Drums and Percussion

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: An LP for my band Camiones en la casa. Also mixing an EP that is going to be pressed in vinyl in Spain next month. Online recording for a songwriter from SoundBetter. But every week/month is different! I always playing live with my bands. And of course producing at my studio Ochava Records. Also Im working on my third drum book . First two are "Flowing with Motion" and Expanding Rudiments."

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I was influenced by Steve Jordan, Tony Williams, Brian Blade, Dave Lombardo, Mike Bordin, Stewart Copeland and Ringo Starr. My style would be a mix of all of them combined. I focus primarily on feel, groove, and energy, and always play to serve the song. The most important thing for me is giving the exact amount of energy that every part of the song needs!

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

A: I work on many different styles of music including, Rock, Pop, Singer/Songwriter, Folk, Country, Indie, and Electronic.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I put all my energy towards understanding what the other person is looking for. Sometimes it's not easy to understand the first time which is why I'm always sending ideas and proposals until I find exactly what the artist needs for the song. Communication and timeliness. Professionalism is nothing without being punctual.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Creativity, solid groove, and a professional sound.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My first step is to get on the same page with the artist. If the artist doesn't know what they want I consider genre and stylistic options. Does the song need power or restraint? Does it need bold or understated drumming. I might play tightly to the click or play "tight yet loose" to the click to create tension and excitement where necessary. If the artist has specific requirements, I try to make sure I fully understand that request. I love getting input from non-drummers on how they envision the drum track to sound because it can often result in a very cool and unique drum part. Having respect for the origin of the song idea is key for me. I start hearing drumpart ideas in my head right away when listening, but landing on the perfect drum part comes from a solid understanding of the writer's vision. Reference tracks are always helpful for me as they give me a good idea sonically and stylistically of what the artist is after. After I've come up with the part I record 3 separate "keeper" takes on different playlists to give the client a few different vibes and options to choose from.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a modern digital recording studio, combined with analog vintage gear. I use a Tascam 80s console. I own most of the plugins that Universal Audio offers and I treat them like outboard gear, tracking through them using the Apollo software and printing them right into the DAW. Their plugins sound so similar to the actual pieces of hardware, and I'm able to gate, EQ, compress, and run tracks through a virtual tape machine, resulting in mix-ready drum tracks. I have all the industry standard microphones associated with tracking drums, and also use Neve and API-style external preamps. I have a great sounding acoustically treated space with high ceilings and a great room sound. The other main component of the studio is the drums obviously. I'm a Ludwig endorsed artist and use various series of their amazing drums ranging in size from a small jazz kit to a big Bonham-y rock kit, and always make sure they're tuned perfectly before recording. I always have a kit set up and fully miked, but I can change anything and everything out to better tailor the drum sound to the specific track. I have a wide sonic range of Sabian cymbals and various drum knick-knacks such as tea towels, mutes, muffling rings, tambourines, rivets, etc. to help me achieve the right sound and vibe.

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

A: David Bowie / Bjork / Herbie Hancock / Brad Mehldau / Rick Rubin / QOTSA / Tame Impala

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

A: The biggest misconception is that time is not money. We need to have realistic expectations and that even the best produced recordings may never see the light of day. The promise that I can deliver is that you will be proud of what you have produced and you will want to share it with as many people as you can.

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

A: I spend most of my time in my studio- I do live drum tracks remotely as well as in-person sessions with producers and artists. I also do a lot of composing, drum programming, beat-making, and mixing. I am a member of a few working bands and I perform with solo artists.

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

A: I'm proud of all the work I do, as well as productions that I have the honor of being part of. My heart is in all of them. It's difficult to choose one. I continue to learn so much and am proud of them all.

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

A: Yes. Mahoma Rercords. The best Horn Section!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog always! It is more real. Digital tries to emulate analog. So that means that analog is true, while digital is just an imitation. LOL. Also, tape sounds warmer and fatter. Especially on drums!

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

A: Unfortunately, online sessions are not as personal as being in a studio together. But with the right communication, it should still be very enjoyable and great for the songs! That they can enjoy the process, and walk away happy!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Every day is different! That's why I love art. It is infinite!

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

A: "Do I really need to record the scratch to a click." Yes! "Will I get individual files for each mic or a stereo mix?" Whatever you prefer, but I recommend the individual files for further mixing possibilities, even if all you want is a stereo mix to start.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are you looking to accomplish with your music, and what do you hope to get out of this work?

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

A: Just be as clear and concise as possible in terms of what you need from me! I'm very flexible and always willing to work until you're happy

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

A: Snare drum / Bass drum / Hi hat and 2 beers!

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

A: I started with rock bands when I was in high school. From the early 1980's I became a passionate devotee of Jazz and R&B and spent ten years developing skills that left me well-positioned to provide the hybrid-style of drumming for Portishead and Drum & Bass for Roni Size. In 2000 I studied and received my Performance degree at Berklee School of Music.

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

A: Bjork and Thom Yorke. They are always evolving.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Always do things for a reason. As a starting point, simplify your arrangement as much as possible. Then you can add whatever you feel fits. The best sounding mixes are songs where everything has its own space and the parts complement each other.