About

I'm James Walker, a drummer based near Petersfield, Hampshire in the UK.

I have extensive experience, both in live performance and recording.

I'm versatile, able to cover a range of genres, including, but not limited to: pop, rock, indie, soul, funk, dance, ambient, country and acoustic / unplugged, from the 60's through to today.

I work with artists, songwriters and bands developing original material and playing covers - have a listen to some examples of my playing on the spotify player on the right →

I use pro-level gear; acoustic drums and cymbals, and electronic / hybrid kits. I'm comfortable playing with clicks / backing tracks and loops, and create and develop these for projects.

I have a real passion for music and collaborating with artists and musicians to create engaging music and performances.

I'm currently working with Portsmouth based duo Magnetic Skies, and Surrey songwiters Jim Cozens and Rebecca Jayne amongst other projects.

I'm available for dep work (which I do regularly), and online collaboration (creation of drum stems etc.) - feel free to get in contact

Site photo credits: Emilie Stevens, Martin Dance, Dave Pullinger, Ginessa Walker

Experience

Having picked up the basics, I studied with former BBC Radio Big Band drummer Paul Brodie for three years, which has given my playing a solid foundation.

I have since gained extensive experience in both live performance, gigging with a variety of bands, and recording in a number of studios.

Current projects include:

  • Simon Kent - I've been playing with Simon since 2012, and played and programmed the majority of the drums on his most recenty album "In Another Life" which you can hear on spotify
    • . I'm also playing on some of the releases from Simons' current project, Magnetic Skies
  • Jim Cozens - I've been playing with Jim for the last year or so, and played on a couple of tracks on his new album, About Love
  • Rebecca Jayne - I've played in Rebecca's live band for an EP launch and festivals
  • The Silence Between Echoes - an ambient instrumental project

I have worked with several bands and artists, including:

Gear

I use pro-level gear; acoustic drums and cymbals, and electronic / hybrid setups (acoustic and electronics) that can cover a range of genres and deliver a great drum sound, from big festival stages, national music venues, down to intimate acoustic venues.

I use Logic Pro and and Ableton Live to track demos (acoustic drum parts, percussion and electronic / drum machine parts) and develop backing tracks with clicks and cues.

I have plenty of experience getting drum sounds, both live and in the studio and can tune and mic drums to get classic and contemporary drum sounds.

I have finished and assembled several snare drums and a kit from raw shells, which I play regularly!