JAMES YATES (Engineering, Building Plugins, Recording Experiments & More)

Got to interview drummer and producer Matt Ingram as he discusses the evolution of Urchin Studios and his philosophy on capturing the perfect take. This conversation explores everything from technical mic setups and the "no bottom snare" preference to the nuanced art of drum tuning and working empathetically with vocalists. It is an essential watch for any musician or engineer looking to master the balance between technical precision and creative intuition. ------------------------------ For More on Matt Follow him online IG https://www.instagram.com/matturchin https://urchinstudios.co.uk --------------------------- SUBSCRIBE to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/@chriscastellitto FOLLOW FOR MORE INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/chrisdrumsonline TIK TOK - https://www.tiktok.com/chrisdrumsonline

In this episode, I sit down with acclaimed recording engineer Wil Anspach, better known in the industry as Greazy Wil. From his early beginnings to his collaborative work with session legends like Jake Reed, Wil pulls back the curtain on his philosophy for capturing world-class drum sounds. We dive deep into the technical and the tactical, covering everything from his unconventional mic choices—like putting an AKG D112 on a snare bottom—to the psychological game of envisioning the "right" sound before the first hit. Whether you’re a home studio enthusiast or a seasoned pro, Wil’s insights on speed, sample reinforcement, and "Drummer DON’Ts" are pure gold. ----------------------------- For More on Wil Follow him online IG https://www.instagram.com/greazywil TIKTOK https://www.tiktok.com/ https://www.wilanspach.com/ His Online Course --- https://www.greazydoesit.com/ --------------------------- SUBSCRIBE to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/@chriscastellitto FOLLOW FOR MORE INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/chrisdrumsonline TIK TOK - https://www.tiktok.com/chrisdrumsonline

To celebrate the 30th Episode of the Podcast I couldn't have asked for better guest than one of my drum heroes. In fact, I had the chance to sit down with the legendary drummer and producer behind The Heliocentrics, Malcolm Catto. Known for his raw, hypnotic grooves and his uncompromising analog ethos, Malcolm took the time to show the behind the scenes of his infamous Quatermass Sound Lab. We trace his journey from his early obsession with Hip-Hop and Funk to his unique philosophy on "playing with intent." For the gear enthusiasts, Malcolm breaks down the specifics of his iconic drum sound, covering everything from his unconventional mic setups and snare tuning to his approach to mixing and the use of pedals to push sonic boundaries. Whether you’re a drummer looking to refine your pocket or a producer chasing that elusive vintage grit, this masterclass in vibe and technique is not to be missed. ------------------------------ For More on Malcolm Follow him online https://www.theheliocentrics.com/ --------------------------- SUBSCRIBE to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/@chriscastellitto FOLLOW FOR MORE INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/chrisdrumsonline TIK TOK - https://www.tiktok.com/chrisdrumsonline

In this episode, I sit down with renowned record producer and engineer Julian Kindred for an expansive look at his international career and his meticulous approach to capturing world-class drum sounds. From his early days in Canada to the high-stakes studios of Nashville and London, Julian has refined a sonic signature that has graced records by Steve Winwood and Ellie Goulding.------------------------------ For More on Julian Follow him online https://www.instagram.com/juliankindred https://juliankindred.com/--------------------------- SUBSCRIBE to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/@chriscastellitto FOLLOW FOR MORE INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/chrisdrumsonline TIK TOK - https://www.tiktok.com/chrisdrumsonline

Whether you know him for his vintage breakbeats or his impeccable pocket, Tamuz has become a definitive voice in the modern "drummer-producer" landscape. In this episode, I sit down with the man behind the samples to trace his journey from self-taught YouTube student to a master of analog aesthetics. We dive deep into the technical and the philosophical—covering everything from the nuances of tape machines and mic placement to the "producer mindset" required to make a kit truly sing on record.------------------------------ For More on Tamuz Follow him online https://www.instagram.com/tamuzsamples https://tamuzsamples.com/ --------------------------- SUBSCRIBE to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/@chriscastellitto FOLLOW FOR MORE INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/chrisdrumsonline TIK TOK - https://www.tiktok.com/chrisdrumsonline

