I am a versatile session drummer with 25 years experience. I've played on countless recordings, have decades of performance experience and mixing/editing sessions.
I have been a recording artist for 20+ years in many different styles ranging from rock to pop to jazz and latin jazz to funk. One of my current projects is "Baila Nova" with a huge following on youtube (234k+ subscribers, 100+ Million views). I record weekly for various artists in my studio. I have nice gear and great microphones. I can go as detailed or as minimal as you'd like when it comes to microphones on the kit. I can also provide raw or mixed files depending on your needs.
Send me an email through 'Contact' button above and I'll get back to you asap.
Interview with Mike Papagni
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I started Baila Nova around 16 years ago with the singer and it's gone sooooo much further than I ever thought it would. We never expected this project to become what it is today and have the amount of fans that it does. Blows my mind.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I have a hip hop album in the works with a friend of mine, my own drums and synth album, another funk/jazz album with Ted Taforo and more stuff with Baila Nova.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Ted Taforo - Saxophone and woodwinds.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I wish I had the money to be more analogue, but maybe someday. I don't mind digital though. Lots of emulation out there, but analogue is definitely cooler (preamps wise).
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: You'll get a great take with some great drum sounds.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I get to play drums all the time!
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That a simple beat can be played by anyone.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I like detailed descriptions of what they are looking for in a track. Leaving things open is cool too, but being picky with this method isn't productive.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Be cool and clear.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My kit, baby!
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: My whole life has been dedicated to music. I have my bachelor's of music and have 40+ students. I perform multiple times a month with various groups and I also have a youtube channel where I do some "Rational Funk" inspired drum lessons. I have been playing drums since 1998, so do that math on that...
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Versatile and consistent.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Adam Rogers because I absolutely love his sound and style.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I play a lot of funk/jazz, jazz swing, and rock styles.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I am a highly skilled drummer, so my playing is stylistically authentic no matter which style I play. I'm a passionate musician and have spent a lot of time working on my sound and recording abilities.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have a lockout where I record. I have an extensive mic collection and 16 inputs, so I can get as detailed or as minimal as you'd like for drum recordings.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Nate Smith, Brian Mantia, Matt Cameron, Brian Blade, Jay Lane
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I record drums for various artists in various styles.
- Live drum trackAverage price - $125 per song
I allow 1 revision, additional revisions will have fees due to set up time of all mics/session. I can have a track back within a day or 2 depending on the material.
- Lauten Audio
- Sennheiser
- Shure microphones. Tama Starclassic Birch/walnut drums. Bosphorus cymbals
