Acoustic/Electronic/Drummer

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

A: I would love to work with Man I Trust and Warpaint. I really connect with Man I Trust’s approach to drums, the use of space, fewer notes, and attention to tone. With Warpaint, my connection is more emotional. I deeply connect with their songs, atmosphere, and the way the instruments interact. Both represent different aspects of what I value most in music and drumming.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don’t underestimate pre-production. Before recording, make sure the song has a clear direction and create a guide track that communicates its feel, dynamics, and structure. Good references are also essential, they help define the sonic and emotional direction of the production. A well-executed pre-production process can completely transform the final result.

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

A: I usually work on indie, alternative, pop, Brazilian music, lo-fi, and experimental music, as well as projects that blend organic and electronic elements. I have a special interest in songs where the drums play an important role in the arrangement, texture, and emotional direction of the music. I also enjoy working across different genres when the project allows for a creative and song-focused approach.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is creating the ideal drum sound for each song. I have a strong sense of tone, texture, tuning, and dynamics, and I use these elements to give each performance its own identity. When the music calls for it, one of my strengths is combining acoustic drums with electronic elements and programming, expanding the sonic possibilities while always staying focused on what the song needs.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: What I value most is bringing life and emotion to a song. I see the drums as part of the arrangement and the emotional narrative of the music, not just as a rhythmic foundation. My goal is to create drum parts that shape the song, build movement, and reinforce its feeling. I always aim to play with intention, dynamics, and sensitivity, giving the music something human and alive.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I start by carefully listening to the song and the client’s references to understand its mood, aesthetic, and musical direction. From there, I think about the groove, drum arrangement, tuning, and textures that will best serve the music. For each project, I choose the most suitable kit, snare, cymbals, and microphone approach, and decide whether acoustic drums, hybrid elements, or programming will work best. After recording, I select and edit the performances while preserving a natural, human feel. I then send the tracks to the client for approval, making adjustments as needed based on their feedback. Once everything is approved, I deliver organized multitrack WAV files along with a stereo drum mix for reference.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: At Caverninha Records, my drum-centric studio is dedicated to acoustic and hybrid drum production. My setup comprises a UAD Apollo Twin and Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, enabling up to 10 simultaneous recording channels. I utilize Logic Pro for my work and employ a Roland SPD-SX Pro with triggers for kick, snare, and toms, alongside electronic programming and a Roland TRs My drum collection encompasses a vintage 1970s Pinguim kit and a 1990s Yamaha kit, featuring a selection of snares including Ludwig Acrolite, Pinguim, Yamaha, and Mapex Piccolo. My microphone collection comprises a Neumann TLM 102, Oldbox handcrafted ribbon mic, Beyerdynamic M160, Shure SM57, Sennheiser E604, AKG D112, and AKG P170.

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

A: I draw inspiration from artists and producers who deliberately explore sound, texture, and atmosphere. Radiohead, Sonic Youth, The National, and Man I Trust serve as strong references for me, particularly in the way drums can shape the mood and identity of a song. I am particularly drawn to creative production choices and drum tones that feel organic, hybrid, or programmed, always distinctive and deeply connected to the music.

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

A: My primary work involves recording custom acoustic and hybrid drum tracks for singles and albums. I collaborate closely with artists and producers to comprehend the song’s direction, references, and aesthetic, crafting drum parts that emphasize groove, dynamics, texture, and musical intention. Depending on the project, I integrate acoustic drums with electronic elements, triggers, and programming to generate a distinctive sound that aligns with the song’s requirements. I record in my dedicated drum-focused studio, Caverninha Records, and provide organized multitrack WAV files prepared for mixing.