Tim Anderson on SoundBetter

Not every song needs a drum solo. I aim to bring the best out of your song by giving it exactly what it needs in the rhythm department. Your song is important, and I can't wait to play a part in it (pun intended).

Tim is a dynamic and versatile session drummer with 15+ years experience writing, performing, and recording behind the kit. Throughout that time, he's acquired not only artistry and expertise, but also an extensive collection of industry standard equipment. Tim records out of his home drum studio in Hillsborough, NJ that he built and fine-tuned himself.

Apart from drumming, he is also skilled in audio engineering, microphone placement, and music production. He has backed a variety of different acts ranging from pop-punk to contemporary christian, even venturing into soul-gaze. As a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist himself, Tim takes pride in his sensitivity to the needs of a song. Whether you're looking for hard-hitting intensity or a more subdued groove, he can help take your song to a professional level without reaching too deep into the pocket (drum pun intended).

Tim offers a no-charge consultation to determine if he's the best fit for your project. He also prefers to have open communication with the songwriter/artist throughout the entire process in order to attain the best result.

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3 Reviews

Endorse Tim Anderson

by Justin Pritchard
One of the best the drummers I have worked with. I don't just mean the level of his skill, but in what he actually brings to a song. He takes the time to really understand the tracks & the music theory behind them. He not only gives you what want, but more often what you never even knew you needed. Tim cares about every project his name is attached to & is passionate in giving you best he can.
by Andy Imbimbo
Here's the best way I can describe Tim's drumming...He serves the song. Tim has amazing drum chops and can offer flashy solos with complex fills, but Tim is humble and will work hard at making each song sound the best that it possibly can. Every time Tim sends me his recordings they are always right on with the click. He is the human metronome. His passion comes through on every track he records.
by Tim Traver
Excellent, instinctive drummer! He’s been recording my drum tracks for years, and I’ve never been disappointed. Great drum tones. He tempers & tailors each performance to the tenor of the song. Totally professional. Adept at adjusting his performances to your vision. Fun to work with. An impassioned performer who loves music as much as you do. A perfectionist. Always delivers. You can’t go wrong!

Interview with Tim Anderson

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Find someone who is excited about your song and make sure you gel with their style of playing. They're leaving their hand print on your song, so don't settle.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: What I work on typically falls under the rock and/or pop umbrella. However, I pull from a wide range of influences across the spectrum and I like to think that I've taken a little bit of something from each.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Tough question! I think there are three skills that all work together here- timing, taste, and touch.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: I've had a number of people "offer" me the opportunity to record drums on their song, claiming that the exposure is payment enough. Although, I do occasionally take on probono projects simply for the love of music, I've spent years perfecting my craft and thousands of dollars on the equipment I use. Even though I enjoy doing it, I still spend a lot of time and energy on each project I take.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Typically I write and record drum parts. But I've done everything from writing commercial jingles, live sound, single and EP production, mixing, and even vocal sessions.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: First, I like to have a conversation with the artist/songwriter to get an in depth understanding of their vision for the song. Then I typically listen to the song for a day or two to get a feel for it. Once I have a feel for what the song needs rhythmically, I record a sample drum track for the artist/songwriter to make comments on and/or confirm I'm headed in the right direction before tracking the finished piece. After the drums are tracked, I provide a PTX file, individual raw WAV stems, as well as a mixed stereo 24-bit WAV of the entire drum piece.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I primarily record out of my home drum studio. I run ProTools 10 using a 003 Console and an RME QuadMic II Microphone Preamp. I also use Drumagog if sampling is needed/requested. Microphones I Use: Shure SM57s, Shure Beta52, Oktava MK-012s,Oktava MK-319, Sennheiser e609, Samson QKick, and Samson C02s. Drum Gear I Use: DW Drums Collectors Series Kit, Tama Metalworks 13" Snare, DW Drums 9000 Series Pedals and Hardware, Zildjian (K Custom Series and A Custom Series) Cymbals, Remo Drum Heads, and Vic Firth Sticks.