301 – Dan Bailey: Home Rig Practicality, Building Relationships (not contacts), Demystifying the Skillset and Process of Recording Drums – It’s a Job

Working Drummer

Dan Bailey is a veteran musician/engineer based in Southern California.

He’s been Father John Misty’s drummer since 2014 and music director since 2017. With 20 years of studio experience, he records remote record drums and creates educational materials at my studio Trackland II.

In addition, he’s contributed to the live performances and recordings of, First Aid Kit, Reignwolf, Onerepublic, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Johnathan Wilson, Everest, Gambles, Pacific Air, Anderson East, Jon Foreman, B.o.B, Sean and Sara Watkins, Christina Aguilera and Escondido, among others.

In this episode, Dan talks about:

* Compartmentalizing your various duties when recording yourself (setting up mics/tracks vs. playing vs. editing, etc.) * The all-purpose beauty of the SM-57, and when/why to invest in high-priced studio gear* How to prioritize sound treatment in your space * Not thinking of session work vs. touring work as very different in terms of playing or relationships* How people’s perception of you is shaped by what you continue to say yes to, and having to say no to change that* Why “networking,” “hustle,” and “grind,” are the wrong terms for what musicians need to do to build a career* What playing with Father John Misty has taught him about constructing drum parts

Dan endorses Canopus Drums, Istanbul Agop cymbals, and Vic Firth sticks

This episode is sponsored by Shure Microphones. Check out the new Drummer Bundle Track Pack now on sale!

This episode is also sponsored by Airgigs. Become a patron of the show on our Patreon page to get early access to our 7-part conversation with CEO David Blacker about how to build a profile and clientele on Airgigs.