E-SESSION-DRUMMER.COM

Online session drummer FAQ's to help make your online session run as smoothly as possible! For additional information regarding the process, drum kits, signal path and file swapping, etc, contact Phil or see the rest of the site.

Q: What is an online session drummer?
Q: What is the difference between a good session drummer and a bad one?
Q: Will the control that I normally have be effected as opposed to a drum session that is face to face in person?
Q: How does the transfer of session drum files work and what is the format?
Q: What is the download time like for a standard set of session drum files?
Q: How can I be certain that the session drum files you send me will line up with my existing tracks?
Q: How does the online session drummer payment work again?
Q: What if I encounter an issue or complication with the session file download?

Q: What is an online session drummer?
A: An online session drummer performs the very same service for musical clients such as producers and solo artists as a 'real world' session drummer would, the only difference being that they do so online via the internet. Session drum tracks are recorded in the drum studio and simply passed back and forth and altered when necessary via the net.
Phil Robertson has been a first call session drummer for over a decade in Western Canada's music capital. 'First Call' implies just that...he is one of the first to receive a phone call from artists, producers and production houses looking for a session drummer to play on their recording or recordings.
Phil's clientel over the years have included names like EA, WEA, Elektra, Atlantic, Polygram and countless producers, and singer/songwriters.
Q: What constitutes a 'good' a session drummer?
A: Many people wrongly believe that the ability to play "many notes fast" is what constitutes a great session drummer. This in most contexts is entirely wrong. Having a tremendous groove ability and artistry is first and foremost. Musicality and hearing the song and it's needed treatment from years of experience as a session drummer are paramount. Having very precise timing, or the ability to maintain an extremely even meter or tempo without drifting, is by far the single biggest skill that separates the pro session drummer from the amateur session drummer. Feel, dynamics, placement, consistent weight, etc are involved.
Phil has a reputation in the industry as a session drummer who has it all, from chops to time to magical grooves. His groove sensibilities are now required by producers and artists of all stripes around the world. Having played for countless numbers of live gigs and sessions over a 26 year period, Phil possesses a depth of experience and brings great musicality to every session he undertakes.
Q: Will I as an artist loose my control that I normally possess on a session that is 'real world' or face to face?
A: Absolutely not! You can have as much interaction as you require. Easy and expedient modes of communication range from email to Skype to the phone. Once I have done the intial drum session I will deliver to you an drum proof with the drums mixed loudly so you can hear all the nuances.*
I will strive to give you exactly what your requirements are! The golden rule here is that it does me not a bit of good to have you, the customer, not entirely satisfied. My ongoing aspiration is to have you be a RETURN customer as well as have you spread the good news about your great experience.

Q: How do I get the session drum files from you and what is the format?
A: In most cases I will send you the files via the net and you will receive a download link to your email. All that is required of you is to click on the link and the download will proceed automaticly. You choose a save location, eg, your desktop. The files are in a zipped folder for both Mac and PC to insure that there is no damage to the data.
Unzip the folder and voila! The folder will contain all the individual files or the files that are specified by you. (I can also deliver the files via courier or mail on a dvd.)
Simply import the session drum files into your DAW at bar 1, beat one.

Q: What is the typical time involved for a download?
A By default I record at 44.1/24 bit (unless you require a higher bandwidth) so the average download time is roughly an hour or so provided you have high speed internet.
If you don't you may prefer that I send the files to you on a disc via courier or post.
Q: How can I ensure that the session files you deliver to me will line up with my existing session? This is all new to me!
A: Be deligent to ensure a couple of simple but extremely pertinent things:

1. When you create for me your reference mix for me to play the drum session to, be very sure to start your recording of the mix from absolute left hand side of your arrange window or session, definitely NOT from the start point of the audio itself. The reason being is that they are most often 2 different locations. People when they record most often leave a few bars silence off the top for intro and counting-in requirements. If you have a few moments dead air before your song starts make very sure that the silence is in there and included in the rough mix you send me. Burn your song exactly from Bar 1 - Beat 1.
2. This will ensure that when you drop in my session drum tracks, which will all start at Bar 1 Beat 1, they will align exactly to the start point of your audio.
3. Feel free to contact me if this in any way confusing and I'll walk you through it! it.
Q: How does the online session payment work again?
A: After you are completely happy and have approved the drum proof, payment is made throughPayPal. At the point which I receive your payment I will proceed immediately to upload the session drummer files to you. I personally guarantee that you will recieve the agreed upon performance in full and working order .
Q: What if I have an issue with the session file download? What do I do then?
A: Again, I guarantee my work in all it's phases including delivery! Ocassionally there are issues with downloads. Don't be concerned though. There are plenty of means of delivery. I can deliver to you via overnight courier or post!
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