Creative|Live|Rock|Drums

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

A: I was the drummer in a band that got signed to Lava / Atlantic / Ardent Records under the direction of Andy Karp. I had the pleasure of working with Brian Howes, John Cooper, Korey Cooper, Ben Kasica, and Jay Van Poederooyen during this project at Chicago Recording Company. I also, indirectly, worked with Chris Lord-Alge and Andy VanDette as they are credited with mixing and mastering the album. The experience was epic. Brian Howes pushed my drumming skills to the edge. He knew how to get a great performance from me and continued to challenge me in every aspect of my drumming. Ultimately, it taught me how to raise my standards, push for the perfect take, and not to settle for anything I would regret later on the recording. In the end, to have those guys say that I sounded better than some huge names in rock n' roll was a major compliment. This album has since achieved RIAA Gold and Platinum status. What a great experience and accomplishment. One that I do not take for granted, and will always cherish.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: My husband and I have been diligently working on our studio to make it into what it is today - a professional, great sounding space where we can create high quality drum tracks.

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

A: Well, I think customers always want to know the cost and time frame. I want to utilize my years of experience to work for you. I will do my very best to communicate consistently with you, and complete the project in a reasonable amount of time. My standard rate is $200 per song for live drum tracks. Please let me know what you're looking for, and I'll do everything I can to earn your trust and business as I build this new chapter in my music career. Additionally, I want people to know that I'm using my professional name, Lori Peters, because all of my music credits are under that name. My married name is George, so if you come across that last name please know it's me! If you have any questions please feel free to reach out.

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

A: I promise to communicate effectively and consistently, work with your ideas, provide quality sound, and a hard hitting drum track that serves the song.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love that I was created to be a drummer, and that I can put those skills to good use in a comfortable setting with my husband, Chris.

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

A: That playing drums is easy. I've put in the blood, sweat, and tears....the hours of practice. Recording drums takes things to another level also. In my opinion, it's an additional skill set. Playing live takes a lot of talent, but it's a different animal - a different mindset. I'm proud to say I've had the privilege of doing both.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your goal for this project? Do you have the song structure and tempo ready to go? Do you have any specific drum licks/fills that you're hoping I can emulate? Are you wanting me to create and play something based on where the song takes me?

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

A: My advice to customers would be to lay down your ideas as best you can from start to finish. Even if the song isn't completely done you can add stuff later - like a bridge for instance. It's best to have a good song structure so that I can provide as much drumming as possible for you. Always include a click track, or at least provide the tempo you are planning to use. The fun is in the creative process, and my drumming ideas will bring life and energy to your song. My creative process feeds off of your ideas! I get "in the zone" and instinctively pound out drum parts that fit the style of your song.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My husband, Chris, and I collaborate together on our work process. He engineers all of my drums. It starts by listening to the client's song, and getting a sense of what I think I can contribute on the drums. I write out each section, and start developing drum parts. My best work comes when I just sit down and play with the tracks. Once I have a feel for the song we can start recording! • Tune drums / change drum heads if needed • Position microphones • Start New Pro Tools session • Import clients demo track • Sound check drums/Adjust gain levels/Quick mix while sound checking • Check for any phase issues • Record sample section to make sure levels are good/Final adjustments • Begin recording passes of the song • Comp • Edit drums • Send the Client an mp3 of the drums minus last 5-10 seconds of song • Revise • Send Client final recorded multi-tracks

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

A: Originally, I attended Columbia College in Chicago and studied studio recording for about 2-3 years. I was involved in a few local bands, and recorded two independent albums in the Chicago area. I joined Atlantic recording artist Skillet in 2000. Recorded 4 albums, toured relentlessly, and gained a wealth of experience over my 8 years with the band. I've been drumming for about 30 years now.

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

A: I'm inspired by many great drummers. Here are a few: Dave Grohl, Steve Smith, Neil Peart, Chad Gracey, and Will Champion. My favorite male rock singer is Steve Perry of Journey. Favorite female rock singer is Ann Wilson of Heart. A few other production professionals that I highly respect are Quincey Jones, Howard Benson, Paul Ebersold, and Chris Lord-Alge.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Play with a click track. It will save you a lot of time and energy in the end!

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Drum set work is my strongest skill. Rock, Pop/Rock, & alternative genres are my strength. I can do auxiliary percussion, i.e. tambourine, shakers, doumbek, and bongos if the client is interested. We can also record drum set material to be used as drum loops if that's what you're looking for.

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

A: Rock, Pop/Rock, and Alternative styles of music.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: We have a cool space! Complete with my DW Drums Collector's Series - Pure Maple Silver Broken Glass FinishPly™ with Chrome Hardware. Standard Bass Drum 16x22, Standard Tom-Toms: 9x12, 14x16, 16x18, Solid Shell Maple DW Craviotto Snare 6.5x14, and the most recorded snare drum in history - a Ludwig Seamless Brass Shell Black Beauty 6.5x14. DW 9000 Series Double Bass Drum Pedals, and a variety of Avedis & Z Custom Zildjian Cymbals. Vic Firth products: 3A Wood Tip American Classic, VF mallets, and RUTE sticks. STUDIO GEAR: Hardware: iMac i7 32GB Ram Universal Audio Apollo x8p (2) Universal Audio Octo Satellite API 3124V Golden AGE PRE-1073 Summit Audio 2BA-221 Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor DRUM MICS: Kick: AKG D112 MKII Snare Top: Shure SM57 Snare Bottom: Shure SM57 HI-Hat: Shure SM57 Tom 1: Shure SM57 Tom 2: Shure SM57 Floor Tom: Audix D4 Overheads: Shure SM81 (2) Room Mics: Warm Audio WA-87 (2) Mono Mic: RODE NT1 Misc: Shure SM7 UNIVERSAL AUDIO PLUGINS: Unison NEVE 1073 Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor Sonnox Oxford Envolution

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

A: Lady Gaga plays the piano with such passion and conviction. I wonder what kind of sound it would produce if I ever got to collaborate with her. That would be amazing! She's so versatile, and always tries different styles. Panheads have always been (and still are) very dedicated fans. I'd love to have the opportunity to work with artists that have a passion and love for rock music.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Instinctive and improvisational style in the rock, pop/rock, and alternative music genres. Worship-style music is another one of my strong points if clients are interested in sending me those types of songs also.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Feel. Passion. Energy. Rock.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Tough one. I've had the privilege of recording in both worlds. There's just something about that big 2 inch tape reel that really inspires me. I absolutely love the big studio atmosphere and warm sound. When the drum tracks are dumped into Pro Tools you then enter the digital realm, but I have recorded straight into Pro Tools also. I love the warmth of analog, the work it takes to record to 2" tape, and the vibe of it all. I appreciate how far technology has come, and the accessibility/convenience of digital tracking. (sounds pretty dang good too!)

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

A: The most common type of work I do is record live drum tracks on rock, pop/rock, & alternative style songs. My husband, Chris, and I then work together to comp, edit, and provide a rough mix.

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

A: As I build this new chapter in my music career I look forward to connecting with musicians, producers, and engineers on SoundBetter. I hope to make tons of recommendations in the future!

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

A: Sticks, snare drum, kick drum, hi-hat, kick pedal.