Setting the Scene: Indie Pop with a Pulse
We’ve just wrapped up a vibrant new drum recording session here at Amen Studio in Bristol — this time for a track rooted in indie pop and alternative rock, packed with romantic energy and restless drive. Clocking in at 140 BPM and just over 3 minutes, the song called for tight playing, crisp tones, and a feel that’s both nostalgic and fresh.
Drawing inspiration from early The Strokes, the artist came to us looking for an online session drummer who could deliver a performance that was both raw and radio-ready. We were more than happy to step up and make it happen.
The Gear: Vintage Meets Precision
For this session, we reached for the Ludwig Super Classic 1965 Vintage Kit — a true workhorse with a rich tone that suited the track perfectly. Tuned with the help of a Tune Bot, the snare was dialled to a ringing G, with toms tuned to A and D. We paired this with Zildjian cymbals: 14″ Avedis hi-hats, a 16″ A Fast Crash, and a gorgeous 22″ K Constantinople Ride — you can check them out here.
As a remote session drummer, having access to world-class mics and gear is essential. We used Coles 4038 ribbon mics as overheads, and Lauten Audio Horizons as ambient room mics. Kick, snare, and toms were captured using a blend of dynamic and condenser microphones, from Shure to Advanced Audio, ensuring every detail was captured clearly.
The Performance: Groove Meets Intention
After rehearsing the parts ahead of time, we dove into the session with focus. Takes 4 and 5 stood out — combining energy, control, and that human touch that separates programmed drums from real online session drums.
As a studio drummer for hire, keeping dynamics consistent is key — especially with hi-hats driving the rhythm. In Section B, the transition to crash/ride cymbals added intensity without overpowering the mix. It’s those subtle performance choices that make all the difference when you’re aiming for the best session drummer feel — not just technical chops, but musical intuition.
The Mix: Tone, Space & Subtle Polish
Mixing was all about balance and space. The kick-in mic was run through a Pultec EQ and Portico 5043 compressor, helping bring out the low-end thump and top-end slap. We used Flexi Time sparingly to tighten things up without losing groove.
The snare was subtly reinforced with a midrange sample to help it cut through the indie-pop mix, and we added a blend of room mics and reverb for ambiance. If you’re looking for session drummers for hire who can also deliver a polished mix-ready product, look no further — this track is a great example.
Here at Amen Session Drummer, we love collaborating with artists worldwide. Whether you need top session drummers for full productions or just one killer groove, we’re here to bring your vision to life.