Jon August on SoundBetter

I am a very versatile Nashville based drummer who's focus is great pocket, and doing whats best for song. My credits include artists such as Niko Moon, Mason Ramsey, Gabby Barrett, Adam Doleac, Lennon Stella, Zach Williams, Eric Paslay, and more. I love delivering that perfect sound and feel for artists/writers & producers. Let's make some music!

Hey there, I'm Jon August. I have been playing drums for 20 years and have had the opportunity to play/tour with so many amazing artists. I grew up in a very music family, and my dad (also a drummer), raised me on things like Zeppelin, The Meters, The Beatles and D'Angelo. I have played on everything from Hiphop and Pop records to Americana and Country records. My main drum influences are Aaron Sterling, Steve Jordan, Questlove, Bonham, to name a few.

I love starting with a conversation about the song and what it needs, and what the end sonic goal is. As far as playing, I always approach it with great pocket and feel. I am a big fan of allowing space and not over playing. But also if you want to make a loud, fast punk song, I can do that too! I have numerous kits and cymbals for getting the perfect sound whether it's dark and swampy or bright and energetic and anything in between. I also love making beats, doing remixes and a few other things you can check out.

I have a great drum/production room that is fully treated and a growing mic collection including WA87s, SM57s, Cascade ribbons and vintage 421s. I am very organized with all of the files and provide a very easy back and forth when it comes to sending references and uploading final stems.

I'd love to work with you. Hit that contact button and let's make some music.

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Credits

5 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Jon August

by D.j. P.
Verified
Jon is a great session drummer and has a very rare talent for finding the right percussion sound to enhance a track. His playing is very modern, and he often nails the beat in the first take. His work is professional and he is very timely. I plan on working with Jon again in the future!
by D.j. P.
Verified
Great to work with, timely, and graet sensibility when it comes to making modern beats.
by D.j. P.
Verified
Did exactly what I outlined in one take. Amazing!
by Hudomir
Verified
Great service and talent, with fast response and multiple options - very creative and thoughtful.
by Luke R Foley
Yes- he has soul, super tight pocket, and powerfully dynamic feel, but calling Jon August a drummer is a useless term. He is a Pro's Pro, giving whatever towards project as though it were his own. August can excel at wearing virtually any other hat off of the drum throne, even if it's a new one: Programmer (tracks in Ableton Live, my DMX light show, SPD-SX drum pads, my website); Music director (built a live track rig, schedules rehearsal, tour mgmt, sourcing/training fill-ins); Keyboardist; Creative director (photography/film/social media). Not booking him would be a mistake.

Interview with Jon August

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Usually it's "what do you need to get started?". All I need is a wav file of the track without any place holder drums or percussion and the track BPM.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: While drums are my primary instrument, I always listen to music from the perspective of a producer/writer. So I approach my parts in ways that support the song and bring a feel that evokes whatever the story is.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I love to sit down with the artist or song writer and get a feel for what they're hearing, as well as go through a few references if that is helpful. I approach all of my work with the mindset of "what is going to sonically support the song best". At the end of the day I am being hired to help bring an artist or writer's vision to life. I love to work fast and efficient so that I'm able to give you as many different options as possible. After discussing the direction and going through some references, I will get the drums or sounds together that I think will work best and record 3 full takes so you can hear different options.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have a drum/production studio that is set up to offer a range of different services, from live drum tracks, to production and writing sessions. I have multiple vintage/modern kits and gear to get any number of sounds. My mic collection is always evolving, but right now I use a combo of SM57s, vintage 421s, Cascade ribbons, KSM27s and WA87s.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: A few of my favorites are: T Bone Burnett, Jack Antonoff, Frank Dukes, Questlove, Rick Nowels, Busbee, Beck, Kevin Parker, Dan Auerbach, Jay Joyce.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I am working in my studio in Nashville every day, doing a variety of work ranging from live recorded drums, drum programming of all different styles, as well as producing and recording full tracks for tv/film. I also do a bit of touring throughout the year.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I think they both have their place, and at the end of the day, it's about what works best for you.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I truly care about the craft of making music that sounds and feels great, and I go the extra mile to make sure my clients are happy with the final track.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Being creative and collaborating with others
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What's the feeling you're trying to get across? Do you have any references for the sound you're going for?
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I really started by just playing to a bunch of records that I loved. I pursued a commercial music degree but ended up leaving that to start playing out in Nashville. I played in bands and for other artists around town for about 5 years, then started getting more in to the touring side of things, as well as taking on more remote session work. Since 2016 I have toured with and played on records for multiple artists. I've had the opportunity to do live performances on Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, played on multiple records, performed in arenas across the country and so much more. I've also had the opportunity to produce tracks for different artists over the years and have 17 million streams total across all platforms. I'm incredibly grateful for every opportunity I've been afforded in my music journey.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: I find that simplifying the instrumentation and not having too much going on, always makes for a better end result. When you start stacking a bunch of sounds on top of each other, there's no room to breathe and it can make your final mix sound overblown.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Country, Pop, Americana, Rock, R&B
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Working very hard to get exactly what the client is looking for. I have a deep love for good pocket and believe that's where it all starts. Also, just thinking outside the box and not being afraid to get weird sometimes.