The Online Session
Custom drum tracks by online session drummer Dave Rowlands
Do you need a drummer to record for your band/project?
Are standard studios too expensive?
There IS another way to record drums!
In just 5 easy steps!!
Tel: + 44 (0) 7742 616249 or
THE STUDIO
My studio is based in South London and is fully equipped with professional level gear to record drum tracks.
DW Collectors Maple and Birch
Yamaha 9000 recording custom kit (industry standard kit used on countless recordings)
Various snares including Brady, DW, Remo & Yamaha.
Various Zildjian & Paiste cymbals
Recording:
Mac running Logic Pro Studio X
MOTU Pre8 pre amps/interface x 2
Focusrite 2i2 interface
DW drum enhancer
Audified Tone Spot Pro
Microphones:
AKG D112 x 2
Sennheiser 421 x 2
SE SE3 x 2
SE SE1A x 2
SE 2200a II
Shure Beta 52 x 3
Shure SM57 x 3
Shure Beta 57
Shure SM58
Shure Beta 98 x 3
Solomon LoFreQ Subkick
ABOUT ME
I have been playing for 25 years in bands and for singer/songwriters playing both covers gigs and original material and have been fortunate to play all over the UK, Europe and the USA. Over the years I have played all genres of music including Americana, country, folk, pop, rock, swing and musical theatre.
I have studied with tutors:
- Chuck Sabo (Natalie Imbruglia/XTC/Elton John/Shakespears Sister)
- Darryn Farugia (Thriller Live/Hey Hey it’s Saturday)
- Mark Heaney (The Seahorses/Gang of Four)
- Sebastiaan De Krom (Jamie Cullum)
- Erik Stamms
- Hadyn Callow
- Mick ‘Enrico’ Morina
- Bosco D’Olivera
- Philippe Castermane
- Mick Gilbert
- Phelan Kane
My favourite drummers:
- Chuck Sabo
- Mark Heaney
- Matt Sorum
- Steve Jordan
- Jonathan Moffett
- Manu Katche
- Billy Ward
- Steve Gadd
- Mark Richardson
HOW THE SESSION WORKS
Sessions have always taken place, usually within a conventional studio with a sound engineer and a session musician. Having to hire such a studio and personnel can be expensive. Especially when the initial couple of hours are taken up with setting up the drums, positioning the mics, sound-checking the drums, setting up the click track and then setting up the session tracks. So the artist has already paid for this time without a note being played.
However with the advance in technology, studio quality recording equipment is now more affordable and available to most musicians. This is great for the guitarist or singer as these tracks can be recorded at home, but there is still the problem of recording drums.
This is where The Online Session can help!!
The drums and mics are already set up in the studio and ready to go, all that needs to be done is to prepare the tracks. This saving in time is already saving the artist money and as there are no other overheads such as renting the studio and paying for a sound engineer the overall cost of the recording to the artist is more affordable.
So how does the session work?
Step one
Contact me either by email, phone or even Zoom to discuss your project and your requirements
Step two
Send me your track with either no drums or midi drums to be replaced/replicated
Step three
Drums are then recorded to your track and a demo is emailed back to you
Step four
The track is reviewed and we can discuss any changes via email, phone or Zoom. If changes are needed this process will be repeated until you are happy with the track.
Step five
After full payment is received the completed drum track is sent to you in your preferred format.
CREDITS
JACK HOPKINSON
THE TRAVELLING
KIND
I PLAYED ON ALL FULL BAND TRACKS
SEAN REDMOND
IT WAS OBVIOUSLY WRONG FROM THE START
I PLAYED ON
- THE FLOWERS THAT GROW IN YOUR HEART -
- THE BALLAD OF SOMEBODY -
ABBY HOLDEN
FLIPSIDE
I PLAYED ON
- WRONG TONIGHT -
- FLIPSIDE -
GUY JONES
BACK TO US
I PLAYED ON
- BACK TO US -
- LIVING ON THE RUN -
- HOME -
DAINA ASHMORE
DIRTY LITTLE SECRET
I PLAYED ON ALL FULL BAND TRACKS
BILLY VINCENT
STAND ON ME
I PLAYED ON ALL TRACKS
RACHEL BUTTON
WITH LOVE
I PLAYED ON ALL TRACKS
PIG EARTH
14' X 12'
SPAGHETTI ANYWHERE
DOOLALLY
I PLAYED ON
- DRUGS -
- SUPER SPECIAL -
JAMES MAPLES
I PLAYED ON ALL TRACKS
TESTIMONIALS
Can’t wait to hear what you do. You really breathed life into the other track in a great way and though this track is really different I’m sure the same will happen!
