Matt Davies on SoundBetter

If you're looking for a drum track with a vintage, warm and characterful sound then I'm your man!

I'm a London Based drummer specialising in a soulful aesthetic, using a 'less is more' approach to recording and taking the time to get the sound that's right for the music. With well placed mic's and an ear for detail I can capture a performance with a unique and inspiring sound for your songs.

I have 15 years experience as a session drummer working with artists from all over the world. Hopefully my drumming speaks for itself on my showreel, I am confident you will love what I add to your track!

Here's a playlist of some tunes that I've played on:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4MYB4v1Q86ltwuWJRC5KmY?si=3FAUvSGdQHmzmDs6Stp7Xw&utm

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

Credits

107 Reviews - 23 Repeat Clients

Endorse Matt Davies

by Andy Dragazis
Verified
Matt was a pleasure to work with and I was very happy with the drums he recorded for me. A great sound and playing, fantastic communication throughout! Highly recoemended!
by Zach L.
Verified
I knew Matt was a great drummer, but I am actually blown away with just how much creativity and professionalism he brought. Super stoked with the results.
by Tiago A.
Verified
Working with Matt was amazing. Great sensibility, amazing good taste and really well done tracking. Will work again for sure! Crispy and tasty sounds. thank you Matt!
by Torran K.
Verified
Amazing as always, in skill, execution, flexibility, and creativity. Thank you Matt!
by Jannick C.
Verified
I loved working with Matt, it feels like an honour to work with such a fantastic drummer and the collab/communication went very smoothly. Looking forward to working with Matt again!
by Jonathan A.
Verified
Matt has killer tones and such a unique way to add to a song. He's patient and understands the vision.
by Paul S.
Verified
A wonderful musician with an incredible sense and understanding of music.
by Emil E.
Verified
Matt is the man for drums! Amazing player, great sound and brings tracks to life with his authentic style. Looking forward to working with him again on the next few tracks!
by Paul S.
Verified
Great musical understanding and thinking. Not only a great drummer, but above all a musician.
by Michelle G.
Verified
Matt is fantastic... expressive, precise, restrained, excellent taste. Keep coming back for more.
by Trippy Tom
Verified
funky + vibes = amazing tunes
by Michelle G.
Verified
Always fantastic sound and performance :)
by Jeff N.
Verified
Quick, professional, great communication, and overall amazing sounding drum parts. Very happy with Matt!
by sherif K.
Verified
Always enjoying our collaborations! Matt has a great unique sound that match my taste so much!
by Demtendies
Verified
Super professional, quick turnaround and delivered exactly what I was looking for.
by Torran K.
Verified
Matt was incredible- timely, and took every note to heart. Found the right vibe for each of the references I provided- I didn't even need to ask for a another take, he provided two options with all the variation I needed and nailed it the first go. Looking forward to continuing to work with him.
by Jonny F.
Verified
Bang on point, delivered 3 great takes real quick with offer of alternatives if needed.
Really pleased with Matts work and process
by Jonathan A.
Verified
Matt nailed the part I was looking for and his drum tones are the best!
by Henry G.
Verified
Great drumming skills and communication. Love his sound and feel for rhythm. Got to a place I was very happy with very quickly. Will be using his services again and would highly recommend. Thanks again Matt!
by Daniel Lamb
Verified
Matt delivered per expectations, went the extra mile by adding some additional perc, and was pleasant to work with. Would love to hire him again!

Interview with Matt Davies

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Any recording by Noya Rao, has to be my favourite drum sound, really love the way the drums are mixed
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Recording and touring with several bands
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: I've worked with Pezen several times, great songs and easy to work with
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: analog all day, way more character
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: to give them a drum track that lifts their song and adds a real human feel
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: being able to have a creative input
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: I usually get asked to interpret the drum demo my own way, and I usually agree that this is the best approach, I'll usually have an idea as to what will work best for the track. Often Midi drum tracks aren't that easy to recreate!
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: The drum sound is so much down to playing and feel over gear used!
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I usually ask for any drum references, usually a midi drum track or any references to songs with a similar feel/sound required
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Make sure the track fits to the grid so my click lines up once imported
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: kick, snare, hats, sticks, hardware
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Been a professional drummer for almost 10 years
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Solid and considered. Bit funky too, why not
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: All of them if i had time
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Simple, well considered micing is key.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Electronic, hip-hop and R&B
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I would say my varied and eclectic taste stand me in good stead to work with almost any artist
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Creativity, solid groove and professional sound.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Play along to the track until i'm feeling it and then record a few takes
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: 3 mics usually does it, ribbon overhead, snare and kick. I use quite a dry sounding room so the results are lovely warm smoothness.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: J Dilla, Karriem Riggins, Taylor Mcferrin, Marcus Gilmore, Pharrell Williams, Kaytranada.. to name a few!
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Recording drum tracks, usually i work to a demo and put my own sound into the mix.