Steve Berkley on SoundBetter

I'm a Nashville-based Session Drummer and Live Drummer. I like to keep a healthy balance of life both on the road touring and then in the studio when I'm back home! I absolutely love what I do, and I love being able to help bring life to my clients' projects and helping them achieve their vision!

I take pride in my versatility as a player - I'm lucky to have a healthy mix of projects that force me to stay creative and keep pushing boundaries. It won't be uncommon for me to be balancing an R&B session, a classic country gig, an Americana gig, and a progressive pop session all in the span of a few days.

In addition to Music, I have an educational background Audio Engineering. From my studio, I draw from this background as I always aim to provide high quality live recorded drum tracks that other engineers will find very easy to mix, master, and work with overall.

Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.

1 Reviews

Endorse Steve Berkley

by Marc Frigo
I've worked with Steve on a couple of tunes, and even recommended him for another project I was mixing. Every time, he nailed the parts with great feel, solid timing, and killer sounds. He's also a great guy, and will work with you to get what you want. If you need drums, hit him up!

Interview with Steve Berkley

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I'll always work with the client to get them what they want! I'm very patient, and am not happy until the client is happy! ...seriously it will bug me and I need closure on that kind of stuff!
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: I'd recommend Marc Frigo for mixing and engineering. I've worked with him in the past and he's very talented, very quick, and very easy to work with. He's an all around great guy too!
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I think this depends on the feel and vibe that you're trying to achieve with the process. I prefer digital on the daily basis b/c it's so much easier and quicker to work with, but Analog is a lot of fun as well.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I love getting to do what I love for a living. I love playing on other people's music, serving their songs, and seeing their faces light up when you do, and know that you're helping to bring their dream or their vision to life.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: I heard a producer say once - "If you want to put on a great show or make a great record, then hire great musicians and just let them play!" I think this can work in a lot of situations, but hinges upon having a rapport with your musicians first, or at least getting a recommendation from someone you trust. Until you reach this point, I think it helps the efficiency of the whole process by being as clear as possible about what your vision is for your project...and this can absolutely include a degree of creative freedom for the guys you hire as well.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: When it comes to playing the drums in a session, less is more. Especially when tracking for a song that you really really dig, it can be very easy to cross over into that territory of over-playing...and during the recording process, it's just so important to leave space for the other musicians and parts. And you'll make a lot of producers and engineers lives much easier.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I love playing country and that's what I play most! But when a pop, blues, hip hop, or some other type of project comes along that interests me, most of the time I can't help myself, and if I have the time, I'll always jump into it with both feet!
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My feel is my strongest skill. I'm always listening and respond very well to whatever else is going on in the tune. I know my role, and I stick to it and support the song as best as I can.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That a drum machine can replace what you can get from a real live, experienced drummer!

Live drum trackAverage price - $125 per song

Tracks typically delivered within 2-5 days depending on schedule, with to 2-3 revisions per track if necessary. Revisions due to arrangement/writing changes may be accommodated for additional cost.