I've recorded drums and percussion for GRAMMY-winning and nominated producers. Songs featured in #1 Netflix movies, Viral Spotify & iTunes Charts, etc. I have worked in a variety of styles & settings including current chart - topping Pop music for young artists, Rock Records featuring electric Violin, drum-loop based HipHop and RnB songs.
I'm a drummer and producer based in Los Angeles. Besides remote recording and producing I have toured with pop artist for the past 6 years, playing venues such as Madison Square Garden, Wembley Stadium and many more. TV appearances include Jimmy Kimmel Live, Stephen Colbert, James Corden and America's Got Talent.
I studied Contemporary Writing and Production as well as Performance at Berklee College of Music and I can offer excellent sight reading skills, if needed. I'm proficient in all styles, including Jazz, Pop, Rock, RnB, HipHop.
I have 16 channels available (UAD Apollo x8p w Audient ASP 800), a wide array of microphones and numerous snares, cymbals and accessories to choose from.
Besides my over 20 years of drumming, I have also written, produced and partially engineered recordings for artist including platinum - selling artists Bazzi, Olivia O'Brien, UMI;
Over the past few years I have also fully produced and released records of my own including several band and artist projects. I have also programmed drums for my own project as well as pop artists.
I have recorded in Studios such as The Village, NRG Recording Studio, Sphere Studios, Clear Lake Recording Studios, Dave's Room, Battery Studio (London), 64 Sound, The Record Co. (Boston), Q Division Recording Studios (Boston), The Bridge Sound and Stage Recording Studios (Boston), and countless home studios.
Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Interview with Johannes Gritschacher
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both. Although I can only offer in the box emulations at the moment.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: To satisfy all their needs and make it better than they would expect.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The endless creativity.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Do you have a reference in mind? Do you want me to replace the demo drums? Do you want specific gear or microphones? When do you need it by?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Be open to discussing all things business up front.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My 80s Gretsch Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, and some spare drum heads.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have been recording remotely and diving deep into producing and engineering for 6 years. However, drumming has been a part of my life since I was 6 years old.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I come from a school of Jazz/Fusion drummers. My biggest hero are drummers like Vinnie Colaiuta and other session legends from the 80s. I can also give it a super organic human feel and sound if desired.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would like to work with you! Because I'm curious to play on new things I haven't heard before.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: The better the musician you hire, the less work you have to do as a producer/engineer ;-)
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I usually work on Pop/Rock sessions. Sometimes on a full record, other times I send custom made loops to producer friends in the RnB world, they build beats around it or call me to replace their programmed drums.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Having worked with so many great producers and producing myself, I have a great sense of communication in the studio. I have a good feel of what the song needs and a good sense of time overall.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I can provide a pristine full mic'ed Rock Drums sound all the way to a 2 mic Ribbon overhead and kick out Indie sound to mix in with your programmed drums. Being versatile in all styles and being able to read music also allows me to work in a TV/broadcast setting if desired.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I create the session and write out a lead-sheet with notes and important parts that stand out to me. I trust my instincts and experience when it comes to first impressions, parts and what drums to choose from. Unless the client chooses specific cymbals, snares or a different kit than what I have set up I hop behind the kit. I record in Logic. I have templates ready in UAD console and Logic which guarantees for a quick turnover. Once I'm behind the drums I give it a go. I usually do 2 takes before I listen back. Then I fine-tune and see what changes I make. After I'm done recording, I take the session to my home studio where I have Adam A7v speakers to edit or roughly mix the drums. Then I send off the files for revision.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I record 16 channel consisting of a UAD x8p ADAT with a Audient ASP 800. Microphones include Beyerdynamic, Austrian Audio, Dr. Alien Smith, Shure, Solomon Mics, Avantone, UAD Mic Modeling; I have a well treated room where I can record in for 24hours. I own three drum kits 60,70s/80s, and modern and have several snares to choose from (Ludwig, Gretsch, DW, Noble & Cooley, Acrylic, Aluminum, Wood, Brass, Alloy,) My studio is located inside a bigger streaming and recording studio so I have access to all Audix mics and countless other DW drums.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I love mixers and producers like Tschad Blake, Shawn Everett, Russell Elevado, Zackary Darling, Paul Bushnell, Nick Mabury my peers Jakob Rabitsch, Matt Hines, David Phelps as well as Studio Drummers such as Vinnie Colaiuta, Aaron Stirling, Jim Keltner, Aaron Steele, Josh Freese, Abe Laboriel JR and many more.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I record drums remotely or in the studio. I work remotely with independent artist and songwriters as well as GRAMMY-winning producers in big studios.
- Live drum trackAverage price - $500 per song
- Programmed drumContact for pricing
- Beat MakerContact for pricing
Price includes 2 revisions (50$ per additional). I can replace demo drums but I'm open to come up with original parts. Turn around time can be as quick as 1-2 days. I usually provide 3-4 takes.
- 80s Gretsch Square Badge Jasper Shell Drums
- 60s Zim-Gar MIJ Drums
- 2012 DW Performance Series Drums
End of the year deal: half off Live Drum Tracks (2 revisions, must have demo drums). until December 26th 2023.
