Session Drummer, Drum Tracks

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital – it's so much more versatile!

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

A: I offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, meaning that you don't pay a penny if you're unhappy with what I've done.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Do you have any specific ideas of how you want the drums to sound? Are there any stylistic references you would like me to follow? If you don't know what you want me to play, are you happy for me to use my own intuition?

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

A: I've been playing the drums since 12 (now 31). Since taking my first professional gig aged 15, I've travelled and worked with many incredible musicians, bands and people and had some fantastic experiences. Most recently, I've played and performed with the likes of Bebe Rexha, Peter Andre, Will Young, The Wandering Hearts, Shane Filan (Westlife), David Klotz (music supervisor for Game of Thrones and Stranger Things), Wil Malone (producer for Massive Attack, Depeche Mode, Black Sabbath) and Italian superstar Gianna Nannini on her No.1 Platinum-selling album 'Inno'. I've recorded drums at some of London's greatest studios (Abbey Road, RAK and more). In 2011 I decided to use this first-hand experience and knowledge to offer musicians around the world a unique 'remote drum recording service', whereby I would record drum tracks from my studio and email the recordings back to them – this was before everyone was doing it, of course ;) I set up WantDrums.com, which is still going strong today and is where most of my remote session work comes from.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Trust your ears! If it sounds good to you, it is!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I’ve always strived to be as versatile as possible, from the sound of my kit to how I play and most importantly, being a musician – not just a ‘drummer’. My approach has always been about serving the music and the song.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: 1) Once you have contacted me, we can discuss your project over email or phone, whichever you prefer. I’ll then provide you with a quote for the session. 2) Once given the go-ahead, I’ll go away to my studio and record your drum tracks, usually within 48 hours. 3) When a take is ready, I'll send you an Mp3 mix of your track with my drums mixed in. At this point, we can discuss any changes/amendments. I allow up to two revisions as part of the initial cost, but I am more than happy to go back and forth until your drums are sounding exactly as you want them to. 4) When you're 100% happy with everything, you'll receive a request for payment. Shortly after, you'll receive a download link to download the high-res files. Once downloaded, you'll be able to drag and drop them straight into your DAW (Logic, Cubase, ProTools etc.) and start mixing!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I record drums from my purpose-built drum studio, which is acoustically treated. I have a vast array of drums and cymbals to suit various genres, and it's all captured through Universal Audio and Audient hardware to achieve studio-grade quality recordings. My mic cabinet is fully loaded and ready to go, including Coles 4038 ribbons right through to a selection of large and small diaphragm condensers.