Studio Drummer

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What is your turnaround time? If you could name one song or drummer or band that you have in mind when you picture this song, who would it be and why?

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

A: Just be as honest and upfront as possible. It will help to get to the best end result as quickly as possible. Make sure you know what you're looking for too. I work with individuals all the time that come in asking for one thing, I do it, and then they say they hate it and then say they want something completely opposite of that. Being unsure is fine, just be honest about it and I can give you multiple options from the beginning to help you achieve the best end result!

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

A: DW 5000 Pedal JH Audio In Ears Macbook Pro DW Kit Stereo Pair of AKG 414's

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

A: I started out as a pro player when I was 14 or 15, about 8 years ago. Playing in clubs and bars with my band. I originally wanted to be a solo artist, but as I got better I found myself gravitating towards sideman work and I fell in love with just serving someonelses music. It's definitely where I belong, not out front, or being the center of attention. So after some time at Berklee College of Music I left to pursue it full-time and I've never been happier!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is very laid back. I'm definitely very socially aware in musical situations. I always try to feel out everyone and know when it's best to just stay out of it or give my opinion.

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

A: I'd love to work with David Foster. I think he is definitely one of the musical geniuses of our time and I'd love to just be a fly on the wall to pick up on how he works!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Measure your drum overheads from the center of the snare drum so that you're overheads are in phase and the snare drum will sit in the center of the stereo image.

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

A: Typically I work on pop and singer-songwriter tracks. But I also have worked on rock and some alternative music as well.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Definitely drum micing and mixing!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a sense of excitement to every musical situation I'm in. So I treat every song and with the respect that it deserves. Each project I get is someones baby so to speak and I want to do it justice. I'm just always excited to work on something new so I think that brings a sense of freshness to everything I do.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I usually start by listening to the song and writing out a chart of the arrangement. Then if I haven't already discussed it with the client I'll get their ideas and direction of what they're looking for out of the drums. Then I'll usually pick the kit I'll use and then select a snare drum that's perfect for the song. Then I'll play down the song usually twice and pick the best take to send to the client for approval. From there it's a collaborative effort to either agree on the take or make changes to suit the song and what the clients wants better!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio is great! I run Pro Tools HD with 32 ins and Outs. My Mic collection is pretty vast with mics from Audio Technica, Shure, and Avantone, amongst others.

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

A: Some other musicians that inspire me and Aaron Sterling, Matt Chamberlain, Victor Indrizzo and guys like Warren Huart and Joe Chiccarelli.

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

A: Clients mainly come to me for drum tracks as well as percussion.