Thinking outside the box to add some extra magic to your art. In the pocket backbeats and grooves. Tasteful, expressive textures using ethnic and contemporary percussion. Singer Songwriter, Americana, Folk, Roots, Indian Fusion, Soundscape, World Music.
Hit me up to discuss what you may need. Provide as much info about the song as you can, ie length, instrumentation (if you have ideas about it) etc, so that i can give you a suitable quote that hopefully works within your budget.
Revisions? Yes of course, within reason and on a per project basis.
Music in profile is some of my original work.
Listen to my work with other artists via the Spotify link in NEWS.
A BIT ABOUT ME:
My influences draw from the street beats of my Malaysian childhood days, sub-continent roots, love of the blues, and quality conservatorium grounding. I love playing laid back solid groove/back beat stuff, and colouring over the top with cool percussion sounds.
I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.
Credits
5 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client
Endorse Arunachala
check_circleVerifiedThank you! Great experience and great job.
Ciao from Slovenia
check_circleVerifiedWhat a pleasure to work with Arunachala. Prompt, tasteful, good communication, and extremely talented with tight grooves.
check_circleVerifiedArunachala went above and beyond my expectations. Very clear communication, quick responses and excellent musicianship. A pleasure to work with!
check_circleVerifiedWorking with Arunachala was awesome!! he was very prompt in his communication and his work is exemplary ! he was very knowledgeable in his art and gave me exactly the required sound. If you are looking for a brilliant rhythm percussionist then he is the Man! I would highly recommend Arunachala.
Arunachala went above and beyond to make sure my creative visions were met and thoroughly organized and explained the stems he sent me to work with. He was a joy to work with!
Interview with Arunachala
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I start with a conversation about their project. What they are working on? How they feel about it? etc then more question come from that. And it is different every time.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: If I had to choose from the tons that pop in my brain. Son House. I would like to play drums for him. But he is gone now. Just to get that injection of that feeling. The roots of all that is popular. Or maybe Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee when they had band stuff. Or Muddys band.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I worked with an independent roots band in Western Australia in my early career. I recorded , engineered and played drums on their second album. That was a proud moment because it set me on the path to production work and we managed to achieve a decent amount of local success and accolade. We did the album in 10 days in a farm house with a limited amount of average quality gear (we could not afford much else) and achieved a great result. It was hard work and a great learning experience for me that imprinted lifelong lessons.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I am writing and crafting, sifting through ideas for the second album which will hopefully be out late 2023. Also, I am actively working in the West Australian music scene as a session musician, with various local artist.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: I am relatively new to SoundBetter, so just getting to know the community.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Analog AND Digital. The depth of analog coupled with the ease of use and flexibility and consistency of digital is a win win.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: drum. guitar. tent. fire starter. floaties....? can't take any of my preamps or mics I guess coz there aint gonna be electricity.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Groove, Back beats, Songs, Improvisations, Experimentation. Outside the box.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Incredibly hard to pick. I am inspired by a lot of original independent musicians and artist in my community.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Great tone and groove is at the source. Not in the mics or the preamps or converters. Get a good drum and a great player.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Whatever the song needs. And sometimes that may mean, not a lot. A little sprinkle here and there, to a carefully crafted hand drum part, or a full on percussion ensemble attack.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I listen carefully to your song. I gather ideas. I send you an mp3 or a draft of the parts. We discuss and then i go back to execute and bounce the tracks. Clear and frequent conversation to stay on course along the way.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I get hired by Singer-Songwriters a lot. Artists that want a bit of a beat, a bit of accompaniment, some shakers or a cajon groove maybe. Also, composers that are wanting percussive, groove based soundscapes.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I've been in the business for 20 years now. Started off playing percussion with my uncles Funk/RnB band, then in big bands around town during college, fusion latin bands, made my way to clubs playing with DJ's, toured with blues bands and did every other session i could pick up in between. Did sound for bands, mixed bands, produced bands, worked in venues, bars......the usual.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: UA preamps , ApolloX interface, some high quality mics........and percussion instruments with fantastic tones.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: If you are not happy....i am not happy. We are in this together!
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I get to be happy ....by making other people happy.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: Playing shakers or bongos is easy. said no percussionist.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Start a conversation. I am about bringing some added magic to your art....with my art..No rules.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Americana, Pop, World music, Indian music.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Improvisation in a drums and percussion sense.
- PercussionAverage price - $100 per song
Every artist has different requirements and are in different situations. I want to contribute the best i possibly can to your song. Happy to discuss terms to ensure you will be 100% happy.
- Drum Kit
- Cajon
- Bongos
- Congas
- Shakers
- Tambourines
- Folk drums (India)
- Anything that makes a sound!
Book in now for July, 2023 deal for multitrack percussion - $50 a song (standard length 3-4 minute track)
- Recorded work by ArunachalaOct 06, 2021
Click on the link --> Recorded work
Spotify playlist of some artists i have recorded with.
- Youtube ChannelMar 18, 2021
Click on the link here -> Youtube Channel to watch videos of my playing and studio work. This may provide you with more insight into my style and vibe.
