A Home Studio, Producing, Writing, Teaching, and Pastoring

My recording set up.

Even with staying in Nashville more I’m wearing “many different hats.” I’m still adjusting to the NEW season. — Read on —

In the modern recording world almost EVERY musician has some kind of home recording set up. It’s just the nature of the music business today. Even though I really enjoy being in a big studio with other players and making music as a collective, creative group… it is absolutely necessary that I have a working space at home that is set up to record drum and percussion tracks. Even today, before writing this post, I was finishing up some drum tracks for a client from South Africa – with a producer in Florida. It still blows my mind to think of how “small” the world has become with the invention of “file sharing.” Amazing!

With my laptop hooked up to a large flat screen monitor, and a bluetooth mouse, I can work from anywhere in my studio. Setting at the drums everything is pretty handy. BUT when I’m set up in other areas of the room with a lot of percussion gear it’s nice to see what’s going on and to be able to click & drag as needed. Sometimes I even have other players in to track with me. I just have one working room so the other musicians have to plug in direct and use closed in-ear monitors to play along while I’m playing drums. Although I have put a guitar amp in the cellar adjacent to my basement studio and the sound was very isolated. Quite often we work on songs a piece at a time. It all depends on what’s needed for the song, and how the client wants to work. In the end, it’s about getting the music to feel great. There are rules to recording… but we break them sometimes too. CONTACT ME for DRUM & PERCUSSION tracks… OR for a FULL production project. – CONTACT INFO.   — OR at Facebook. —  FB link

Carl and "his better half," Leann.

Carl and “his better half,” Leann.

AND… then there’s songwriting, writing articles, and teaching. Yes, I do like all of those endeavors too. Leann and I set aside time to work on new material for her new project, for worship at The Well of Nashville, and for other people. This has always been a part of our lives. Now, with being home more, I actually have time to be more proactive about that creative part of my life. Stay tuned, you should be seeing a NEW Leann project by spring.
*A sneak preview*

If you want to see what’s happening in ministry world, you can watch us “LIVE” every Tuesday @ 7pm CST on our web broadcast, via “Ustream.” We have been pastoring “The Well of Nashville” for several years now. We lead worship, share, pray, and encourage others to dive in deep with us to see what the Lord has in store. Jesus is always pouring out something fresh. *See what’s happening*

Thanks for all your prayers & support through the years and during this season of change. I feel challenged and stretched. It takes a big leap of faith to “step out of the boat.”

Blessings,
Carl

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About Carl

Carl has been a professional drummer & percussionist for over 30 years. He has played on over 80 Integrity Music projects; Maranatha Praise Band recordings 7 thru 10, & numerous other Christian, Pop, Country, Jazz, & Commercial projects.

Comments

  1. Hi this is JD Miller Lead guitarist from 90′s rock back Arsenal CD Armored Choir.
    when we rerecorded our CD with Russ Kirkland we had a session drummer with your name.

    Are you the session drummer that was on our CD, If so i’m trying to get in touch with Russ Kirkland or anyone of his family members. I would like to see if I can get the master for our CD to do a re=release.

    Thanks
    JD Miller

    • Hey JD, Yep that’s me. Good to hear from you… I’ll look for Russ’s email & hook you up. He’s still in the St. Louis area. It would be fun to hear that project re-mastered. Very cool. Blessings, Carl

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  3. Chris Sandoval says

    I like breaking the rules all the time Carl! As long as it sounds good, and as you said, “feels good!” then your winning.. I love seeing your post Carl. Thanks a lot for sharing your time brother.. Be Blessed

    Chris

  4. Hello Carl,
    I enjoyed your playing with Paul Baloche in Amarillo,TX a few years ago.

    I’d like to ask your advice on a beginner set for a child beginner, 9 years old, who is ready to move up to a good quality 5 piece drum kit: drums, cymbals, stands, etc.

    What materials would you advise for an eager and skilled beginner that will take the student through the middle teen years, and only require new drum heads during those years?

    Thanks for your expert advice!
    Joan
    Fort Worth, TX

    • Hi Joan, So sorry this reply took so long. 🙂 — A good kit for an upcoming drummer is a Yamaha Stage Custom kit, or other mid-priced drum kit. All the drum companies make something like this. They’re very durable and work well even in pro settings. Changing to new heads when needed is important, and learning how to tune them properly. / Cymbals should be a careful investment… even though we can tune up a drum kit, it’s best to invest in pro-line cymbals from the beginning. Try many brands and trust your ears when buying. You should love what you’re playing. Blessings and your shopping. Peace, Carl

  5. Joe Christian says

    Hey Carl, what heads do you utilize on snare, for your main “go to” snare? What’s a snare shell and head configuration you would like to try? I had a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit in a worship service once where you and Leeann were leading at Grace Center in Nashville several years ago. It was very profound. Thanks for walking out your purpose. Blessings.

    • Hi Joe, thanks so much for your note. Leann & I are so blessed by how the Spirit moves in worship services and events… through all the years it’s been quite the adventure. All glory to God! // *My main “go to snare” is really a standard Yamaha Brass shelled 14″ X 7″. You can find it most drum retail catalogs. I set it up with Evans heads – a Coated Power Reverse Dot head on top and a 300 Hazy Snare side head for the bottom. (*This would be similar to Remo’s – Coated CS Reverse Dot on top and Ambassador Snare side heads). I use standard snare wires (I think 20 strand). This drum will crank up and really crack OR you can tune it WAY down and make it sound FAT. Adjust muffling according to how dry you want it to sound. The brass shell is heavy so I think that’s what gives it it’s warmth and projection, but being a metal drum gives it a little brightness that I like to hear. There ya go. I hope that helps answer your question. Peace, Carl – PS. Something I’d like to try is an Ashwood snare. I’ve never owned one, but I’ve heard them on recordings that are awesome.

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