Drummer & Percussionist

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

A: He has worked in the film and TV industry on soundtracks and series on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, recording drums and percussion for productions of great global impact such as "Berlin" (La Casa de Papel), or "Nowhere, both were seen and tops worldwide.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am touring with important artists in Spain. "Carlos Sadness" (Latin Grammys nominated), "Las Migas" (Latin Grammys winners), Suu, etc... I'm also recording music for commercials.

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

A: No

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: The ones you know how to use

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

A: I assure you that you will be very satisfied with the result.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Enjoy the process

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

A: What is the process? The service I offer is very simple: Contact me to discuss your proposal, and send me the demo and the programmed drums separately (if you don't have demo drums/percussion, I can create them myself). I usually do 3 takes. The first 2 are the most faithful to the guide/idea presented, and then I do a third with a different perspective. This way, there's enough material to choose from. Any revisions, we can discuss!

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

A: Spend more time than necessary

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Do you do it for money?

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

A: That you feel in good hands

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

A: Mac, Midi Keyboard, Interface, Microfone, Pad Roland Spd-sx.

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

A: Guillem Arnau (May 1993), also known by the stage name "Guillemao”, is a drummer and percussionist graduated from the Superior Conservatory of Liceu in Barcelona. His passion for the instrument started at the very young age of 4 years old, experiencing music firsthand at home. While never neglecting the drums, at the age of 13 he became interested in latin percussion instruments, studying Brazilian percussion (batucada) and Afro-Cuban music. His versatility in two (seemingly similar but actually very distinct) specialties has given him multiple professional opportunities, recording or touring for artists both as a drummer and percussionist, or using hybrid sets. He has worked for artists from major record labels such as Sony Music, Warner Music, or Universal Music.He has toured with artists such as Las Migas, Carlos Sadness, Arnau Griso, Suu, Cruz de Navajas (Mecano tribute), and many more. He has recorded or collaborated with artists such as Beret, El Kanka, Nil Moliner, Andrés Suárez, Xavibo, Sofia Ellar, Ivan Melón Lewis, Oques Grasses, Txarango, "Doctor Prats," Sebastián Cortés, La Sra Tomasa, La Pegatina, The Gramophone All Stars Big Band, Muchacho y los Sobrinos, Tacho... His experience has led him to perform on multiple stages from important venues and theaters throughout Spain to large-scale international spaces or festivals such as Wizink Center, Palau Sant Jordi, Arenal Sound, Rototom Sunsplash, San San Festival, Sonorama, Bangladesh International Folk Festival, Portamérica (Mexico)... He has worked in the film and TV industry on soundtracks and series on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, recording drums and percussion for productions of great global impact such as "Berlin" (Money Heist), or "Nowhere," among others. He has also worked recording music for advertisements such as "Soy un Elfo" (El Corte Inglés 2019), Freixenet Christmas, etc. He also has expertise in music production, in both studio production (Electronic, Beatmaker) and live production (click/backing tracks, arrangements...).

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I consider myself versatile because the wide world of percussion opened many doors and possibilities for me.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Be unique and personal

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

A: Pop, Pop-rock, RnB, Hi-hop, Latin, Flamenco, Funk, Indie.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Adapt the set to the song

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I provide versatility and adaptation to what is needed

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: The service I offer is very simple: Contact me to discuss your proposal, and send me the demo and the programmed drums separately (if you don't have demo drums/percussion, I can create them myself). I usually do 3 takes. The first 2 are the most faithful to the guide/idea presented, and then I do a third with a different perspective. This way, there's enough material to choose from. Any revisions, we can discuss!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: EQUIPMENT It's very important to adapt to the needs of each production, so I have a wide variety of equipment to achieve the best results. DRUMS -Tama Starclassic Maple Hyperdrive (22”, 10”, 12”, 14”, 16”) -Rogers Holiday vintage 70 (24”, 13”, 16”) -Pearl Super Pro GLX 80 (20”, 12”, 13”, 14”) -Zildjian Cymbals (K Custom Series, A Custom, Special Dry) -Snare Drums (Ludwig Supraphonic 70 14x5,5”, Ludwig Supraphonic 6,5x14”, Ludwig Acrolite 60 14x5,5”, Pearl Dennis Chambers Signature 14”x6,5, Sonor Benny Greb Signature brass 13”, Yamaha Signature 14”, Pearl Chad Smith signature 14”, Pearl Piccolo Brass 14”) PERCUSSION -Bongos LP Latin Percussion Galaxy (Giovanni Hidalgo) -Timbales LP Latin Percussion Matador (14, 15) -Handbells, timbale, and cha-cha (LP Latin Percussion, Meinl) -Blocks (LP Latin Percussion) -Congas LP Latin Percussion Performer Series, Meinl Professional series. -Cuban Batás (Iyá, Itotele, Okónkolo) -Shakers, eggs, tambourines (LP, Meinl) -Güiro (LP Latin Percussion) -Güira (Meinl Percussion) -Cajons (Broth Percussion) -Bendir, Tom, Hand Snare (Requena Percussion) -Surdo 22”, 20”, 18” (Contemporanea). -Timba 14” (Izzo) -Tamborine (Contemporanea) -Repique (Arco Baleno) -Bacurinha (Contemporanea) -Cabassa (LP Latin Percussion). -Shekeré (LP Latin Percussion, contemporánea) -Agogó (Pearl, Contemporanea). MICROPHONES -AKG 414 XLII x 2 -AKG 214 -AKG 451 x 2 -Shure sm81 -Shure Beta 91A -Shure Beta 52 -Shure Beta 57 -Shure sm57 x 4 -Telefunken M80 -Sennheiser 421 x 3 -Sennheiser 421 vintage

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

A: Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, Residente, Pedrito Martínez, Alain Pérez...

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

A: Need to record drums or percussion for your productions? I make it easy for you.