Hi, my name’s Kurt. I’m a Hampshire-based freelance drummer/percussionist, offering everything from touring and sessions to function work and private teaching. I also record drums remotely from my own studio. Below you can find details of my work over the years as well as my current projects. If you like what you see, please don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss how we can work together.
I’ve been playing drums since the age of 13, and studied privately under world-renowned educators Bob Armstrong and Gabor Dornyei as well as obtaining a 1st class degree in Professional Music Performance from the Academy of Contemporary Music.
In 2009 I started playing professionally, and have been fortunate enough since then to work with a wide variety of artists across several genres both live and in the studio. I’ve toured the UK and Europe extensively with bands such as Absentees, Artemis, Glass Mazes, LAULIA and Pariso and depped with Atiptoe, Ben Davis, Group Of Man and Modern Rituals.
In the studio I’ve played on over 200 recordings for artists including Ben Selley, Haunts, Kilkovec, Peter Howarth and Richard Jacobs. Studios I’ve worked at include Holy Mountain, Stakeout, Studio 91 and The Ranch with producers like Lewis Johns, Chris Coulter, Sam Winfield and Tom Hill.
Check out some audio examples of my playing and my full discography below.
Wyse - Artist/Composer/Producer
“Kurt is an absolute joy to work with. He always comes as prepared as possible to shows and sessions. He is totally reliable and is flexible in how he works, i.e he is both very efficient if given a specific brief, and also has some great ideas to bring to the table if that’s what I want, to find what’s best for each track.
His playing is both technically excellent, but also the way he plays has a distinct, natural energy and feel.. a combination which can be hard to find!”
Mykel Dunn - Producer
“Kurt is probably the most professional drummer I have ever worked with. Not only does he make the studio experience a fun and collaborative experience but my level of trust in him is so high that I can (and have) sent him the bones of an idea and he will send back the perfect drum takes recorded remotely.
It is always a pleasure to work with Kurt and he is my go-to guy when it comes to drums.”
Elliott Jones - Artist/Producer
"Kurt is super reliable, super talented and super professional - a must have for any rhythm section. No task is too big or too small, and you're always impressed with the results. I give him my ideas and he turns them into exciting, thoughtful tracks and also helps give great insight on equipment and recording styles."
Owain Jenkins - StudiOwz Owner/Engineer
“Great solid player and a joy to have in the studio environment”
Tony & Gaynor Sadler - Composers/Producers
“Kurt is a very fine kit player, he is equally adept in the Recording Studio and on the Stage. Kurt’s playing of the Cajon when he accompanied Peter Howarth at his Anvil gig was sensitive and intuitive. Bringing such diversity of tones from this simple instrument is a sign of true musicianship”.
Simon Garbutt (Silent Gods) - Composer/Producer
“Kurt is a very impressive drummer who tackles any challenge you throw at him and always goes the extra mile. Prior to our last recording session he even took the time to go through exactly what I wanted with me to make sure he understood the parts intimately so he could nail them in the session (which he did). I would recommend Kurt to anyone and look forward to working with him again in future.”
As well as original projects I’ve gained a wealth of experience in the function world, playing all kinds of events from weddings to corporate events and festivals. I’ve worked with bands including 13 Lies, Get On Up and The Vinyls and tribute acts such as Black Eyed Teaz, Maybe Gaga and Maybe Winehouse.
I’m also part of Freight Train Runners, a festival-style folk/indie/pop band focused on weddings - get in touch for more information and bookings.
I offer private lessons to students of all ages and abilities, both in person at my studio and remotely over Zoom. Areas covered include rudiments, technique, timekeeping, reading, stylistic development and repertoire, with the end goal of developing students into well-rounded drummers and musicians. Students can take grades under both Trinity and Rock School exam boards - I have a 100% pass rate, with many students achieving Distinction.
Studio lesson rates:
60 minutes - £30
45 minutes - £25
30 minutes - £20
Zoom lesson rates:
60 minutes - £25
45 minutes - £20
30 minutes - £15
Click here to view my Teaching CV and please contact me for further details or to book a lesson.
Drop me a line via the form below, my direct contact details or social media with any inquiries or bookings.
Phone: 07702 989541
Email: kurtphillipsdrums@hotmail.co.uk
