Drum Tracks / Producer / Mixer

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

A: In 2023 I was invited to work on a new video game coming out vey soon. It's a been a new experience for me but was an amazing experience working with the talent involved.I played acoustic drums and midi drums. I also recorded some other instruments and vocals for the project.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: 2023 and 2024 so far has been pretty steady with drum tracks and mixing projects. I've been keeping a decent live schedule too so its a nice balance !

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Through the years in Nashville I've built up relationships with some of the best studio's and engineers. Because of those friendships I'm able to track my drums through Tridents , Neve's & SSL analog consoles to give the client a nice warm , creamy punchy drum sound. So if ya can always record through a console , i would take advantage of it.. that being said there is a lot of great digital setups for home recordings too that deliver amazing drum sounds too.. You have to be open to whatever works for your budget.

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

A: My promise is , to give the client a great experience when working with me. Not just musical drumming to complement their music but communication and over all taking interest in your music. I understand that every project and client is different so being transparent is good way to approach each session.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Well, being able to play drums for all these years is really quit a treat. Also i enjoy meeting new people in their musical journey .Thats something i don't take for granted. It all comes down to the music along with staying open to the clients ideas and vibe for their songs. Thats what I like. Making the best music together.

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

A: One question is, How do you hear the drums going? My answer usually is something like this. I first need to spend sometime listening to their song. To get familiar with it. I usually end up going with what hits me the first couple times i play it down. I try not to over think a part. Go with some guide lines addressed by the client etc if there is some input but go with the first couple of ideas then dial in the track by playing a fit ew times.

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

A: Any longevity as a working drummer is an accomplishment to the dedication it takes to build a career as a drummer. I think a misconception many people don't understand is how intricate being a studio drummer or drummer in general is. Many still think it's hobby thing..

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

A: UAD Apollo, small drum kit. couple of decent mics ,my laptop and keyboard !

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

A: I've always been a drummer / musician. I started young and I am still busy playing as a session drummer recording/mixing and live performances. 40 yrs of musical experience. It's my life's journey.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I pull many different styles together . I've spent a good part of my life in the country / americana styles here in Nashville and upstae NY.... Levon Helm, Jim Keltner, Ringo Star . Along with Steve Gadd, Jeff Porcaro and so many more. I do love jazz too so my style is a hybrid of musical sounds.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: A creative musical drum track. Song arranging ( for recording full productions ) Producing

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Drums- writer engages with me , discuss's their song and which studio they would like use. Writer sends over typical files for me to record too.. click, stereo music track, separate vocal stem sometimes. I cut the drums, send over sample mp3. client reviews and lets me know where we're at with the track I make any changes (if any) replay , resend to client . Once we are in full agreement about the track I send back via We Transfer, Dropbox or any other FTP all individual stems plus a stereo mix of the drums .

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have 2 recording situations for my clients. Studio A - is located in the RCA Studio C studio located in the RCA building on music row in Nashville TN. I work along side a great engineer and inside the buildings Studio C for recording drums and my full production recordings. It has a Trident 75 analog console along with some tasty outboard gear to create a creamy punchy awesome drum sound. Studio B - Is my own setup for cutting drums and mixing / mastering too. RME mic pres , tighter room. less money per track.

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

A: It depends. Being in Nashville, there's a cross between current modern country tracks to traditional country shuffles. Rock, Jazz, Americana is also popular.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What type of drum sound are you wanting for your song? What bit rate do you want your files recorded at ? Do you want any percussion added to your song ? Shall I include a stereo drum mix?

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

A: Communicate your vision. Be open. Be patient .

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't record the instrument to hot.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Communication.

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

A: To many to list.

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

A: Drum tracks. Either acoustic or Midi. I also do a great amount of recording , mixing and producing song demos and recordings for songwriters and recording artist.