About Gavin Payn – Amen Session Drummer
Welcome! I’m Gavin Payn — session drummer, drum teacher, bandmate, audio nerd, and all-around rhythm enthusiast. I run Amen Session Drummer, where I help artists, producers, and fellow musicians bring their music to life with live, human groove — whether in the studio, on stage, or over Zoom from my small-but-mighty studio in Bristol, UK: Amen Studio.
Beginnings
My music journey started with a guitar at age seven, but everything changed when I hit the drums at 17 and never looked back. I actually spent my first student loan on a Premier 5-piece kit — after borrowing my parents’ car and driving 100 miles across Wales just to find the right one.
After finishing university in 2001, I dove into original music projects full-time, eventually relocating to Bristol — drawn by its reputation for eclectic, high-caliber music. Since then, I’ve spent years gigging across the South West and the UK, working mainly in Funk, Soul, and original band projects. Alongside performing, I’ve built a parallel path as a session drummer and educator, working with clients across the world.
Teaching
As a teacher, I’m rooted in both experience and study. I trained with Rob Brian (Goldfrapp, Siouxsie Sioux) at NAM Studios, focusing on jazz phrasing, technique, and musical expression through soloing. I’ve also studied with Chad Wackerman, legendary drummer for Frank Zappa, Allan Holdsworth, and James Taylor. Chad introduced me to the Murray Spivack method, a timeless and refined drumming approach built around ergonomic movement, rebound, and sound quality. Developed by Hollywood sound pioneer Murray Spivack, this method is now central to how I teach — whether it’s online lessons, masterclasses, or 1:1 coaching.
Recording
My recording workflow is shaped by what I learned from Michael White, a veteran audio engineer and Grammy winner who’s worked with Whitney Houston, the Rolling Stones, and the Talking Heads. Michael’s lessons helped me understand how to capture not just sound, but emotion — which is what I aim for in every remote session. From my Bristol-based Amen Studio, I deliver high-quality, custom drum tracks to clients worldwide, with a focus on groove, tone, and musicality.
Through Amen Session Drummer, I offer:
Online drum tracking from my studio
Live gigs & studio session availability in the UK
Worldwide drum lessons and mentoring
Worldwide audio engineering and mixing lessons
If you’re looking for drums that serve the song — and a drummer who’s as enthusiastic about your project as you are — let’s connect. Whether you need tight studio takes, dynamic live energy, or technical support as you learn, I’d love to help make your next project sound amazing.
book drums now