Top Session & Live Drummer

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

A: Devine Evans

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

A: Sometimes when people see my set up (unless they know me) they immediately think technical like... rush, dream theater, etc because it's an expansive set up but the truth is I've already cut pop/ r&b/ hip-hop tracks on here. I've done this so I have the ability to bring more to you..the client..the customer and better serve you, only using what's necessary for your specific musical needs! I've also done this to continue to grow my craft as a drummer.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What can I help you accomplish through my drumming for your music and tracks?! What specifically are you looking for style, feel, sound, dynamics?

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

A: Tell me what you want on your tracks and let's work together to make it happen! I just need clear communication, respect, and direction. If you know what you want on the track great, otherwise my interpretation is great as well!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I work quickly and efficiently to bring the highest quality possible whether working by ear or by chart. I Get the tracks including any reference/mock up tracks, and charts if included with your ideas. I listen, read, study, then immediately go to work on setting up the session, run through any ideas I have, make sure all is well with levels and click. Then hit record. I Send samples to listen to, if all is well I bounce/export tracks and send em' on over to ya any revisions if necessary can be made at this time. *I also send a diagram of my setup to help with mixing. ~If you would like anywhere from 1-5 angle drum cam video of me recording your track(s) (this would be an additional cost, but I do offer that as well!!)

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both..Everything is constantly changing and evolving. I believe whatever works best for you is the way to go.

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

A: I get asked a lot about my drumming influences/ who I sound like, my musical influences, how long I've been doing this, & my price, which has all been answered within my profile here!

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

A: I started making rhythm when I was very young...the short answer is 30 years, but it all started as soon as I could hit things. After joining my elementary school band program I scored 1st place for a Drum duet performance with a fellow drummer & classmate of mine 1 year later. This prompted my parents to buy my 1st drum set and get me lessons where in a twist of fate I met my 1st drum teacher, PIT/ Musician's Institute grad, Al Nache, who was the go to drum teacher in town. I had an epiphany around age 13 that drumming was the purpose of my life while in a drum lesson with Al. I continued playing drums in high school band, winning multiple 1st place awards for my drum solos in competition.. and joining my 1st rock band after being discovered for a performance while in Jr. High. By age 17 I had opened for Rock Legend Ted Nugent with a local band Corporate Rock, joined at just 16 years old. I have been so fortunate as to study with some of the world's greatest drummers and teachers as well as obtain my degree in professional drumming/ percussion from Musician's Institute, Hollywood, CA 2004. Everything I've accomplished through a lot of hard work, study, and a passion to continue forward which has now landed me in some amazing situations such as Rolling Stone Magazine, Touring Internationally, Playing live on National TV at Jimmy Kimmel, and working with a list of some truly inspiring and amazing Artists in all genres that I have every intention of adding too.

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

A: Everyone who's truly great at, has a lot of passion for, & loves what they do inspires me! I have a very diverse list of drum and band influences! Drum Influences: Virgil Donati , Marco Minnemann, Gavin Harrison, Eric Moore, & Tony Royster Jr. top my list. A few Band influences range from: Porcupine Tree & The Pineapple Thief to Deftones to Paramore, Tool to Stevie Ray Vaughn, Staind, Sevendust, Spiritbox, Evanescence, Seether, Chevelle, Flyleaf, 2pac, Giveon, H.E.R., Halestorm, Jason Aldean, Khalid, Santana, Opeth & many more in every genre of Music!

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

A: I have toured internationally and recorded drums for the album: "blurred images" with legendary Los Angeles rock band, Human Drama. This landed a feature in Rolling Stone Magazine and hit #1 on Amazon Latin America. As the drummer in this band I have seen great success not only touring with the band itself but also recording. The coolest part is the amazing people, mostly of Mexico! It brings me a lot of joy to speak with and see people so happy about what the music has done for them in their lives and how much it means to them. How much we mean to them.. That's why we do this right?! Connection. Make music that changes lives.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently I have been really focused on my drum studio and recording tracks. Also, recording for and working on my own projects that will be set for release in the near future!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: The Unique thing about my drum studio is I have an expansive drum set up that consists of 17 drums and 17 cymbals as well as some auxiliary percussion including cowbells, tambourine, jam/wood blocks, meinl's turbo crasher, and LP bongos. I also have shakers and 2 Cajons. Overall there are 2 snares 1 main and 1 side snare, 1 Kick drum with a double pedal, 3 sets of 4 toms including to my left, overhead, and in front of me. I will use as much or as little of this kit as your music requires. For example if all you need is a simple 4-5 piece drum set- hats, ride, crash I got you! If you need more I can easily add as much as you want or need to make your drum tracks custom and specific to your sound. Everything is mic'd up including 2 overheads and the room with Audix/Shure/AKG.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: It's solid, dynamic, clean, with the ability to be extremely technical from the most simplistic to the most advanced styles in music. I have a very versatile range because I love drumming so much I'm always honing, practicing, growing, and hungry to learn more. If it's space you need I got it! If it's fast, loud, proud and full of notes I got that too!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Use your ears, really listen to what the music calls for.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Solid in the pocket drumming; Versatility in ALL styles and genres, with high degree of technical ability when called for.

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

A: To bring the highest quality drum tracks to you with ALL my Heart and Soul on em'!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: EVERYTHING! Drumming is what I've always loved to do! It's a blessing and a gift. I had an epiphany at age 13, while in a lesson with my 1st drum teacher that drumming is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life and I've never looked back.

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

A: All amazing bands and artists looking to add the heartbeat to their music! Having a regular circle of Top Musicians, A-list and Major label gold & platinum artists would be amazing!

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

A: All I need is a Drum Set!!! How many pieces? As many as possible! If there's electricity then I'd add my computer, all my recording & film gear!

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

A: All styles! My goal of complete mastery of the instrument has led to a very expansive vocabulary of styles and genres I truly love playing. Some of my favorite styles include: World beats, Latin, R&B, Soul, Modern Gospel, Progressive/Melodic Rock & Metal, Blues, Country, Dance/Techno, Drum n' Bass, Funk, Rap/Hip Hop, Pop.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: My heart, soul, & passion 100%. What I hear most from clients is that my attention to detail mixed with providing the highest quality possible through my many years of drumming & recording experience is what truly shines through when they receive their tracks.

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

A: Sessions: Laying down drum tracks, Live Performance/Tour, and Teaching Drum Lessons in all styles and genres of music!