couch and fridge full of snacks cold beverages.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: As for modern artists, I love the work of Shawn Everett, Blake Mills, Ethan Gruska, Dijon, Mkgee, Johnathan Wilson, Mocky, Rostam, Ariel Rechtshaid, Frank Ocean, Vampire Weekend and about a million more.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Tracking drums for songs. Usually 16 channels of great sounding raw tracks with a couple reverb/echo sends for creative measure.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: The last 2 French Cassettes records were a thrill to create and I'm very proud of those. I cut all the drums in various studios including my own and played a big hand in the production of those records.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Writing and recording the next French Cassettes album. Producing a few songs with my buddy Andrew St. James. Trying to make time to finish up projects with other producers, and make some of my own music!
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Hollie Hammel. One of the best vocalists out there.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Analog. It's just more fun!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: In the worst case possible, you're going to end up with a world class drum track. That's not even a promise - just a fact, really.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: There's no better feeling in the world than when you feel like you are creating something unique and special.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: So like ... you can record drums out of your own studio?! - YES!
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: I think most people who know me only get to see one side of me - when there are many!
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What are you trying to do with your music?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Don't hesitate to reach out even if you're just toying with the idea of hiring me! I'm always happy to talk music and can guide you as to whether it's a good move or if there are better options for you.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Does a full drumkit count as 1? My 1959 WFL jazz kit for sure. My Ludwig Supraphonic snare (chrome over brass) incase i need a different snare sound. My 1938 RCA 44 mic, diestressor, and 1073 preamp to record it with. I guess I wouldn't have any speakers to hear it with but eh.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: When I was in high school I was taking jazz drumming lessons and playing clubs in a rock band around sacramento. Then went to SF to study music and played around the bay and toured around California for a decade. Then moved to LA in 2019 and began touring internationally and recording extensively.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Jeans and a tee shirt on the outside, colorful on the inside.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would love to play in Third Eye Blind. Just for one day. Please. That's all I ask!
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I think my strongest skill is being able to listen to a song and determine what it needs based on my diverse background / listening experience. Especially in regards to percussion/drums, I'll know exactly what to do in order to give the rhythmic concept of the tune a unique personality without getting in the way.