Behind the Drums: Preparing for Soul Rash’s Trilogy
- studiodrummer6
- Feb 9
- 2 min read
Hello folks! I hope this post finds you well and busy with your music ventures. After recording the last Soul Rash album, Legacy, I’m gearing up to play drums on the 3rd Soul Rash album, Trilogy. Here’s a peek at how I prepare for a productive and efficient studio session.
Musical Preparation
I start by listening to any demo recordings. My goal is to record a track on the first take, but no more than two takes.
Sometimes demos come with charts; if not, I create my own drum chart or chart map to outline the arrangement, time signatures, tempo, and style.
Other times, I memorize the track arrangement directly from the demo. I choose the method based on how many tracks I need to learn.
Being prepared before recording day makes a huge difference in the final production.
Here’s a clip of me playing on a Soul Rash track to give you an idea of the sound and feel I aim for in the studio:
Gear & Equipment
I always check what to bring — a full kit, just cymbals, or using the studio’s house kit.
I bring my stick/mallet bag, drum keys, and stick pine tar. I use pine tar on my right-hand stick because of my prosthetic wrist — the extra tackiness helps control the stick.
The key is finding ways to overcome challenges and adapt to each session.
Well Being
I maintain mental and physical wellness, especially before a performance.
Rest, hydration, and a light, healthy meal make a big difference.
Arriving early at the studio is critical — it gives time to set up, warm up, and communicate with staff.
My goal is always to play the appropriate drum part with groove, feel, and musical enhancement — whether simple or complex.
Pro Tip / Fun Anecdote
I’ve done a lot of recording sessions over the years, including several with Chris (Soul Rash). During the Legacy sessions at Carriage House Studio in Stamford, Connecticut, one memorable moment happened — DON’T CLOSE YOUR HAND IN THE CONTROL ROOM DOOR! Definitely not something I’d recommend, but it made for a memorable day.
That session really gave me a chance to experiment and stay loose in the studio.
Looking ahead, the next sessions for Trilogy will be at Timber Canyon Studios in Laramie, Wyoming, and I’m excited to bring all this experience to the new recordings.
Closing
Even if you’re not a drummer, these tips give a behind-the-scenes look at how studio professionals prepare and manage their craft. Thanks for your time, and keep playing!
Let’s roll!
Brett
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