The Process
The idea of working with a musician remotely may seem a bit daunting, but there's no reason it needs to be. Here's a quick outline of the process that has worked best for my past clients....
STEP ONE: INTRODUCE YOURSELF
Before I can really get down to work, it's important for me to have an understanding of who you are, what sort of sound you're looking for, and how I can help you achieve it.
Communication is KEY, so let's chat!
STEP TWO: PICK A RECORDING METHOD
When it comes to drum tracking, you have two choices…I can record at my home studio using my electronic drum kit, or I can record live drum performances at Populist Recording + Mastering.
Each method has its own distinct advantages…
Custom Drum Programming
I am able to record/program EXTREMELY live sounding drum and percussion performances in my home studio. It all starts with my electronic drum kit, where I can record complete drum performances directly into my studio computer. This allows me to instantly create dynamic drum performances with all of the fills, nuances, and personality that make drum tracks feel truly “live.”
But that’s JUST THE BEGINNING.
Since these performances are recorded using MIDI, the creative possibilities are simply endless. Drum sounds can be changed, altered, effected, and layered. Arrangements can be modified for maximum impact. Performances can be tweaked to pop perfection, or obliterated into something completely unrecognizable.
The only limit is your imagination.
These days, the vast majority of people I work with prefer the work to be done this way…and here’s why.
-It is something I can do at any time of the day or night, right here in my home; and that means we don’t have to worry about scheduling (or paying for) time in the studio. The bottom line…you save money.
-I have an extensive collection of the highest quality drum sounds, samples, and plug-ins available; all of which can be mixed and matched in unlimited combinations to find the PERFECT sounds for your project.
-Editing is extremely easy. Do you love the entire performance except for that one little drum fill? Or maybe you'd prefer to hear the track with a different snare sound? No problem. I can quickly make those alterations and get the tracks back to you in a matter of minutes, as opposed to a matter of days.
-You (or whoever is mixing the music) will have access to both audio and MIDI tracks for each individual drum, which proves to be *extremely* flexible in the mix stage. I can also send you a full stereo track of the entire drum performance, both with and without the EQ, compression, etc. that *I* think sound good. Either way, you will have all the tools you need to make the drums sound exactly the way you want.
Live Recording at Populist Recording + Mastering
The second option is for me to book time at Populist Recording + Mastering, and record the drums live. Since the recording is done at a studio, there are obviously more scheduling considerations, and the price will include the costs of the studio rental, which is $40/hour.
-The most obvious advantage is that instead of merely "sounding" live, it IS live.
-I work VERY quickly in the studio. Most songs take me one single take, and I am more than happy to record additional takes, if you'd like more choices.
(Pricing for both options can be found HERE!)
STEP THREE: I GET TO WORK
It is now up to me to craft a drum track that sparks your creativity, fuels your inspiration, and exceeds your every expectation.