I am very excited to announce that I now have listings here:
SoundBetter.com
and
BrokenMusic.com
So, you can book me directly, or via one of the above links - (25% discount if you book through SoundBetter! - (limited time only))
Whoop!
12.3.14
New Web Presence...
I am very excited to announce that I now have listings here:
SoundBetter.com
and
BrokenMusic.com
So, you can book me directly, or via one of the above links - (25% discount if you book through SoundBetter! - (limited time only))
Whoop!
6.2.14
Back again...?
I flew back from England on Monday after spending 70 hours in the studio with some truly amazing musicians...
If being asked to attend a song-writing and recording session by the UK's "next biggest producer" wasn't enough, the fact that it was for Josh Kumra made it an extra special honour. If you don't know who Josh Kumra is, you should definitely have a listen... His songs are beautiful, his lyrics connect and his voice, well, that's something else entirely...
I've been lucky enough to play for some outstanding bands and musicians in my career and Josh has to be right up at the top of the list; Witnessing the magic when an artist can play a tune with perfect emotion and intent is something that always gets me, but to see it done in one take, the sun shining through the window shining off the guitar and with the fire crackling in the background, that is a moment I don't think I'll forget in a long time...
Hopefully this past weeks session won't be the last time I get to work with Josh and the team.
I am very excited about 2014. It has obviously started extremely well, not only with the session last week, but also having already played a couple of shows with Strangers By Day.
There will definitely be more shows, not only from Strangers, but also from other projects and bands I am working with:
FlyCatFly are playing a show in Arpke, Germany in July (7th) along with some Swindoners! I am hoping this won't be a one off!
On the same bill, and also with some stand-alone shows, I have been working with Zeki Min on his solo album (mixing in progress). I can't wait to hear the finished product...
The extremely intense - (I think that's probably the most apt adjective) - "Frog Baseball", also have an album in the mixing stages and will be ready to explode live soon.
Dr Paradiddles WonderDrumporium is getting busier too, but still I want more! I get bored when I don't have a million things to do! So, if you need some drums recorded (anywhere!), or if you are in Berlin and want some drum lessons, please get in touch!
If being asked to attend a song-writing and recording session by the UK's "next biggest producer" wasn't enough, the fact that it was for Josh Kumra made it an extra special honour. If you don't know who Josh Kumra is, you should definitely have a listen... His songs are beautiful, his lyrics connect and his voice, well, that's something else entirely...
 |
| Mr Sam Bates |
Hopefully this past weeks session won't be the last time I get to work with Josh and the team.
I am very excited about 2014. It has obviously started extremely well, not only with the session last week, but also having already played a couple of shows with Strangers By Day.
There will definitely be more shows, not only from Strangers, but also from other projects and bands I am working with:
FlyCatFly are playing a show in Arpke, Germany in July (7th) along with some Swindoners! I am hoping this won't be a one off!
On the same bill, and also with some stand-alone shows, I have been working with Zeki Min on his solo album (mixing in progress). I can't wait to hear the finished product...
The extremely intense - (I think that's probably the most apt adjective) - "Frog Baseball", also have an album in the mixing stages and will be ready to explode live soon.
Dr Paradiddles WonderDrumporium is getting busier too, but still I want more! I get bored when I don't have a million things to do! So, if you need some drums recorded (anywhere!), or if you are in Berlin and want some drum lessons, please get in touch!
15.1.14
Hello 2014!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
I know I'm about two weeks late to be saying that, but it's been a super busy start to 2014 for me!!!
I joined a new band last week... having had a couple of rehearsals for the super lovely "Strangers By Day", we have two gigs already happening this week in Berlin! (No pressure then...)
I also started and finished(!) recording an album between Christmas and New Year with "Frog Baseball" in Berlin... We're looking to gig as soon as we get out lazy arses into gear and book some shows...
I recorded a new tune, "My Good Day" with FlyCatFly which you can hear on my Soundcloud. The other exciting news from the FlyCat's is that we have a show booked! (July 12th)
Dr Paradiddles WonderDrumporium is fully functional now, (apart from the sign not being painted yet), but I still have room for students so email me if you want some!
At the end of 2013 I recorded a live album in my studio with Zeki, the fantastic lead singer from The Driftwood Fairytales. A "solo" album, we recorded everything live (drums, bass, guitar and vocals) in two days. The mixing is underway and so we look forward to some live touring and an album release in 2014.
I am finally ready to launch a Rock Club here in Berlin at the Berlin Met. It's been a while in the offing, but the time is finally here.