Tim Bradshaw, co-writer/producer for Tom Bertram & Keys/MD (David Gray/John Mayer).
Dave has worked on a number of sessions at Pressplay Studio. While doing so he has always impressed me with his positive attitude. His ability to quickly assess the musical situation coupled with creatively applied drumming skills means that my clients go home happy. Best of all he's not a clockwatcher and always remains focussed on getting the job done
Andy Ramsay, producer/owner Press Play studio & drummer (Stereolab).
After years of playing with and hiring drummers, I haven't met a single one that ticks all the boxes until I met Dave. His technique is only matched by his musical intelligence. He was the drummer I was crying out for and he will be my first choice on any future projects. To top it all off, he's an incredibly easy person to work with and delivers every time, on time.
Guy Jones, singer/songwriter and producer/owner The Nesting Ground studio.
Dave completely nailed the brief on our forthcoming album, a great understanding of exactly what was needed, executed with precision and style. I would not hesitate to recommend him for your next project.
Mark Harold, co writer/producer for Gg
I hunted Dave down after I heard a great review from an audio engineer. He came into the studio, on time, schooled up, and ready to work. It was like he understood the sound I was trying to achieve without me saying a word. I pretty much hummed stuff and waved my arms about. Dave made my debut album that much more special. He is my first choice for a session drummer when album number 2 starts. You better be available Dave!!
Abby Holden, singer/songwriter.
Having worked with Dave in both the studio & onstage, he is an ultimate professional, quick to catch onto a groove & likes to have a laugh at the same time. Would recommend him to any band or artist for live & studio recording.
Daina Ashmore, singer/songwriter.
Dave's not just a drummer he's a true musician - a dream for any songwriter to work with!
Stuart Stevens, composer.
PRICING
Prices start at £75 per track with an option of taking advantage of a multiple track discount.
However you pay nothing until you are happy and the final track is completed!!
The Musicians Union (MU) rate is £75 per half hour!
Please contact me with your requirements for a full quote.
OPTION 1 - £75 per track
- All communication (email/text/phone/Skype)
- Unlimited takes until you are happy
- Final Stereo drum mix
OPTION 1 - £75 per track
- All communication (email/text/phone/Zoom)
- Unlimited takes until you are happy
- Final Stereo drum mix
OPTION 2 - £95 per track
- All communication (email/text/phone/Zoom)
- Unlimited takes until you are happy
- Individual drum stems to mix yourself
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- I can add hand percussion such as shakers/tambourine to the track
- Lead or rhythm guitar can be recorded by session guitarist Lewis Turner (Jersey Boys/The Lion King/Mamma Mia/Bat Out Of Hell/The Rat Pack)
If multiple tracks are required I offer a 10% discount if all tracks are recorded within the same time period.
FAQ'S
How much do you charge?
My prices start at £75 per track with an option of extras or taking advantage of a multiple track discount.
However you pay nothing until you are happy and the final track is completed!!
The Musicians Union (MU) rate is £75 per half hour!
Please contact me with your requirements for a full quote.
What does the cost include?
The cost includes:
- All communication (email/text/phone/Zoom)
- Unlimited takes until you are happy
- Final stereo drum mix
Do you have optional extras?
Yes, optional extras include:
- I can add hand percussion such as shakers/tambourine to the track
- The final session supplied as individual drum tracks for you to mix yourself
A special optional extra!!!
For a separate charge lead or rhythm guitar can be recorded by session guitarist Lewis Turner (Jersey Boys/The Lion King/Mamma Mia/Bat Out Of Hell/The Rat Pack)
Do you offer discounts for multiple tracks?
If multiple tracks are required then yes I offer a 10% discount only if all the tracks are to be recorded within the same time period. This is purely due to the time needed in setting up the session.
How can I pay for the tracks?
My preferred method is direct bank transfer (details sent with the session invoice) but I do also accept paypal payments but this does carry a small charge to cover paypal costs.
What is the turnaround time for tracks?
The turnaround time from initial contact varies depending on your requirements but the session will always be completed ASAP.
What format will the session be sent to me in?
The original demo of the track will be sent as a mp3 file but the final can be either a stereo drum mix as a wav file or for an optional extra as individual untreated wav drum tracks.
Will you play for the band after the session is complete?
Unfortunately I’m too busy to take on other commitments but I do hope that my recordings will help find the perfect drummer for your project.
Can I hear previous recordings you have played on?
There are short mixes of sessions I have recorded within the credits section, most of which are for sale on iTunes. Email me for more info about the artists.
CONTACT
For any enquiry or to book a session call + 44 (0) 7742 616249 or
or for more information about me visit
Please note I live in time zone GMT +0:00 so please check local times before calling!