If Jen were just a drummer, she’d be best I’ve worked with. But she’s more than that: she’s a true percussion artist. From a simple guitar-and-vocal demo recorded on my phone, she built thoughtful and intricate parts that grounded each song and elevated them into something I had never imagined possible. She guided and shaped each song from the beginning, and her collaborative nature made bouncing ideas around in the studio inspiring and a ton of fun. Within a couple of hours, it was like we’d been playing together for years. I absolutely can’t wait to get back into the studio and work with her again. - Jason Groce
From the time we entered till we left the studio, Jen made us feel really comfortable. She provided us with great ideas and her experience to find the right sound for our music was really helpful. When you work with her, you know she is very invested in your music and intentional about keeping you authentic. Her energy in the room was so positive and infectious. We had a lot of fun recording with her.
- Antriksh Kandhari
"jen has been my primary assistant engineer for the past three years. i've always known that she could drum, but it was only recently that i was able to hire her to play on a session. i was floored. she came prepared and laid a foundation for the record that brought it to the 'next level'. much of my recording life is consumed by trying to capture drums well. i'm always overjoyed when the drummer is this good. it makes my life so. much. better. not only that, she can produce, engineer and tech the shit out of your drums. and just ask her about her collection of antique music boxes, victrola and other otherworldly sound makers. look, if you don't hire jen to record on your album, you are most likely a dumbass"
don farwell, owner of earwig studio
Jen was the engineer on my recording sessions recently. Lots of engineers are professional and competent at the technical skills of recording, and Jen was, of course. But she was so much more than an engineer. Jen really listened to what I was trying to achieve, and guided me there with great patience and effort. She is honest, encouraging, and clever, and understands music theory in a way that can enhance your experience of recording. She cares about the craft, and about people. I didn’t just leave with a professional sounding track. I left with a great performance, because she cared enough about me and my vision to help me reach it.
Thank you, Jen!! Spencer Smith
There was total and complete excitement from her end and ours to work together. We finally went in to Earwig to give it a go. Most of us in the band are not very technically minded. We just play rock music from our hearts and our guts. Jen understood this but by no means let us be complacent. She pushed us and she gave us direction, insight and most of all respectful tough love. She feels like the coach, the ref, the cheerleader and the proud parent all at once. We all feel very fortunate to be working with her and look forward to our future relationship as a working one and a friendly one. She's a total pro. A total badass. And a total gem. Thank you, Universe for introducing us to this fantastic musician, engineer and dear friend. NORDUS
You are making a record.
You know that each one of your songs needs a strong foundation, and you know that means solid drums. So many recording sessions get eaten up in pursuit of the rhythm track, and, frankly, you’d rather preserve recording time for your harmonies, poetry, and atmospheres. This is why people end up using drum machines or other tools.
And, you don’t have to settle.
Jen Gilleran knows drums. And percussion. And sticks and brushes and hands. Tubs to tabla, kits to cajon. Jen’s years of study, her artistry and feel, her hard work and devotion to craft, can transport your song from an idea in your head to a recording that your listeners will not forget.
Think Hal Blaine with The Wrecking Crew. Stewart Copeland working with Stanley Clarke. Bonham in the foyer at Headley Grange. Sheila E. making the entire audience get up and dance.
Think about those rhythms, beats, and timescapes as compositions. Latin, jazz, classical, experimental, rock, punk, folk, raga... any taste and palate. Your music... from the coffee house to The Knitting Factory.
These ideas are available to you when you work with Jen. This is the power fueling your music when you work with an artist. Maybe you’ve never worked with a drummer or percussionist who tunes between takes. Or who nails most takes the first time. Or sees your song in a new light, and makes it even better than you thought possible.
Also, Jen is an excellent hang, and you’ll be laughing your way through the best and most productive recording session of your life. Thank you, Don Farwell and Earwig Studio for giving me the opportunity to work with Jen Gilleran; she is the real article.
Greg Williamson
Performing Songwriter
Hadees Market Music
Jen was the engineer on my recording sessions recently. Lots of engineers are professional and competent at the technical skills of recording, and Jen was, of course. But she was so much more than an engineer. Jen really listened to what I was trying to achieve, and guided me there with great patience and effort. She is honest, encouraging, and clever, and understands music theory in a way that can enhance your experience of recording. She cares about the craft, and about people.
I didn’t just leave with a professional sounding track. I left with a great performance, because she cared enough about me and my vision to help me reach it. Thank you, Jen!!
- James Ullrich
The universe was really looking out for me when Jen became the drummer for my tracks! Jen has a gestalt for interpreting a singer-songwriter's vision. She elevated each of my songs in a unique way that fits that song only. Her approach was creative and sometimes unexpected, yet still felt super respectful to my originals, pushing them into a place of stronger truth. Jen masters the art of integrating technical precision with emotional responsiveness. - Lynn Fahselt
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