
Callum Bell – Expert Session Drummer & Mixing Engineer | 14+ Years Experience | Future Bass, EDM, Rock & Indie I’m Callum Bell, a seasoned session drummer and mixing engineer with over 14 years of experience. Specialising in Future Bass, EDM, rock, and indie, I deliver crystal-clear mixes and dynamic live drum tracks that bring your music to life
I’m Callum Bell, a professional session drummer and mixing engineer with over 14 years of experience in the music industry. I specialise in a wide range of genres, including Future Bass, EDM, Rock, and Indie, delivering high-quality, polished mixes and vibrant live drum tracks tailored to your unique sound. Whether you’re an electronic producer needing expressive, precise drum performances or an artist seeking a mix that brings clarity, depth, and emotion, I’m here to help your music shine.
My expertise covers everything from vocal tuning, de-essing, and detailed editing to advanced mixing techniques like EQ, compression, stereo widening, and creative reverb use. I work closely with clients to understand their vision and deliver results that exceed expectations.
I’ve recorded and mixed everything from live band sessions to orchestral arrangements, always focusing on enhancing the musicality and energy of each track. With access to top-tier studios and analogue gear, I blend classic warmth with modern precision.
Ready to take your music to the next level? Let’s collaborate and bring your tracks to life with passion and professionalism. Contact me today to get started!
Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Interview with Callum Bell
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: One project I’m particularly proud of involved recording and mixing an orchestral EP featuring a string quartet and harp. The harp’s sound was especially beautiful and inspiring. I served as both the recording and mixing engineer, carefully setting up all the microphones to capture the best possible sound. For the harp alone, I used five microphones, experimenting with placement to achieve a rich, detailed recording. During mixing, I worked closely with the client to realise her vision of placing the instruments in the stereo field exactly as they were arranged in the live room. Through thoughtful panning, reverb, and other effects, I crafted an immersive and natural soundstage. Constant communication ensured the final mix aligned with her artistic goals. The client was thrilled with the result, and this project led to a promising ongoing collaboration.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: At the moment, I’m focused on producing an album for my electronic music project. Alongside that, I’m actively playing several session drumming gigs, both live events and studio recordings. I’m also expanding my professional network by collaborating with various artists and frequently working in studios, where I dedicate time to mixing and refining tracks. It’s a busy and exciting period of growth and creative development for me.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Unfortunately, I don't currently know anyone on SoundBetter
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I’m definitely an analogue all the way person. Analogue gear offers a warmth and harmonic richness that digital just can’t fully replicate. It allows you to achieve classic, timeless sounds like the iconic Beatles vibe, that have a unique character and depth. I also respect the artistry and skill involved in analogue production; for example, techniques like reverse reverb in the ’60s required physically reversing tape machines and manually capturing the effect, which demanded creativity and precision. Whereas with digital, you can reverse a sample with a click of a button. That said, digital is incredibly convenient and versatile, making many processes faster and more accessible. You can absolutely create polished, professional mixes using digital tools. But for me, the organic warmth and hands-on creativity of analogue still makes it the clear winner.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: My promise is to approach every project with dedication, professionalism, and a deep respect for the artist’s vision. I commit to clear communication, meticulous attention to detail, and delivering a final product that not only meets but exceeds expectations. Ultimately, I aim to help bring the client’s creative vision to life in the most authentic and polished way possible.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: What I love most about my job is being part of the music industry, surrounded by people expressing themselves through art and sound. Helping bring someone’s artistic vision to life and collaborating creatively is incredibly fulfilling. My favourite moment is seeing the joy and excitement when a client hears their music, how they envisioned it, that connection and shared satisfaction make all the hard work worthwhile.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: One of the most common questions I get is: “Can you make this sound professional and ready for release?” My answer is always: Absolutely with clear communication and a strong reference point, I’ll shape your track into something polished, dynamic, and emotionally resonant, whether it's for streaming, radio, or live playback. For drumming, people often ask: “Can you match the feel or style I’m going for?” Yes, I pride myself on being versatile. With 14 years of experience and a wide range of influences, I can deliver anything from tight pocket grooves to expressive, dynamic performances across genres.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: One big misconception is that mixing engineering means DJing .people often assume I'm working with decks instead of shaping the sonic balance of a track. When I share my work, they’ll comment on the lyrics or instruments, not realising I’m asking how the mix itself sounds. The clarity, space, and emotion I’ve crafted. As a session drummer, another common misconception is that it’s easy — just play the drums. In reality, it's a highly professional and competitive field. You need to be precise, adaptable, able to sight-read, and deliver a flawless performance, often on the spot, for recordings or live takes. Would you like a more casual or humorous version for social content too?
