SPIKE T SMITH:
PROFESSIONAL DRUMMER
INTERNATIONAL RECORDING & TOURING ARTIST
WORLDWIDE TOURING | RECORDING | ONLINE SESSIONS | TEACHING | CLINICIAN | CONSULTANCY | WRITING | TIPS
ABOUT SPIKE
Spike T Smith is a British professional freelance session drummer, artist, performer, musician and songwriter. He’s spent many years working internationally with some of the world’s finest artists and musicians, including Morrissey, punk legends The Damned, Killing Joke, New York Dolls, Steve Ignorant/Crass, Sona Fariq and Sacrilege, to name just a few.
Spike has worked with some of the most respected music producers on the planet, including:
Youth: The Verve; Pink Floyd; Paul McCartney; Crowded House; Black Grape; The Charlatans; Killing Joke.
Jerry Finn: Green Day; Morrissey; Blink 182; Rancid; Sum 41; Pennywise.
Alex Silva: Manic Street Preachers; Suede; Herbert Grönemeyer; Sona Fariq.
Jagz Kooner: Primal Scream; Oasis; Garbage; Massive Attack; Kasabian; Reverend and The Makers.
Andy Sneep: Megadeth; Saxon; Testament; Exodus; Arch Enemy; Opeth; Accept; Amon Amarth; Nevermore.
Harvey Birrell: Therapy; Buzzcocks; Crass; Snuff; Senseless Things; Jolt; Alien Sex Fiend; Silverfish; Flesh For Lulu.
Brendon Lynch: Paul Weller; Primal Scream; Ocean Colour Scene.
Originally from Wales, Spike has played drums and performed since he was 13 years old. He’s been described by Rhythm magazine “As the British version of American session heavy-weight, Josh Freese”.
Spike has a wide range of music styles and genres, and loves nothing more than being on the road touring and playing drums. He’s based in Cambridgeshire, in the UK and is CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR session work, live and studio, or depping WORK WORLDWIDE.
So, if you need a professional, experienced drummer, with a proven track record to perform with you, or a band you produce, or manage, on a current, or upcoming music project or tour, contact Spike direct for a chat.
Spike also provides online and private tuition, music consultancy, drum workshops, and advice.
You can also follow Spike on Facebook, on YouTube, or just send him an e-mail at spike@spiketsmith.com.
WATCH SPIKE IN ACTION
Spike has covered many musical styles and genres. He is well known for rock, metal, hardcore, punk and reggae drumming, but has also shown his versatility performing funk, jazz, hip-hop and many other styles. See more for yourself in the videos below.
THRASH METAL
SOUNDTRACK
HIP-HOP
BIG-BAND JAZZ
DRUM TUITION
Spike T Smith Drum Tuition is the foremost drum teaching facility in Cambridgeshire. With a purpose built studio in Peterborough that provides a state of the art teaching environment for complete beginners and professional players of all ages.
Established in 1989, Spike T Smith is dedicated to teaching drums with a passion and total commitment to individual student development drawing from over 25 years of experience.
Tuition is available 5 days a week, with times to suit all. If you are looking for professional drum tuition please contact us here.
Tuition is available to all from beginners to advanced. Spike teaches all styles and techniques including Rock, Funk, Metal, Jazz, Indie, Sight reading, Double bass drumming, Rudiments, Linear drumming etc..
We are open 5 days a week, with times to suit all. If you are looking for professional drum tuition please contact us here.
Using Skype or Facetime, anyone, anywhere in the world can access one-to-one private drum tuition from Spike, a renowned professional drummer.
All you need is a laptop and internet connection, and you can learn from the convenience of your own home.
If you are looking for professional online drum tuition please contact us here.
All lessons are on a one to one basis. You can be confident in the knowledge your child will be taught in a comfortable and safe environment, which parents are welcome to inspect. Spike has a full DRB (enhanced) checked and Public Liability Insurance, documentation is always available on request.
Lessons are available 5 days a week, with times to suit all. If you are looking for professional drum tuition please contact us here.
We use Trinity Guildhall school of music and drama and Rock School examinations grades 1-8 which have proved to be very popular with both students and parents. However grading’s and examinations are not compulsory we also teach drumming for fun and personal enjoyment.
We are open 5 days a week, with times to suit all. If you are looking for professional drum tuition please contact us here.
We also offer gift certificates for 5 lessons for the price of 4. Please mention when enquiring.
We are open 5 days a week, with times to suit all. If you are looking for professional drum tuition please contact us here.
ONLINE SESSIONS
Access a world-class drummer to record drum-tracks for your music, from anywhere in the world.
HOW IT WORKS
Step 1:
Contact us using the Session Enquiry form or just Contact Us, optionally attach versions of your song(s) with or without drums, and we will be in touch to further discuss your requirements.
Step 2:
Receive a quote and estimated turnaround time. Once agreed, Spike will begin professionally recording your multi-track drum track(s).
Skype Option: Join Spike LIVE in the studio to input on the recording of your drum-track in real-time!
Step 3:
Spike will then send you a rough MP3 mix of your drum track(s). You will then be able to choose to discuss any amendments or changes if desired. Once happy with the tracks, the stems and a stereo mix of the tracks will be prepared.
Step 4:
Upon payment, all of the tracks and mix will be made available to download in your chosen formats.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
As well as providing tuition and online sessions, Spike has a wide range of skills and years of experience enabling him to offer a number of valuable services.
