Drew Townson
Musician/Pro Audio Specialist
Drew Townson is an award-winning musician, studio engineer/producer, and MP&E teacher with three decades of experience. When it comes to stage and studio, Drew has seen and done it all. With his deep knowledge base, Drew can talk analog, digital, vintage, modern, mics, monitors, acoustics, gear, and guitars. Perhaps most importantly, Drew knows how to design a studio system from the ground up – “soup to nuts,” as the expression goes. He can answer any question you have about recording. Drew is eager to share his expertise with other passionate musicians. We recently caught up with Drew to find out a little bit more about his musical background.
Q&A With Drew
Q: When did you first start playing music?
A: Age 11, when I started guitar lessons.
Q: Bands or projects now or in past?
A: The Derangers, instrumental surf/spaghetti western style group, since 1990 and still going. Released a 20-track retrospective in 2014.
Q: What gear is in your current rig? Or, What are you currently loving playing/recording with?
A: Since I love to play electric guitar, I also love to record it. I play a ’61 Strat through a reissue ’65 Deluxe, which I totally re-tubed with some very special, hand picked tubes. When I record electric guitar, I almost always use ribbon mics and have since 1986. I’ve owned Beyer, Coles, Royer, AEA, Sontronics, and vintage RCA ribbons over the years. I had one of the first 25 Royer R121 mics ever made. I’m a total tone junkie!
Q: What’s a fun/interesting fact about you?
A: All my guitars have girl’s names. My ’61 Strat is named Daphne Blue, which is the Fender name of her color.
Q: What record(s) have changed your life?
A: Jimi Hendrix Experience, “Are You Experienced?” The Beatles, “Hey Jude,” The Rolling Stones, “Sticky Fingers,” ZZ Top, “Tres Hombres,” Santana, “Abraxas,” Dick Dale, “King of the Surf Guitar,” Flying Burrito Brothers, “Guilded Palace of Sin,” The Ventures, “Hawaii 5-0,” Fleetwood Mac, “Then Play On,” Emmylou Harris, “The Wrecking Ball,” Grateful Dead, “Terrapin Station,” U2, “Boy,” REM, “Murmur,” The Vaughan Brothers, “Family Style,” Ennio Morricone, “The Legendary Italian Westerns,” too many more to mention.
See Drew In Action!