Grammy Nominated Drummer

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

A: Playing drums on the Grammy nominated record "Repentance" by Lee "Scratch" Perry (Produced by Andrew W.K). I was the drummer on the record and got to work one on one with a legend that used to produce and write with Bob Marley. Incredible experience and a record I was proud to be a part of.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I have a world tour with Lindsey Stirling starting in June. At the moment I record drums for friends and myself and sit at home mixing the tracks honing my skills with that.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I use digital for the simplicity of it. Analog definitely has a warmth to it but you can't beat how much easier digital is to work with these days.

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

A: To get you exactly what you want both with the performance and sound. I will work my hardest to make it as perfect as possible.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I get to be a kid. I love playing drums for people and getting them exactly what they want. To hear the reactions from someone who really loves the track is the best feeling in the world to me and I couldn't love helping people realize their dreams any more than I already do.

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

A: That it's easy for us because of how quickly we can turn a track around. It may come off as easy but people in my position have dedicated their entire lives to this craft. We have worked extensively to hone our craft and it takes decades to get as far as we are. What we charge is not an indication of the amount of time or work we put in but the amount of time and work it took to be able to do it so well and quickly.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What song/artist could I reference for your song? What type of snare sound are you looking for? What drummer would you like me to reference if you have one? What file format would you prefer for your stems? Do you want me to mix and master the drums?

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

A: Trust me and my process. You will get exactly what you want and I'm so easy to work with and take so much pride in what I do I will make sure you get the highest quality professional track all around.

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

A: Sticks, snare, kick drum, kick pedal, tambourine

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

A: I started touring at the age of 17 with a blues band out of my home state of Nebraska. I moved to Los Angeles in 2005 and immediately started touring the world with a band on sub pop records. In 2008 I auditioned for Demi Lovato and got the gig with her for 3 years. In 2012 I started touring with Lindsey Stirling and still am. In that time I've toured with many other acts and played on many records. I've been solely a drummer as a profession since 2008. I've played on number 1 Billboard records, Grammy nominated record, played on "Phantom of the Opera Medley" by Lindsey Stirling which was used in the opening sequence of the Netflix show "Umbrella Academy".

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Methodical, groovy, fun, meat and potatoes type of player, pocket player with tasty fills when appropriate.

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

A: Pink. I've always loved Pink both with her live shows and studio recordings. The best production all around and such well crafted songwriting.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Patience, measure your drum mics for the best quality, dial in your space, know what works for your space and how to best utilize the tools you've got.

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

A: Rock, country, singer songwriter, punk, blues, electronic/EDM, Dubstep, Pop, alternative.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Time management and quick turnaround as well as being very adept in all styles needed. I work quickly am able to get pro quality recordings fast and easy.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring experience. I've been doing this a long time, I understand what a song needs and how to perform it. When it comes to recording and engineering I've got my setup dialed in for quick and great sounding takes. Not only will someone get the right performance for their song, but I'll get them the sound they want as well.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I require a stereo mix of the song I'm playing on. I tend to play through and chart the song then I record the take in earnest. It tends to take me about 2-3 takes, depending on difficulty, then I've got something I really like. I go through and make any edits needed, cutting out any in between on the toms and sometimes snare, etc. I put some EQ and compression to punch the drums up and usually that's all they need.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have many snares to fit any sound, multiple kits but my main kit is my Yamaha Hybrid Oak(whom I endorse). I endorse Turkish cymbals as well and have a broad array of cymbals to choose from. I use Audix for the kick and toms, a sub kick for the bottom end, SE for the overheads, and a Telefunken mic for my snare as well as an SM57 for bottom snare and a Seinheisser as a room mic. My setup is concise, clean and easily mixable. I lean on a dry tone but have my room mic for the ability to add some large room tone if needed. I use Logic Pro and a UA interface with and ADAT for my inputs. I also have Get Good Drums if sample replacements are requested, I prefer the live sound but can put any sound on there if someone requests specifically that.

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

A: Josh Freese, Dave Grohl, Art Blakey, Vinnie Colaiuta, Keith Carlock, and a lot of times my friends. Jerry Roe, one of the top session drummers in Nashville, has been a friend and inspiration to me for years.

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

A: Rock/Pop drumming. Singer songwriter, punk rock, reggae, indie. I had to cover the gambit of styles as a hired gun around Los Angeles for nearly 16 years. Now I'm in Nashville and have been doing sessions for mostly singers and occasionally a Lindsey Stirling track.