Wayne Proctor's approach to playing the drums is similar to that of the great lineage of players - Steve Jordan, Matt Chamberlain, Abe Laboriel Jr, Jeff Porcaro and Steve Gadd, guys who bring much more than just a great groove and touch, where you can feel the commitment to the songs they play in how the songs feel. In his 14 years as a professional musician, Wayne’s characterful groove and feel has seen him working with legendary producers to playing the likes of the Montreal Jazz Festival, Glastonbury, Hard Rock Calling, International television appearances and every gig 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),
Having played on countless sessions, Wayne has worked with producers such as Brian Higgins (Xenomania, Sugarbabes, Girls Aloud, Kylie Minogue), Jim Gaines (Santana, Van Morrison), Mike Nielsen (Jamiroquai, Snow Patrol, Tom Baxter), James Earp (Alex Hepburn, Diana Vickers), Steve Evans (Robert Plant, Goldfrapp, Thea Gilmore), Matt Butler (Paul McCartney, Katie Melua, Rush) Wayne has toured and recorded worldwide with Oli Brown, Alex Hepburn, Aynsley Lister, Lora Jayne, Jon Amor, Ian Parker, Scott Mckeon, King King, Nine Below Zero, Sherman Robertson, Wilson T King, The Davey Brothers, Mark Butcher, The Nimmo Brothers and has also played many sessions for the ‘19 Miles High’ production team with producer Tim Wilson, recording drums for Fin, Fall Of Jupiter, Dead Nettles, Comic Book Heroes and Hello Girl.
Alongside Interscope Record’s ‘The Davey Brothers’ Production team, (Joss Stone, Mick Jagger), he has also recorded a highly acclaimed drum loop CD called King Tone Grooves, which was released worldwide through AMG. Keyboard ‘Key Buy Award’ wrote “Who Is This Drummer? was my first question as I listened, mouth wide open.Talk about five-star stellar drumming.”
As well as his own recording and performing career, in recent years Wayne has turned to the role of producer. To date, his production credits include Paul Riley, The Money, Everybody Be Cool, Ian Parker, Sefton, Sean Webster, Sam Wilkinson, Tantrum, Tom Wardle, UgLi, Djune, and Craig Johnston. His work with songwriter Craig Johnston assisted Craig to collaborate with legendary producer Mike Nielsen (Jamiroquai, Snow Patrol, Tom Baxter) with Wayne back on the drum stool. Wayne’s production work with the band Djune also secured them a prime slot at the renowned In The City Festival and support slots to Athlete, The Kooks, The Pigeon Detectives, The On Offs and Ocean Colour Scene.
Wayne is an official endorsee of Slingerland Drums and is a featured artist on the homepages of Slingerland, Gibson International and Paiste's Websites. Other current endorsements include, Baskey Rugluggs, Vic Firth Drumsticks and Hardcase cases. Wayne has also recently been inducted into the Roll of Honor at his former drum school Drumtech.
