World Percussionist

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

A: I’m especially proud of the latest Mamud Band album, “The Monkey Tapes.” I composed all the music, recorded and produced all the instruments and percussion, shaping the rhythmic identity of the project. It’s a perfect mix of groove, energy, and world music influences — everything I love about my craft.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I’m producing new Mamud Band Album and new world percussion sample sessions and recording live takes for a few film soundtracks and jazz productions.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. I love the warmth and depth of analog preamps and mics, but I rely on digital precision for editing and mixing. The perfect balance gives clarity and soul.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Creating connection through rhythm — seeing how percussion can bring life and motion to any piece of music.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: They often ask: “Can you match my song’s groove or reference?” My answer: absolutely — I’ll adapt the rhythm, energy, and sound to your specific style.

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

A: Listen to the personality of the percussionist, not only the sound. A good percussion track should feel alive and enhance the music’s emotion.

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

A: I started studying classical percussion, then traveled across Africa, Cuba, Maghreb, India and Brazil to learn traditional rhythms. Over time I built my own studio in Milan and began recording for international artists and film soundtracks.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Organic, dynamic, and soulful — rooted in African, Afro-Cuban, and Mediterranean traditions, with a contemporary studio sound.

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

A: Peter Gabriel or Ibrahim Maalouf — both explore cross-cultural sounds that connect deeply with my world music background.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Always leave space for rhythm to breathe — groove lives in the air between the notes.

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

A: World, jazz, pop, Funk, film, and fusion — any project that values live, organic rhythm.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Blending traditional acoustic percussion with modern production while maintaining a natural, organic sound.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Authenticity, groove, and a deep sense of world rhythm. My goal is always to enhance the song’s energy without overpowering it.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I discuss the client’s needs, listen to the reference track, choose the right instruments, and record multiple takes to capture the right feel and tone.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Large live room with high-end mics (Sennhizer, Neumann, AKG, Shure), Tascam DM 3200 preamps, RME interface, Logic Pro X and Pro Tools. Designed for natural acoustic sound.

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

A: Tony Allen, Airto Moreira, Stewart Copeland, Giovanni Hidalgo, Trilok Gurtu, and Zakir Hussain — for their creativity, sound, and cultural blend.

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

A: I record and produce world percussion tracks for songs, film soundtracks, and studio projects — from subtle textures to full ensemble grooves.