The Heartbeat of the Band: My Drum Setup and Sound Philosophy

When people talk about what makes a band sound great, they often jump straight to vocals or guitar tone. But for me, the heartbeat of any live performance is the drum kit — the pulse, the drive, the glue that holds everything together. As the drummer for All About Everything and The Record Covers, I’ve spent years refining my setup to deliver a sound that’s not just powerful, but musical.

🎶 My Main Kit: Gretsch Catalina Club

At the core of my setup is the Gretsch Catalina Club — a compact, punchy kit that’s perfect for live gigs and studio work alike. The shell sizes are:

- 18" Kick: Small but mighty. With the right head and tuning, it delivers a deep, focused thump that cuts through the mix without overpowering.

- 10" Rack Tom: Tight and articulate, great for fills and accents.

- 14" Floor Tom: Warm and resonant, it rounds out the low end beautifully.

- 14" Mapex Brass Cat Black Panther Snare: This is my pride and joy. It’s got bite, body, and character. I LOVE this drum — it responds to every nuance and never lets me down.

🪶 The Heads That Shape the Sound

Drum shells are only half the story. The heads you choose — and how you tune them — are what really define your tone.

- Evans EC2 Clear Batter Heads on the toms give me a rich, full-bodied sound. They’re perfect for tuning low, which complements the mahogany shells of the Catalina Club.

The result? A deep, musical tone that fills the room without muddying the mix.

- Evans EC Reverse Dot on the snare is a game-changer. It’s punchy, controlled, and versatile. Whether I’m laying down a groove or cracking through a chorus, it delivers exactly what I need.

- Evans EMAD2 on the kick drum gives me that perfect balance of attack and depth. It’s tight, focused, and sits beautifully in the mix — especially when paired with a well-EQ’d PA system.

🔊 Why This Matters

A great drum sound isn’t just about gear — it’s about intention. Every choice I make, from shell size to head selection, is about creating a sound that supports the band. I want the audience to feel the groove in their chest, to move with the rhythm, to get lost in the moment.

And while drums are my domain, I’m just as passionate about the PA side of things — how we project that sound to the crowd. That’s a whole other topic I’ll be diving into soon.

For now, this is the foundation. This is where the magic starts.