Custom Drum Track Producer

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At the moment, I’m working on productions for Lepus and Holza, as well as for RHAYN, a super talented singer-songwriter who categorizes her style as cozy folk pop. I love the challenge of immersing myself in this new genre and expanding my horizons. The songs are set to be released in 2025.

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

A: Yes, I can recommend Brent Kolatalo on SoundBetter. I’ve worked with him on the Lex Candy songs, and he is an absolute top mixer. I highly recommend him for his expertise and skill in producing high-quality mixes. You can’t go wrong working with him!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I prefer digital over analog because it offers flexibility and efficiency in music production. If a client requests a different snare sound towards the end of the production, it’s a straightforward adjustment in digital workflows, whereas it can be quite challenging in analog setups. The convenience and versatility of digital technology significantly enhance my creative process and collaboration with others.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I like most about my job is the opportunity to express creativity through music and sound. Each project presents a unique challenge, allowing me to explore different styles and techniques. I enjoy collaborating with other talented musicians and producers, sharing ideas, and creating something new together. The thrill of bringing a vision to life and connecting with audiences through my work is incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, the constant evolution of music technology keeps me inspired and motivated to learn and grow in my craft.

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

A: I’d take my Mac Mini M2, loaded with all my essential software and plugins, a monitor to keep things visual, my trusty SSD for storage, an electronic drum kit for endless creativity, and a keyboard with an integrated trackpad to keep things compact and efficient. That way, I’d have everything I need to produce and create no matter where I am!

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

A: I’ve been a professional drummer for over 20 years, performing in nearly 40 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to play live for a variety of projects and artists, and this experience has shaped me into the versatile producer and drummer I am today.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is a blend of modern precision and timeless groove. I combine cutting-edge technology with the feel of classic drumming, creating tracks that are both contemporary and rooted in musical tradition. My style adapts to the needs of each project, whether it’s a driving, high-energy beat or a subtle, atmospheric rhythm.

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

A: There are many talented artists I would love to work with, and one of them is Maggie Rogers. Her unique blend of emotional songwriting and innovative soundscapes resonates deeply with me. She has an incredible ability to connect with listeners through authentic storytelling, which I truly admire.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: One of my best production tips is to always think about how the drums serve the song. It’s easy to get caught up in flashy fills and complex rhythms, but often the simplest groove can be the most powerful if it complements the other instruments and drives the song forward.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is my ability to adapt to different musical styles while keeping creativity and precision at the forefront. I’m focused on crafting drum parts that not only fit the song but take it to the next level. I always set my ego aside because I understand that the song itself is what truly matters—everything I do is in service of enhancing it.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring energy, precision, and emotional depth to a song. My goal is to create drum tracks that feel alive and dynamic, adapting to the flow of the music. Whether the song calls for intricate patterns or a simple groove, I aim to enhance the song without overpowering it, ensuring the drums serve the music’s overall vibe.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: We’ll begin by discussing your project in detail. Share your vision, including the genre, mood, and any specific influences or references that will help me tailor the drum tracks to your needs. Once I have your scratch track and click or BPM, I’ll create a few bars of a verse and chorus based on your direction. I’ll send this initial version to you for feedback, and we can refine it as needed until you’re completely satisfied with the approach. After finalizing the direction, I’ll complete the entire track, and you’ll have another opportunity to review it. Any final adjustments will be made to ensure everything aligns with your vision. Finally, I’ll deliver the custom drum tracks, fully prepared for integration into your project.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I rely on a diverse set of tools, including Roland’s TD 27 with the VH 14D hi-hat and drum-tec pro snare, Superior Drummer 3, Backbone, Life and XO by XLN, and handpicked sample libraries, to offer unparalleled sound quality and variety. But it’s not just about the tools—it’s about how I use them. By utilizing cutting-edge digital production technologies, I craft drum tracks that elevate your music, ensuring each piece resonates with depth, emotion, and precision.

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

A: I draw inspiration from a wide range of musicians and producers. Artists like Peter Fox, Dua Lipa, The Weeknd, and Maggie Rogers have a unique sound and approach to music production that constantly pushes the boundaries. I’m inspired by producers who creatively combine various musical styles and elements, motivating me to explore fresh ideas and techniques in my own work.

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

A: The most common type of work I do for my clients is creating custom drum tracks that are tailored to their specific sound and style. Whether it’s recording powerful, dynamic rhythms for a high-energy track or crafting delicate percussion for more subtle arrangements, I work closely with my clients to ensure the drums enhance and elevate the overall feel of the music.