Session drummer – drum recording in Poznań and remotely

A drum part can completely change the character of a song. It can give it energy, bring out the groove, build tension or leave space for the vocal and other instruments. That’s why the choice of session drummer matters, both during production and when preparing material for release.

My name is Kajetan Pilarski. I’m a drummer, recording engineer and music producer. At C2 Studio in Poznań I record drum parts for artists and bands, and thanks to remote collaboration I can also record for projects being made in other cities and countries.

What does a session drummer do?

A session drummer is a musician invited to work on a specific recording or musical project. The job is to create a drum part that fits the character of the song, supports the other instruments and meets the needs of the artist or producer.

It’s not only about playing the rhythm correctly. Dynamics, articulation, timing, the placement of accents and the ability to adapt to the music are just as important.

Sometimes the best solution is a simple, consistent part that builds a solid foundation for the song. In other cases you need more elaborate fills, changes in dynamics or unusual rhythmic ideas.

As a session drummer I try above all to understand what a composition needs. The aim isn’t to show as many skills as possible, but to create a part that makes the song sound better.

Session drum recording in Poznań

I record at C2 Studio in Poznań. I work with a range of drum kits, snares, cymbals and microphones, which lets me fit the character of the sound to the specific material.

The choice of instruments and recording method depends on the style of the song and the desired result. A pop production may need a different approach from a rock one, and different again from a subtle ambient piece or material built on a more organic groove.

While recording I pay attention not only to the performance, but also to the sound of each part of the kit, the dynamics and the consistency of the whole part.

Remote drum recording – working wherever you are

You don’t have to be in Poznań to work with me. Remote drum recording makes it possible to work with artists and producers wherever their music is being made.

All you need to do is send reference material and information about the song. Based on that we can agree on the sonic direction, the character of the part and how it will be recorded.

The process can include:

• analysing the song and the reference material;
• preparing a drum part that fits the composition;
• choosing the instruments and sound;
• professionally recording the part;
• preparing the recorded tracks for further production.

As a result you get a recording you can use in your own project, wherever your studio is.

How do you prepare a song for a drum recording?

Before recording it’s worth preparing a demo of the song, the tempo and, if possible, a backing track without drums. Examples of sounds you like are also helpful.

You don’t need a finished vision of every hit, though. If you need help developing the part, we can decide together which groove, dynamics and character will work best in the song.

A well prepared drum part should be not only rhythmically precise, but above all musical and suited to the whole production.

Looking for a session drummer for your project?

If you’re working on a new single, an album, a production for another artist or music for an audiovisual project, I’d be glad to work with you.

I offer drum recording in Poznań and remote recording for projects from anywhere.

Get in touch, tell me about your song and let’s find the sound it needs.