Building the Windmill Studio: Vision and Evolution

One of the episode’s most compelling stories is the transformation of Ash’s windmill into a studio haven. What started as a way to simply house his gear became one of the most unique drum studios in the world.

Ash describes how he began by documenting the renovation on Instagram, initially just sharing photos of the construction process. Once the room was built, the real magic began. Encouraged by a producer friend to test out the acoustics, Ash recorded a clip of himself drumming with a mono mic in GarageBand. The positive feedback from an experienced, Grammy-winning producer gave him the confidence to invest in better gear, microphones, and ultimately the dive into Pro Tools.

This leap wasn’t just about capturing sound; it was about setting a new standard for what drummers could share with the world from their own homes. Ash admits he was likely “one of the first guys to actually put a video up that had multiple microphones in a room rather than just a phone leaning up against a box,” a move that would influence countless drummers to follow.

The Power of Social Media and the VF15 Revolution

Ash’s rise as a social media pioneer aligns with the early days of Instagram. As Elmo remembers, Ash was already well-known on the platform for his high-quality drum videos—long before it was the industry norm.

They reminisce about the #VF15 movement initiated by Vic Firth, where drummers posted 15-second grooves on Instagram (limited by the app’s original video length). While most submitted phone clips, Ash’s studio-quality, multi-mic productions stood out and raised the bar for everyone. This dedication to sound led to rapid growth in followers—at one point, five to six thousand per week—before today’s more restrictive algorithms.

Ash credits his early adoption of pro-quality video and sound on social media for unlocking a new level of exposure, eventually leading to top-tier remote session work with noted artists and producers.

Mastery Takes Time: The Real Story Behind “That Sound”

One of the episode’s biggest truths is that getting a signature drum tone—especially one as revered as Ash’s—is no overnight feat. “It literally is years to get to that noise,” Ash confesses. The process involves endless experimentation with mic placement, drum tuning, and especially the delicate use of compression. As Ash explains, slamming a compressor for that “Beatles” suckiness can also bring out unwanted sounds, and learning to balance these elements is an art form that takes years.

Another secret to his revered drum sound? Cow-moo mufflers and big fat snare heads, which help give his kit its unique character. But perhaps more important than gear is Ash’s philosophy: sometimes, the hardest (but most rewarding) thing is knowing when to leave a great sound alone and resist the temptation to keep tweaking.

Remote Sessions and Musical Evolution

Elmo and Ash explore how this quest for sonic excellence paid off when remote sessions became the norm. Ash’s home studio has produced tracks for major international artists, resulting in Grammy-winning recordings and chart-topping hits (like Tate McRae’s recent success).

What’s remarkable is Ash’s parallel career as both a workhorse session drummer and an artist. He continues to tour, record, and create—not just as a sideman but as a collaborator and bandleader, most recently with Ariel Posen. Their duo project, born from spontaneous jam sessions in the windmill studio, has garnered excitement and sold-out shows, signaling yet another creative chapter for Ash.

The Magic of Collaboration and Live Performance

Despite his mastery of the recording studio, Ash’s passion for live playing shines through. He shares memories from legendary gigs, including his first major tour with Del Amitri (which just so happened to include a gig at Woodstock 1994—his fifth ever with the band), opening for the likes of Van Halen and the Rolling Stones.

His recent collaboration with Ariel Posen has reignited the joy of improvisation and pure musical connection. The duo’s approach—plug in, jam, record—keeps his creativity sharp and his audience engaged, whether in-person at a sold-out Mercury Lounge gig or through Bandcamp releases and viral videos.

Wisdom for Drummers and Musicians

Ash’s journey encapsulates a modern musical ethos: honor the craft, embrace new tools, and share generously. He encourages other musicians to invest the time to dial in their sound, embrace social media thoughtfully, and never underestimate the power of relationships—whether with a producer friend, a fellow artist, or an engaged online community.

Ash’s story is proof that with dedication, adaptability, and a relentless ear for detail, any musician can build something timeless, even in the most unexpected places—like a windmill outside London.