Touring
Spikes favourite line of work is touring with great bands. He has worked all over the world with acts such as Morrissey, The Damned and many others.
Recording
Spike can help you or your band with recording in a studio setting. He is also available as a session musician if you need some drums for your recording.
Consultancy
With years of experience, Contact Spike if you would like to know more about touring, recording, drumming or general advice regarding the music industry.
Writing
Need help writing drums for your music? Spike is on hand to help.
Clinician
Spike often runs drumming workshops, offering advice and tuition to large groups of budding and experienced drummers alike.
EQUIPMENT
When you record with Spike, in the studio or remotely, you will access high-end professional recording equipment and software. See some of the equipment at your disposal here…
Drums
Pearl Masters Custom Maple shell.
22×18 Bass Drum.
8×7, 10×8, 12×10, 13×12, 16×16 Toms.
Pearl Masters SST Premium Birch Shell.
22×18 Bass Drum.
10×7, 12×9, 16×16 Toms.
Snare Drums
Pearl Masters Custom Maple Shell.
14×6.5, 12×6.5, 10×7.
Omar Hakim Signature African Mahogany13x5.
Ludwig:
Black Beauty Brass Shell Black Nickel Plated 14×6.5.
Coliseum Classic Maple 14×8.
Slingerland:
Vintage Sound King Chrome over Brass 14×6.5.
Cymbals (All Zildjian)
13 & 14 Inch Quick Beat Hi Hats.
14” K MasterSound Hi Hats.
14” K/Z Combination Hi Hats.
17” A Custom fast Crash.
18” A Custom Projection Crash.
19” A Custom Crash.
20” A Custom Medium Crash.
22” Z3 Rock Ride.
22 K Custom Dark Ride.
18” China Boy High.
19” K China.
9” Oriental Trash Splash.
10” K Splash.
9.5″ Zil-bel.
Drumheads (All Remo)
Clear Emperor or Pinstripes, top head on Toms.
Clear Ambassador, Bottom head on Toms.
Weatherking Coated Ambassador or Coated Controlled Sound top head on Snares.
Ambassador Snare, bottom head.
Accessories
Projection Racket Drum Mat & Cases.
64 Audio In Ear Monitors.
Zildjian Drum Sticks.
Microphones:
Shure Beta 52
Audio Technica ATM 25
AKG D112
Shure SM57 (x3)
Shure SM58 (x3)
Beyerdynamic TG-X 48
Audio Technica MB2k (X2)
Rode NT 5 (X2)
Neumann TLM 103
Red 5 RV4 (x2)
Red 5 RV15
Red 5 RV6 (X2)
Outboard:
Soundcraft Ghost 24
Focusrite Octopre MkII Dynamic
Focusrite Platinum Voicemaster
Focusrite Green 3 Channel Strip
Joemeek ThreeQ
TL Audio Fat Man
Digital Processing:
RME Hammerfall 9652 interface
Cockos Reaper DAW
Slate Digital & Waves plugins
iZotope Ozone 7 Mastering Suite
GALLERY
TESTIMONIALS
Spike has put years of practice into constantly improving his drumming techniques. He prides himself on taking a professional approach, working hard, but also having fun along the way!
See what others have to say about him…
Spike and I played together some years ago in Rugrat / Bulltaco and recently we ended up playing on the last MEDICATION UK Tour. I have to say he hasn’t changed one bit and is as professional as ever. He had obviously done his homework, quickly, within one Rehearsal he had the majority of the songs completed, to a very high standard and was playing with confidence. He was on time, applied himself to the task at hand, calm and collected. If anything he actually elevated the songs to a new level, live and was consistent in his playing. On the road he’s very easily to get along with and helps out wherever possible. Not only a pro drummer, a top man, he’s a great person to get along with and a life long friend.
Totally Rad! Spike is one of the most technically skilled drummers I’ve ever seen!
Lessons with Spike were both inspiring and enjoyable. Spike helped me to become the player I aspired to be and I still love to chat and trade Ideas with him even now. Spike is a drumming institution in this town and will always support his pupils and turn up at their gigs.
I have been having lessons with Spike for almost 10 years now & if it wasn’t for his teaching techniques I wouldn’t be doing everything I’m able to do today. I am still having lessons & even after all this time he still finds ways to really push my playing, (never thought I’d be playing & enjoying intricate jazz patterns & coordination for instance). Top player, top teacher, top man!
Spike is one of the finest teachers I know. I remember well the lessons I had with him many years ago and still use a number of his ideas in my own teaching methods. Great drummer, great teacher, always top of my recommended tutors list.
Great to meet you, and thanks for the great work you did with Killing Joke in China.
Love the new More I see album mate – great playing!
When I first started drums I couldn’t do much but when I started to learn from Spike I picked up things from him really fast and now I’m playing a lot better than I thought I could!
I was already playing local gigs when I started lessons with Spike. His advice and guidance has taken my playing to the next level. It is a privilege to be taught by a world renowned professional
Spike T Smith is brilliant drummer and an all around amazing human being!
CONTACT SPIKE
WORLDWIDE TOURING | RECORDING | ONLINE SESSIONS | TEACHING | CLINICIAN | CONSULTANCY | WRITING | TIPS
Need a drummer? Whether you’re local or anywhere in the world, get in touch to talk about how you could work together.
If you’d like to learn more about Spikes thoughts and motivations, follow his Facebook page or check out his YouTube channel.