All of this not to mention the most exciting upcoming work I have...
...Next week I am flying to the UK for a week. I am extremely excited to have been asked to work on the new album with one of the UK's most exciting young singer/songwriter's!
It's gonna be a busy year ahead full of music and drums. I am expecting there to be a lot of recording, a lot of shows and some teaching thrown in for good measure (and the world cup)! Here's to 2014! Happy music!
At the end of 2013 I recorded a live album in my studio with Zeki, the fantastic lead singer from The Driftwood Fairytales. A "solo" album, we recorded everything live (drums, bass, guitar and vocals) in two days. The mixing is underway and so we look forward to some live touring and an album release in 2014.
I am finally ready to launch a Rock Club here in Berlin at the Berlin Met. It's been a while in the offing, but the time is finally here.
All of this not to mention the most exciting upcoming work I have...
...Next week I am flying to the UK for a week. I am extremely excited to have been asked to work on the new album with one of the UK's most exciting young singer/songwriter's!
It's gonna be a busy year ahead full of music and drums. I am expecting there to be a lot of recording, a lot of shows and some teaching thrown in for good measure (and the world cup)! Here's to 2014! Happy music!
6.11.13
Dr. Paradiddles Wonder Drumporium!
Dr.
Paradiddles WonderDrumporium
Dr.
Paradiddles WonderDrumporium
Dr.
Paradiddles WonderDrumporium
It's been a completely "Rich Millin" few weeks here in Berlin... For any of you who know me and know how busy I generally was back in the UK, well, those times have finally fought me up in Berlin...
Firstly, I had immense pleasure to host six Drum Recording Techniques Workshops at DBS Music at the legendary Funkhaus in Berlin over the last couple of weeks. The first two last week in the DBS studios and then the final 2 this week in the Funkhaus Studio.
Me on the kit in The Funkhaus Studio
Not only was it a special time to perform and record at a place steeped in such amazing history, but the sound was quite frankly unbelievable.
A view from my seat...
Looking down...
Secondly, I have been busy practicing lots of music for various bands ready to record some choice albums coming later this year.
Aaaaand! Last but not least: Dr. Paradiddles Wonder Drumporium! My new drum teaching school in the heart of Berlin is now up and running!
Dr. Paradiddles Wonder Drumporium can be found at: Solmsstraße 16 D-10961 Berlin, Germany - (Map)
I already have a (pretty much) fully booked practice room diary but am still open for students looking to learn some drums. I also offer drum tuning and repair services and am even considering opening a small shop, selling spares and smaller items such as sticks and skins.
I also have a deal in place with the wonderful custom made drum manufacturer, CDS Drums - (CDS Facebook) - and am able to order anything from snares and individual drums to full kits. See their website for what's on offer.
The rooms are also fully kitted out with 3 drum kits, speakers, headphones and some beautiful Diril Cymbals.
If you would like to know more about practice room times, drum lessons, repair or tuning services, booking me for workshops & masterclasses or buying something drummy, please email me directly:
richmillindrums@gmail.com
For now this will have to do, as I am so rushed off my feet the website has to wait...
Playing!
3.10.13
Drum Teaching In Berlin
As you may, (or may not) know, I am an experienced drum teacher. I have been educating drums, percussion, music, music performance and other music business related areas for the past 15 years or so.
Having said that, I have just had a 2 year break after relocating to Berlin in Germany and setting up my [remote] recording studio.
The time has now come however, that I am out to teach again!
I have recently acquired a small teaching studio in the heart of Berlin, (Solmsstrasse)! I need to go and do a recon mission this week and figure out equipment needs, but I should hopefully be ready to teach there from next week! (Oct 2013)
For those interested, the price is 25 Euros per hour and you should contact me here:
richmillindrums@gmail.com
There is also a small individual practice booth which can be used for any instrumentalist (or vocalists), not just drummers, to come and make some noise! I can rent this to you for 10 Euros per hour.
Again, anyone interested should email me at the above address.
The lesson times can be any day between 10am and 8pm (8pm finish, so 7pm being the latest lesson start time).
As well as all of that, I am also running workshops and masterclasses covering many varied topics based around drums, recording, careers & music business and music performance. These workshops are at present only available to students at DBS Music in Berlin, but I am looking to making this more publicly available.
I am also (!) going to be running some Rock School style after school clubs at an International secondary school in the centre of Berlin, hopefully also starting later this month!
(2 years off... and now I'm too busy to even contemplate buying GTA5 dammit...)
