Breaking Into the Los Angeles Session Drumming Scene
The road to becoming a successful session drummer in Los Angeles is not for the faint of heart. Known as the entertainment capital of the world, LA boasts a music scene saturated with extraordinary talent. Musicians like Jim Keltner, Abe Laboriel Jr., Josh Freese, Joey Waronker, and others have set an exceptionally high bar for aspiring session drummers. These legendary players have not only mastered their craft but also forged relationships with producers, artists, and fellow musicians that keep them at the forefront of the industry. Despite this, carving out your niche as a session musician in Los Angeles is not impossible. With dedication, skill, and strategic networking, it’s a challenge that can be met with success.
The Role of LA Session Drummer Zak St. John
Among the many talented session drummers in Los Angeles, Zak St. John stands out as a unique figure in the world of music. Zak is not only a highly accomplished drummer, having performed with legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder, The B-52’s, and Corey Taylor, but he is also one of the only two Drum Doctors, alongside the iconic Ross Garfield. Zak’s expertise extends far beyond simply playing drums; he is a master of drum tuning, customization, and sound design. His role as a Drum Doctor involves ensuring that every drum kit achieves its peak tonal potential in both studio and live settings. This specialized skill has made him a go-to expert for producers, audio engineers, and artists who demand the highest level of quality from their instruments.
Zak’s professional life exemplifies the multifaceted nature of a session drummer’s career in Los Angeles. On any given day, Zak might start his morning tuning drums for a major recording session, spend his afternoon at his home studio, Holiver Productions, recording tracks for an independent music project, and then head to a rehearsal or live gig in the evening. His versatility allows him to seamlessly move between genres like rock music, pop, jazz, blues, hip hop music, and folk music, demonstrating the breadth of knowledge required to succeed as a session musician. Whether playing a stripped-down acoustic set or driving the rhythm in a full orchestra or live concert, Zak’s adaptability sets him apart.
Zak’s work with Drum Doctors further solidifies his reputation as a cornerstone of the Los Angeles music scene. The company’s extensive collection of vintage drums, including Ludwig drums, Gretsch drums, Slingerland drum company models, and Yamaha Recording Custom vintage kits, offers a treasure trove of options for creating unique and professional drum sounds. Zak’s 15 years of experience in drum tuning and teching at Drum Doctors have allowed him to fine-tune instruments for countless iconic recordings. From crafting custom lacquer finishes to precision edge cutting, his attention to detail ensures drums are as visually stunning as they are sonically perfect. It’s no surprise that his expertise has been trusted by legends like Dave Grohl, Lars Ulrich, and Abe Laboriel Jr., as well as emerging talents in genres ranging from punk rock to gospel music.
Zak’s home studio is another testament to his dedication to the craft of drumming. Equipped with over 25 drum kits, 40 snare drums, and a massive array of cymbals from brands like Paiste and Zildjian, Zak’s collection rivals that of the most well-stocked music venue or recording studio. Each piece of gear is carefully maintained and selected to provide the ideal sound for any project. Whether it’s the warm resonance of maple and mahogany shells or the sharp attack of birch and steel, Zak knows how to bring out the best in every instrument. His studio is equipped with state-of-the-art recording tools, including top-quality microphones and mastering software like Logic Pro, ensuring that every beat he records is polished to perfection.
After over a decade of living, working, and networking in Los Angeles, Zak has become one of the city’s most sought-after drummers for recording sessions and live performances. From high-profile gigs at iconic venues like the Paramount Theatre and major amphitheaters to intimate sets in jazz clubs and dive bars, Zak’s ability to deliver memorable performances is unmatched. He has also played a pivotal role in shaping the sounds of countless albums, extended play records, and demo tracks, collaborating with producers, songwriters, and other session musicians to create music that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Starting out as a session drummer in Los Angeles can be daunting. The early years often involve hustling for gigs, networking with other musicians and producers, and taking on less glamorous jobs to pay the bills. Building a reputation takes time, and success rarely comes overnight. However, by consistently showing up, delivering high-quality work, and maintaining a professional attitude, drummers can gradually carve out a niche in the competitive LA music scene.
