Multi-Track Drums and Editing

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a Pearl Session Elite 20" kick, 12" rack tom and 16" floor tom, a Pearl 14" SensiTone Elite brass snare, Paiste 2002 Wild/Dimensions cymbals and all Remo drumheads. My drum kit is my pride and joy and I've spent hours honing a big tone with a punch that cuts through the mix. My recording setup includes an Audient ID44 and ASP800 with Cubase Pro 10.5 and the following microphones: AKG D-112 (kick in), Aston Origin (kick out), Shure Beta 57A (snare top), Aston Stealth (snare bottom), Shure SM57 (rack tom), Sennheiser MD421 (floor tom), a JZ V67 pair (overheads), Beyerdynamic M160 and M130 in mid side (room) and a Rode NT5 pair (hi-hats and ride). My live room has also been professionally soundproofed and acoustically treated to deliver a balanced frequency response and clean overall sound. I typically record at 44.1khz 24bit, but can change the sample rate if required, and I can provide a maximum of 13 individual multi-track stems as wav files using SoundBetter's built-in file share system, which is quick and reliable.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both because you can’t beat the vintage sound of awesome hardware but you also can’t live without plugins.

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

A: Ask as many questions as you like and give as much information as you can, communication is key.

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

A: Kick drum, snare drum, hi-hats, sticks and a stool, but drummers have way more gear than everyone else so that’s not fair!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is definitely rooted in rock and metal but my experience playing other genres continues to influence my ideas for heavier music. Above all I try to focus on groove and creating a solid pocket beat for the rest of the music, adding more complex rhythms and fills where appropriate.

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

A: Mark Tremonti because his playing is immense and his songwriting is always very interesting but also Josh Schroeder because his drum sound with King 810 is absolutely incredible!

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

A: Rock and metal, but I also have a lot of experience playing blues, country, funk, pop, reggae, Latin and jazz.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I won't stop until I've done everything I can to deliver the best result possible, which is also probably my biggest weakness when it comes to eating and sleeping!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: If I'm tracking drums for you I'll write out the part in musical notation, practise until it feels right, double-check the drum tuning and microphone placement, and then hit record. When I've got a take I'm happy with I apply some basic levels, panning and EQ then send over an mp3 so you can listen. If changes are necessary I'll re-record until you're happy and then send the individual stem files in high-quality wav format. When editing drums I'm aiming for a natural and tight feel, and use my ear for percussive sounds to ensure a phase and grid alignment that gives you the best possible foundation for your song.

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

A: I've been inspired by countless different musicians and even genres you wouldn't expect, but the rock and metal bands I was listening to as a kid learning to play drums made me want to grab my sticks most of all. A few names that come to mind are Matt Cameron of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam, Brad Wilk of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, Scott Phillips of Alter Bridge, and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. of The Killers. From a production perspective I was lucky enough to work with Jacob Hansen on the debut album 'Black Morphine' by Fire Red Empress, and that drum sound inspired me to really get involved in the process of recording drums, from tuning and microphone placement to processing and mixing and everything in between.

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

A: The debut album ‘Black Morphine’ by Fire Red Empress, for which I was the drummer and co-writer. It was a long time in the making but totally worth the wait and has been featured in Classic Rock, Kerrang and Metal Hammer magazines and played on BBC Radio 1, Planet Rock, Kerrang and Scuzz TV in the UK.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Progressing my current projects but also looking for new ways to contribute my skills and experience, specifically in studio recording, drum technician services and live performance.

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

A: I would recommend my own clients as they've all been brilliant to work with, but otherwise I would suggest having a good browse because there are some amazing people here on SoundBetter!

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

A: Whatever your needs I’ll deliver a professional service and amazing results.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I get to play drums all day every day! My instrument is my release and to be able to make music for a living is a privilege I don’t take for granted.

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

A: I’ve found that communicating as much as possible early on usually answers any questions that might come up later but occasionally I get asked to try out new ideas after I’ve done a take, to which I always say yes as sometimes you need to hear something to get the creative juices flowing and collaboration creates even more awesome results.

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

A: That it’s always quick and easy. Sometimes it is but nothing is more important than quality so if a project needs a little more time and effort that's fine by me.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: For tracking I ask for a simple backing track and any ideas you might have for the drums but that’s all I really need. For editing just send me the multi-track drums and I'll do the rest.

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

A: I started playing drums aged 14 and was self-taught until I took lessons towards a QCF Level 3 Certificate in Music Performance for Grade 8 Drum Kit, which I passed with Distinction in 2012. Having played in lots of different bands over the years, I joined Voodoo Johnson in 2013 and then Fire Red Empress in 2014. I went professional in 2015 and have since formed my own company called Drummage, which offers complete music solutions including session work; tutoring; technical servicing; studio recording, mixing and mastering; video capture and editing; and graphic design.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I strive to always play what's right for the song. My sole purpose is to serve the music in the most foundational way I can and compliment your sound with my playing, not overpower it.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: It's a classic but always make sure your instrument sounds good at the source before you start recording it.

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

A: I offer high-quality multi-track drums and editing right out of my home studio, so if you've got an idea for a song I can bring the thunder!