Join me for an insightful deep dive with mixing engineer Adrian Hall as he recounts his journey from the legendary Metropolis Studios to crafting massive drum sounds for artists like Tori Amos. Adrian shares practical wisdom on mastering room acoustics, the nuances of compression, and essential advice for the next generation of music creators. ------------------------------ For More on Adrian Follow him online https://www.instagram.com/adrianehall https://adrian-hall.com/ --------------------------- SUBSCRIBE to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/@chriscastellitto FOLLOW FOR MORE INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/chrisdrumsonline TIK TOK - https://www.tiktok.com/chrisdrumsonline

In this episode, I sit down with the one and only Emre Ramazanoglu, a force of nature in the studio whose credits range from the legendary Noel Gallagher to the visionary David Bowie. Emre takes us on a journey from his rhythmic beginnings to his evolution as a world-class drummer, producer, and mix engineer. We dive deep, exploring his technical philosophy on drum tuning, phase alignment, and the delicate art of mic placement. Whether he’s discussing the creation of his Mix Drums plugin, the nuances of mixing for film and TV, or his work with the experimental jazz outfit Ill Considered, Emre always delivers. ------------------------------ For More on Emre Follow him online https://www.instagram.com/emre_ram https://www.emreaudio.com --------------------------- SUBSCRIBE to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/@chriscastellitto FOLLOW FOR MORE INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/chrisdrumsonline TIK TOK - https://www.tiktok.com/chrisdrumsonline

Join me for an in-depth conversation with the multi-instrumentalist and producer extraordinaire, Otis McDonald (aka Joe Bagale). We trace his journey from getting serious behind the drum kit to moving to San Francisco and joining the legendary Jazz Mafia. Joe opens up about his time playing with the Grateful Dead and the pivotal moment he began working with YouTube—a move that turned "Otis McDonald" into a household name for creators worldwide. We also go deep into the technical weeds, discussing the secrets behind his iconic Otis Snare Sound, his "mixing on the way in" philosophy, and his refreshing take on how AI is shaping the future of music. Whether you’re here for the gear talk or the career inspiration, this one is packed with gems. ------------------------------ For More on Otis Follow him online https://www.instagram.com/otismcdonald https://otismcdonald.bandcamp.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@OtisMacMusic https://www.otismacmusic.com/ --------------------------- SUBSCRIBE to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/@chriscastellitto FOLLOW FOR MORE INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/chrisdrumsonline TIK TOK - https://www.tiktok.com/chrisdrumsonline

In this episode, I sit down with James Yates, the founder of Majetone. We trace his journey from the drum throne to the engineering suite, exploring how his experience as a session drummer and assistant to Jimmy Hogarth led him to become one of the most innovative plugin designers in the industry today. Whether you're looking for technical studio hacks—like his unique method for adding mass to a bass drum—or career advice for the modern musician, James offers a masterclass in staying curious and versatile. ------------------------------ For More on James Follow him online https://www.instagram.com/majetone https://majetone.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@MAJETONE --------------------------- SUBSCRIBE to the channel: @chriscastellitto FOLLOW FOR MORE INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/chrisdrumsonline TIK TOK - https://www.tiktok.com/chrisdrumsonline

In this episode, we talk with session drummer and MD, Dan Bailey, about the realities of the modern music industry. With a career spanning major tours and high-end session work, Dan shares practical advice on the technical and professional sides of being a working musician. Whether you’re a drummer looking to level up your recording game or a music lover curious about the mechanics of a hit record, Dan’s insights on creativity and professionalism are masterclass-level. ------------------------------ For More on Dan Follow him online / drichardbailey https://drichardbailey.persona.co/ --------------------------- SUBSCRIBE to the channel: @chriscastellitto FOLLOW FOR MORE INSTAGRAM - / chrisdrumsonline TIK TOK - / chrisdrumsonline