Update... I just signed the lease on my very own drum school here in Berlin! I can take bookings immediately!
Having said that, I have just had a 2 year break after relocating to Berlin in Germany and setting up my [remote] recording studio.
The time has now come however, that I am out to teach again!
I have recently acquired a small teaching studio in the heart of Berlin, (Solmsstrasse)! I need to go and do a recon mission this week and figure out equipment needs, but I should hopefully be ready to teach there from next week! (Oct 2013)
For those interested, the price is 25 Euros per hour and you should contact me here:
richmillindrums@gmail.com
There is also a small individual practice booth which can be used for any instrumentalist (or vocalists), not just drummers, to come and make some noise! I can rent this to you for 10 Euros per hour.
Again, anyone interested should email me at the above address.
The lesson times can be any day between 10am and 8pm (8pm finish, so 7pm being the latest lesson start time).
As well as all of that, I am also running workshops and masterclasses covering many varied topics based around drums, recording, careers & music business and music performance. These workshops are at present only available to students at DBS Music in Berlin, but I am looking to making this more publicly available.
I am also (!) going to be running some Rock School style after school clubs at an International secondary school in the centre of Berlin, hopefully also starting later this month!
(2 years off... and now I'm too busy to even contemplate buying GTA5 dammit...)
Update... I just signed the lease on my very own drum school here in Berlin! I can take bookings immediately!
21.9.13
STILLE POST
A game for (remote session) recording musicians.
The concept:
About 5 years ago I came up with an idea for a game. The game basically being a musical version of Chinese Whispers. ("Stille Post" is the German name for the game "Chinese Whispers".)
Since I am currently sitting in my drum recording studio waiting for that "next session", I thought now would be a great time to start the game!
Chinese Whispers, (if you didn't play it when you were a kid), is a game in which one person whispers a message to another, which is passed through a line of people until the last player announces the message to the entire group.
As a drummer it has always been the case that I am last to write my part, or asked by another musician or song-writer to play something that they already have in mind. And, specialising in contemporary styles I generally write a piece of drums or percussion that "fits" with what is already being played, or end up playing something that suits a musical idea. This, after many years of playing in bands, has kind of led me to be a little creatively frustrated. Don't get me wrong, I love playing drums so much and I really do enjoy working with other musicians loads, but the idea for the game just popped into my head one day when I was wondering how a song would end sounding up if it started with literally just a tempo. I thought, "this would give me 100% complete freedom to just write and play something on the drums". A blank canvas and creative freedom! Whoop!
So, how will it work?:
The Starting Point.
The first person, or starting point, for this game is tempo and rhythm. Musical style notwithstanding, this can be literally anything! And, because it's my game, I will always be the starting point!
The End Point.
The last person involved has to be a producer. Someone who gets everything that's been recorded and makes some kind of sense of it! And, again, being as this is my game, the first round will come back to me as an end point. If this experiment works and there is a round 2 (or more!) then other producers could end up playing.
The Bit In The Middle.
This is the musical message that will be passed along a line of musicians without any one of them hearing the entire piece until the end...
Playing The Game:
After I have created some rhythmical foundation - the starting point - I will then pass on that drum part to player number 2 (player 2 being a melodic instrumentalist - ANY instrument). Player 2 can literally play anything they want! This can be as simple or complex as they want to make it.
Next, since player 1 (drums) has determined tempo and player 2 has determined key, from then on it's just a case of further players adding parts. But, the game is this: Player 3, ONLY gets sent player 2's part. The drums will be removed...
Then, player 4 will be sent ONLY player 3's part.
Player 5, only player 4's and so on...
Make sense?
Now, in my mind, players 1 & 2 have already established tempo and key, so the rest of the players parts should, theoretically fit!
That's the whole fun of the game though - the final outcome won't be heard until literally, the very end of the game. No one until the producer at the end will get to hear all the parts!
This might sound amazing! It might sound bloody terrible! Who knows?! But that's the fun bit, right?!
The Rules:
The rules are very simple: If you would like to play, simply email me - richmillindrums@gmail.com - and I will send you "something" for you to record along to. Then you will have a limited time of 1 week only to submit your recording back to me. This should be sent as a WAV file.
Questions about copyright and money will be ignored. This is a game for fun. I am not intending to sell any of this music. In fact, since joining Session Exchange, I thought this game would be a great idea for session musicians and singers to showcase what they can do with complete freedom and also have some fun in their down-time at the same time :-)
So, are you interested in playing?
Email me!
richmillindrums@gmail.com
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