If you've followed my blog or YouTube channel for a while, you've probably seen me play and record drums in some pretty unconventional settings. From beaches and abandoned hangars to the shadowy underside of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, it's become a bit of a signature move for me: hauling gear into the wild and laying down a groove wherever the mood strikes. This isn’t just for show—it’s one of my favorite creative pursuits. Recording drums outdoors presents a unique challenge, but also opens up possibilities sonically, visually, and emotionally that are hard to replicate in a studio.
In the past few years, some of these outdoor recordings have ended up on actual releases—albums circulating in the NYC indie scene and beyond. The locations vary, each adding its own flavor to the sound: Brooklyn Bridge Park’s pier brings a crisp openness, the tree canopy of Prospect Park gives a softer, muffled vibe, while the Sea Plane Hangars add a gritty edge that studio drums just can't touch. There's something about these raw environments that adds depth—not just in tone, but in story.
Over time, I've figured out how to make it work with minimal gear. No full studio setups—just a snare, kick, hi hat and cymbal, a small interface, and Zoom H1n, or iPad. I’ve honed the process to be fast, mobile, and surprisingly clean-sounding. You don’t need to be a gear hoarder or spend thousands to start outdoor drum recording. You just need a few essentials and the nerve to experiment.
To help you get started, I’ve put together this curated list . It features items I’ve used personally and recommend—not just because they work well, but because they’ve survived being lugged around the city and dropped into all kinds of crazy setups. Whether you're starting from scratch or piecing together a kit from your existing gear, this list should give you a solid launchpad.
And look, you don’t need to replicate my exact setup. Use what you already have—a beat-up snare, that dusty kick drum you’ve been ignoring, or that quirky mic you found on eBay—and run with it. The idea is to break the rules a little, explore environments that inspire you, and capture the performance where it actually lives. Need inspiration? Scroll through some of my older posts or revisit the clips above.
Outdoor recording might seem chaotic, but once you embrace it, it opens up a whole new way to connect with the music—and the audience. It’s not just about sound quality. It’s about energy, space, and storytelling. So grab your sticks, find your spot, and make some noise.
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