Recording quotes
Quotes from Artists, Engineers, Producers, Band Mates and Clients
"I recently was working on some new songs and I wanted a new perspective on the drum parts and so I called up Mike and asked him if he would consider doing drum tracks. I realize that it would be nice to have somebody else play the groove on a couple of these songs just cause I wasn’t happy with what I was doing myself. So I sent the tracks to Mike on a ProTools session and within a couple of hours he had surpassed what I had tried to play on them and I love the different groove and perspective he had. It’s was perfect and easy. He also played multiple percussion tracks. His sound was amazing. His groove and pocket were perfect and I use them on the songs."
Kelly Keagy Drummer/Singer/Songwriter (Night Ranger)
“Mike Vanderhule’s style of drumming was exactly what I wanted for my album. Not only did he deliver on what I expected, he pushed beyond those expectations with creativity and feel, making for a distinct sound. Seeing as we recorded the entire album remotely, Mike was fully transparent with his own ideas, as well as mine and the producers. Highly recommended!"
James Durbin Singer/Songwriter (American Idol, Quiet Riot, DURBIN)
"Mike Vanderhule is most likely the finest drummer I've played with in my career, for his consistent grooves and powerful, reliable performances. With Mike's experience and talent, you can not only be certain you get a great backing track, but one that is crafted perfectly to accent the best for the song. And if a click track is desired, he plays through it with a very natural feel, which in my experience is not an easy task to achieve. Not to mention that he's a great hang. It's been a pleasure to play with him the last many years."
Dave Meniketti Legendary Y&T Front Man, Singer and Guitarist
"I’ve recorded several times with Mike and am always amazed at his drum sounds and great playing. He makes a bass player’s job very easy, especially with the online recording situation. He lays it down confidently and there is never a doubt where one is. And even more importantly he’s a great guy!"
Matt Bissonette Bass Player (Elton John, David Lee Roth, Ringo Starr, ELO)
"I have had the pleasure of working with Mike live and in the studio for the past 6 years. His understanding of both groove and drum sounds is amazing...It makes my job a lot easier. He is my "go to" drummer."
Tom Size FOH, Recording Engineer/Producer, Mixing & Mastering Engineer Aerosmith, Journey, Mr Big, Starship, Gregg Rolie, Y&T)
"Michael Vanderhule is my go to guy in the Bay Area for drums. A consummate pro, well versed in all styles, great with artists, pounds the drums and all around joy to work with ."
Michael Rosen Producer/Engineer/ Studio Owner (Tesla, Papa Roach, Santana, Rancid)
"I own Soundtek Studios in Campbell, California, besides being a recording artist. When I have used Mike for sessions, which is quite often, I am always impressed with the precision and attention to detail he brings. He is a scholar of all styles and plays them like he means it. No wimpy not sure what's gonna work with Mike. He gets on it, plays like he known the song for months and scrutinizes his performance until it meets his very high standard. He is also keenly aware of the kind of drum sound that will fit a song. I've used him on sessions from Latin to hard rock. Progressive, jazz and pop. Always, and I mean always - a true pro."
Robert Berry Multi-Instramentalist/Singer/Songwriter/
Producer/Engineer (ELP, Sammy Hagar, Ambrosia, Greg Khinn)
"Mike and I really got tight when I toured England, Scotland and Wales with Y&T in 2009; he then played all the drums on my solo album “Metal Cowboy” (released in 2014). He’s one of the best in the business at cutting remote drum tracks in his own studio and sending you exactly what the song needs, and this new version of “American Thunder” required his special kind of power and groove. If you're in need of drums on your project, hit him up."
Ron Keel Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist (Ron Keel Band, Keel, Steeler, IronHorse)
"Mike Vanderhule is easily the best drummer I have ever worked with. He is meticulous about every aspect of his drumming technique, drum tone and equipment. I continue to use him for all my music projects. Best of all is his wonderful sense of humor."
John Nymann Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter (Y&T, Eric Martin Band, 415)
"Mike has been my first choice for drum tracks. His remote capabilities bring the perfect parts, tones, and quality to our projects. He makes my job as producer easier with impeccable time and a warm, passionate feel. Attention to detail, flexible and generous, I'm fortunate to have his contributions. I have played with some of the best drummers in the business and he ranks right up there with them. Can't wait to work with him again."
Bill Bentley Guitarist/Producer (Bill has recorded with: Huey Lewis, Rikki Rockett, Starship Feat. Mickey Thomas, Eddie Money)
"I've been fortunate enough and honored to have had Mike play on multiple projects for me. Mike is the consummate professional. He is easy to work with, has a great Pro Tools rig/process in place and always delivers professional studio quality drum recordings of the highest musical quality. Mike's a fantastic drummer with a great groove, great sound, and he always delivers great performances. He has made my music and my recordings better and I'm confident he will do the same for you. If you're looking for a brilliant drummer to deliver great professional sounding drums consistently, then Mike is your man! He's also a super nice guy and a riot to hang with!"
David O'Leary Guitarist/Songwriter
"Mike is simply a monster musician and I have been absolutely thrilled with how he has been able to elevate my music. He's recorded the drum track on more than a dozen of the songs that I've released and, in every case, taken the recording to a new level in terms of drive, feel, and dynamics. As the touring drummer with Y&T, Mike naturally brings a power to his playing, as well as finesse. As a studio musician, he brings all of that performance experience and expertise into the recording session which only adds another dimension to the finished product. His playing has a unique style and personality which truly enhances the work that we've done together with my writing partner, Bill Bentley. As if all of that isn't enough, he's also one of the nicest guys you'll ever know!"
Dan Ashley Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist (News Anchor/Reporter ABC7 KGO-TV San Francisco Bay Area )
"As someone with 40+ years of experience in the music industry, I have many choices of who I can could call for drum tracks. Mike Vanderhule is always my first call because he's not only a solid drummer, he's a solid individual. Mike is a total pro with a great work ethic. His feel is extraordinary and he elevates whatever track he plays on. His recordings are always high quality and he works efficiently with short turnaround times. He is constructive and he just helps to make things better. Mike also takes feedback and direction really well when its necessary, but he often just delivers a great performance on the first take. His attitude is superb, he is a supportive guy and has been a very positive addition to any project we've ever done with him. Simply stated - Mike rocks!"
Brian Thomas Poirier (Entertainer, Producer)
"41POINT9 hired Mike for two songs off the new album “Mr. Astute Trousers.” These songs required subtlety, accuracy and finesse. Mike delivered and even exceeded on all points. The drums sounded fantastic and I barely had to do any EQ or compression. The tracks literally were ready to go “right out of the box” I cannot recommend his services highly enough."
Bob Madsen (41POINT9)