Zak St. John’s career is a testament to the possibilities that exist for drummers willing to put in the work. By combining talent, dedication, and a deep understanding of the music industry, Zak has built a career that is as inspiring as it is diverse. For aspiring session drummers, his journey serves as both a roadmap and a reminder of the importance of perseverance. And for those looking to bring the sound of LA’s top-tier drumming to their own music, LA Session Drummer’s VST products offer an accessible way to elevate your recordings to the next level.
Mastering Genres and Sounds
To even consider becoming a session drummer in Los Angeles, you must possess a deep understanding of multiple genres of music. Jazz, rock music, blues, hip hop music, folk music, punk rock, pop music, indie rock, rhythm and blues, gospel music, country music, reggae, funk, and Latin music are just a few examples of the styles you’ll need to be comfortable playing. Each genre demands its own approach to tempo, rhythm, and groove, requiring drummers to adapt their technique, sound, and timing to the needs of the artist and producer.
However, technical mastery of these styles isn’t enough. Truly exceptional session drummers like Zak St. John know how to dial in drum sounds that fit perfectly within a studio recording. From selecting the right drum kit—whether it’s a classic Ludwig drums setup or a Slingerland drum company vintage kit—to tuning snare drums, bass drums, and floor toms for optimal resonance, the ability to shape sound in a studio setting is essential. Zak’s 15 years of experience at Drum Doctors has given him an unparalleled understanding of drum hardware, microphones, and sound design, ensuring that every recording session delivers a polished and professional result.
The Tools of the Trade
Zak’s home studio, Holiver Productions, is a treasure trove for drum enthusiasts. Housing over 25 drum kits, 40+ snare drums, and an extensive collection of rare and vintage gear, his studio offers an incredible range of sounds. From Gretsch drums to Sonor kits, Istanbul Agop cymbals to DW Collector's series and loads of vintage drums, Zak’s arsenal is equipped to handle any musical project. His setup includes maple, birch, and mahogany drum shells, as well as a variety of custom drum finishes, ensuring that every track has a unique tonal quality.
In addition to his physical tools, Zak’s technical expertise plays a critical role in his success. He understands how to utilize Pro Tools to record and mix drum tracks with precision. This combination of gear, creativity, and technical know-how enables him to deliver exceptional recordings that meet the high standards of LA’s music industry.
Networking in the Los Angeles Music Scene
Living and working in Los Angeles requires more than just talent; it demands relentless networking. The city is home to countless music venues, jazz clubs, amphitheaters, and recording studios, each offering opportunities to connect with other musicians, songwriters, and producers. Zak’s ability to build relationships within this vibrant ecosystem has been key to his success.
From major recording studios like Capitol Records and Paramount Studios to intimate settings like open mic nights at local dive bars, Zak’s presence in the LA music scene is felt everywhere. His reputation as both a skilled drummer and an expert drum technician has earned him collaborations with some of the industry’s top players, including Steve Gadd, Kenny Aronoff, and Abe Laboriel Jr.
Getting Started as a Session Drummer
For drummers hoping to follow in Zak’s footsteps, the journey begins with preparation. Building a strong foundation in multiple genres is critical, as is developing an ear for arrangement and sound design. Start by investing in quality drum gear—whether it’s vintage drums from brands like Rogers and Fibes or modern kits from Pearl drums and Drum Workshop. Learn how to tune your drums and experiment with different cymbal setups, drum heads, and microphones to find your signature sound.
Networking is equally important. Attend music festivals, collaborate with independent music artists, and participate in live events to showcase your skills. While early gigs may not pay well, the experience and connections you gain will be invaluable. Over time, you can build a portfolio of recordings and performances that demonstrate your versatility and professionalism.
The LA Session Drummer Advantage
For those who want to elevate their sound without the overhead of professional studio time, LA Session Drummer offers a range of drum VST products that bring the essence of professional session drumming to your home setup. These sample packs feature expertly recorded drum sounds, giving producers and musicians access to the same kits and tones used by industry leaders. Whether you’re working on a demo, an extended play, or a full album, these tools provide the quality and versatility needed to create outstanding music.
Breaking into the Los Angeles session drumming scene is no easy feat, but with dedication, skill, and a clear strategy, it’s a challenge that can lead to a rewarding career. Whether you’re inspired by the legacy of the Wrecking Crew, the grooves of Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, or the modern versatility of Zak St. John, the journey begins with a commitment to excellence in music, sound, and networking. Start small, dream big, and let your rhythm carve a path to success.
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