Drummer with 9+ years of professional experience over many different scenarios and genres
My journey with drumming began unexpectedly—one morning, a drum kit appeared in the sitting room. At the time, I wasn’t even a drummer, but that moment sparked something. Now, with over 17 years’ experience—9+ as a professional—I’ve built a diverse portfolio spanning live performance, recording, teaching, and composition.
I’ve played with big bands like Brighton Big Band and Swing Street, smaller jazz trios, quartets, and full concert ensembles. Live highlights include the De La Warr Pavilion, Eastbourne Bandstand, and theatrical runs like Oliver! at The Devonshire Park Theatre.
I adapt across genres—jazz, funk, rock, prog, and pop—shaped by influences from Muse and Chick Corea to Dream Theater and Tchaikovsky. Drummers like Benny Greb, Mark Guiliana, Dave Weckl, and Jost Nickel inspire my controlled, musical approach.
In the studio, I composed and recorded the drum score for the 2024 short film Fortune Cookie (dir. Thomas Adams). I also offer remote drum tracking from my home setup (SM57, AKG D112, e604s, LCT 040s, MOTU 8PRE, Logic Pro X). I’m confident with charts, click tracks, and fitting into any musical context.
Contact me through the green button above and let's get to work.
Interview with tilly_prosper
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: One highlight was composing and recording the drum score for the short film Fortune Cookie (2024). It challenged me to think cinematically, and I loved helping shape the emotional tone of the scenes through rhythm and texture.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both have their place - but digital wins for flexibility, speed, and accessibility in remote work. That said, I’m always chasing that analog warmth in my sound.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: You’ll get a professional, musical performance delivered reliably, with clear communication, and attention to the emotional intent of your song.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Collaborating with people and making music that feels alive. There's nothing like hearing a track come to life with real energy and groove.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: “Can you play to a click?” – Yes, I’m very comfortable with click tracks and reading charts, and can adapt the feel depending on the track’s needs.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That drummers are just timekeepers. A great drum part shapes the entire feel, flow, and impact of a track—it’s about dynamics, tone, and arrangement as much as rhythm.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I’ll ask about genre, tempo, feel, what mood they want, if there’s a reference track, and what format they want the stems in. I also ask how “tight” vs. “live” they want the performance.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Be clear on the vibe and purpose of your track - share references, tempo, structure, and feel. The more I know about your vision, the better I can support it.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: A snare drum, kick, hi-hat, SM57, and a solar-powered recorder. That’s enough for groove and capturing ideas.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I’ve been drumming for over 17 years, with 9+ years professionally. I studied jazz and pop performance at Leeds Conservatoire and am now completing a degree in Music Business. My work spans live shows, studio sessions, teaching, and composing.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Controlled, musical, and groove-focused. I adapt my playing to each context, always aiming to support the broader arrangement rather than dominate it.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: There are no dream artists to work with, I love music and I love being a part of any creative process.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Don’t over-process. Capture the cleanest source possible, and let the performance do the talking—especially with live drums.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I tend to work across a mix of rock, jazz, funk, pop, and cinematic/score-based music—often with artists looking for organic, expressive drumming.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Adaptability. Whether it’s rock, jazz, pop, or prog—I can quickly lock into different styles and play sensitively within a band or arrangement.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: A sense of space, intention, and musicality. I focus on serving the song—supporting the groove, enhancing transitions, and adding subtle texture where needed.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I start by understanding the song’s emotional and rhythmic needs—then record multiple takes with slight variations for creative flexibility. Communication with the client is constant to ensure the final result feels right for their track.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My home setup includes an SM57, AKG D112, 3x Sennheiser e604s, and a stereo pair of Lewitt LCT 040s, running through a MOTU 8PRE into Logic Pro X. It's simple but clean, perfect for clean minimal drum tracking.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Drummers like Benny Greb, Mark Guiliana, and Dave Weckl continually push the boundaries of musicality and technique. On the production side, I’m inspired by people like Steve Albini and Jacob Collier for their sonic honesty and innovation.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I mainly provide live drumming, remote session work, and drum tracks for artists, producers, or composers who need dynamic, musical drumming that fits their vision. I also take on teaching work and occasional composition projects.
