Having started his professional career some 12 years ago as a Drummer, Wayne has worked with the likes of Oli Brown, Alex Hepburn, Ian Parker, King King, Lora Jayne, Swans In Flight, Aynsley Lister, Jon Amor, Scott Mckeon, Nine Below Zero, John O’Leary, and The Davey Brothers. His characterful groove and feel has seen him playing the likes of the Montreal Jazz Festival, Glastonbury, Hard Rock Calling, International television and radio appearances and every gig and session in between. Formative years were spent dedicated to drumming and intense study with Toni Cannelli of ‘Drummer’s Alliance’ (Chris Bailey – Beverley Knight, Chaka Kahn, Darius) and Francis Seriau of ‘Drumtech’ (Phil Selway – Radiohead, Ged Lynch – Peter Gabriel). A drum loop CD released through A.M.G. called King Tone Grooves recorded by Wayne and acclaimed Producer Jesse Davey received critical praise worldwide. Grammy award nominee Greg Rule (Christina Aguilera’s Musical director) observing, “Talk about five-star stellar drumming. Not since hearing the likes of Purdie, Porcaro and Gadd have I been this impressed with a groove orientated drummer. His pocket is deep, his time feel impeccable, and his taste factor through the roof.”
Several years ago Wayne realised that the time had come to step out from behind the drum stool and move to the role of producer. “From an early age I have always had a deeper interest in the way a record was put together, from a songs first gestation through the various stages of development to the time when you can sit back and listen to the final production. For me it’s about getting the arrangement right, the dynamics, the feel, and the Sonics of all the instruments you use. Just making sure that at every step of recording your bringing the song to life with what you add. I have been extremely lucky in my career to have worked with some world-class engineers and producers, to stand over their shoulders and see them work their magic not only with the audio but their commitment to their art all the way through the process or recording. Seeing the likes of Jim Gaines (Santana, Van Morrison), Brian Higgins (Xenomania, Sugarbabes, Girls Aloud, Kylie Minogue), Mike Nielsen (Jamiroquai, Snow Patrol, Tom Baxter), James Earp (Diana Vickers, Alex Hepburn, Liberty X), Steve Evans (Robert Plant, Goldfrapp, Thea Gilmore), Matt Butler (Paul McCartney, Katie Melua, Rush) in action has given me an amazing insight into how the best put their productions together and learn what to listen for in terms of takes and sounds and getting the best out of the artist or musician”.
“Since I took the plunge and produced my first album nearly 10 years ago I have found myself working with some amazing musicians, artists and bands. It’s an incredible thing to collaborate with an artist or band, bounce ideas, just being musically interactive. All in all though I love every minute of it because playing music, creating it and seeing it grow is something that I have an endless enthusiasm for no matter what. For me it's about the creation of the song and its musical surrounding and committing myself to making the music I'm working on to be the best it can whatever the style of music, no compromise. Taking a band or artist and helping their art grow and become more realized is really what it is all about for me”
To date, Wayne’s production credits include troubadour Paul Riley’s ‘Alba Place’, The Money’s Sparks EP, Everybody Be Cool’s double A-side ‘Oh No Kate’, Ian Parker's live release ‘The Official Bootleg’ Oxford singer songwriter Sefton's Debut Album ‘Skimming Stones’, Blues guitarist’s Sean Webster’s album ‘If Only’. As well as a series of EP’s including Power pop sensation Tom Wardle’s ‘Another Late Night’ EP, Sam Wilkinson’s debut EP, Rock Sensations Tantrum's 'Headcase' EP, and UgLi’s ‘Trash EP’, the lead track of which was broadcast through the MSN Network to an audience of millions. Wayne’s production work with the band Djune also secured them a prime slot at the renowned In The City Festival in Manchester and support slots to Athlete, The Kooks, The Pigeon Detectives, The On Offs and Ocean Colour Scene. Wayne is currently producing London’s finest indie pop trio Everybody Be Cool, Nottingham’s very own The Money and is continuing his role as drummer/producer with Paul Riley.
Wayne does the majority of his productions at Superfly Studios, in Nottinghamshire (See the links page for more details), which houses his personal collection of vintage microphones and outboard gear.