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I always start by asking about the creative vision behind the track, what emotions or vibe they’re going for, and if they have any reference songs. I also ask if they’ve worked with an engineer before, what their timeline and budget are, and if they have any specific notes or concerns (like vocal placement, effects, or dynamic feel). The more I understand upfront, the better I can tailor my approach to bring their music to life.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Take your time and listen to a few different engineers. Send out a demo, ask for feedback, and see how each person envisions your track. You're looking for someone who not only has the technical skill but also understands your artistic vision and can help bring it to life. Every engineer has their own style and workflow, so it’s important to find someone who truly connects with your music and knows how to shape it the way you imagined. Remember, this is your art, make sure it’s in the right hands.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Good question, hmm. It's a hard one. I think number 1 and 2 are definitely going to be my Mac and a battery bank, number 3 would be a Neve 8424 mixing console (I have space, right?), number 4 Yamaha HS8 Studio Monitors, Number 5 has to be my drum kit, I couldn't leave that behind.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: i’ve been immersed in sound for over 14 years, starting with music production and sound engineering, then branching into acoustic engineering. I'm also exploring forensic audio, driven by a passion for all aspects of sound, from its artistic expression to its scientific and psychological dimensions. I’ve toured the UK with two bands, recorded and mixed classical pieces like string quartets and harp, and collaborated on various genre-spanning projects. My long-term goal is to complete a PhD in sound and continue evolving within the music and audio industry.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My style blends organic, live energy with analog warmth and modern clarity. I draw from a wide range of influences both in my mixing and drumming incorporating techniques and sounds from different eras and genres. Whether I’m behind the kit or at the desk, I aim to create a unique, textured sound that feels real, dynamic, and emotionally engaging.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: ’d love to work with KOAN Sound their technical brilliance and production quality are absolutely mind-blowing. The way they craft complex, immersive soundscapes using live hardware setups and intricate patching is next-level. I deeply admire their musicality, attention to sonic detail, and mastery across production, mixing, and mastering. Collaborating with them would be a true honour and an inspiring creative experience.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: A clean, well-balanced frequency spectrum is key to achieving a polished, professional sound.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I typically work on a wide range of genres, including EDM, Future Bass, Drum & Bass, Rock, Indie, and Alternative. I love projects that blend organic and electronic elements, especially those with emotional depth and dynamic energy. My experience as both a drummer and mixing engineer helps me adapt across styles while always serving the song’s vibe.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My strongest skill is my attention to detail and perfectionism. I take pride in refining every element of a mix, especially when it comes to vocal tuning, de-essing, and overall vocal polish. I’m meticulous about clarity, balance, and emotion, ensuring each track sounds clean, dynamic, and release-ready.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring emotional clarity, depth, and energy to every track. Whether I’m mixing or laying down drums, my focus is always on enhancing the artist’s vision. Making the music feel powerful, polished, and expressive. I aim to elevate the dynamics, create space, and add the kind of subtle detail that brings a song to life and makes it truly connect with listeners.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I start by getting a clear understanding of the artist’s vision, references, and any creative direction. For mixing, I organize and clean the session, then work through vocal tuning, clip gain, EQ, compression, reverb, and stereo imaging, always ensuring clarity and emotion are preserved. For drumming, I offer groove ideas or follow the artist's direction, record multiple takes, and deliver tight, high-quality stems. Communication is key
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have access to five professional studios, each with a distinct sonic character. This includes rooms equipped with a classic Neve console, Trident desk, API desk, and an SSL console, allowing flexibility across genres and tones. I also work in a Dolby Atmos mixing suite for immersive audio projects, giving clients access to industry-standard gear and an exceptional acoustic environment.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I'm inspired by artists who blend emotional depth with sonic innovation. Producers like Koan Sound, Camo & Krooked, Mefjus, Illenium, and Dabin push the boundaries of sound design and dynamics. On the band side, I draw creative influence from legends like David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Ocean Alley, Dope Lemon, and Kings of Leon, their artistry and atmosphere deeply shape how I approach both mixing and performance.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I most often provide mixing services for independent artists and producers, focusing on clean vocal tuning, dynamic control, EQ, and stereo enhancement across genres like Future Bass, EDM, indie, and rock. I also offer remote session drumming, adding expressive, live drum performances to elevate tracks with energy and emotion.
- Mixing EngineerAverage price - $250 per song
- Live drum trackAverage price - $100 per song
- Podcast Editing & MasteringAverage price - $300 per podcast
- Vocal TuningAverage price - $50 per track
I provide pro mixing, mastering & session drumming. Payment via SoundBetter. Revisions included. Files must be high quality. Rights granted after payment. Confidential & timely communication.
30% Off for first 10 customers