About

Aaron Harris is a drummer, recording engineer, mixer and producer. He is currently working on his debut album with Palms, a quartet featuring Aaron on drums along with Chino Moreno (vocals), Clifford Meyer (guitar, synths) and Jeff Caxide (bass). Aaron is also recording and mixing the record, due out in summer 2013.

Aaron made his mark in the heavy, experimental band ISIS, which ultimately ushered in a new subgenre known as “post metal.” ISIS’ albums — a unique combination of metal, hardcore and progressive rock — were consistently lauded by critics across the globe during the band’s 13-year run, earning an assortment of accolades, including multiple Billboard chart positions (Billboard 200, Heatseekers, Top Independent Albums) and coveted positions on various “best of” lists. A comprehensive list can be found at aaronharris-audio.com/awards.

Major drum publications such as Drum and Modern Drummer have featured in-depth articles about Aaron’s inventive and dynamic drumming. His “ability to shuffle rhythms, patterns, and phrases at any given moment ensures he’s an incredibly intriguing listen, even when the tracks aren’t clocking in at radio-friendly lengths,” writes Modern Drummer’s Waleed Rashidi. Aaron’s signature style has also earned him invitations to play live on stage with Jesu and Tool, and he’s been rewarded with professional endorsements from manufacturers including Sonor, Paiste, Evans, Heil and Vater.

Aaron’s musical philosophy is simple. Play from the heart and you’ll create a meaningful experience. It’s not that he doesn’t appreciate technique and flash; but when it comes to making music that really connects, it matters that it comes from the heart. “When I hear something that has a lot of emotion, a lot of really passionate groove to it, that you can tell they’re playing from their heart and from within themselves, that’s what does it for me,” he says.

He also applies this philosophy to his work as an audio engineer, which has been Aaron’s main focus since ISIS disbanded in 2010. His recording discography includes production, recording and/or mixing credits for artists including Jakob, Pelican, Crone, The Jezabels, ISIS, Mental Architects, Sleep Lady, Mothra, Lesser Key, Aloke Dutta (with whom Harris studied tabla), Mamiffer, Rajas and Zozobra, with which Harris has performed on two releases.

“Working with Aaron was an amazing experience for the whole band,” say the members of Mental Architects. “He really took the time to get the feel of the songs long before we even started to record. He has a really personal approach.”

Outside the studio, Harris continues to tour, mixing live sound for such bands as Melvins, The Jezabels (who he has also tour managed), Jakob and Pelican. He also drum techs for Danny Carey of Tool and Abe Cunningham of Deftones.

Aaron was born and raised in Bath, Maine, where he taught himself how to play drums on his dad’s kit when he was 11 years old. (Funny story: His 7th grade music teacher said he’d never make it as a musician.) He now lives in Los Angeles with his wife and dog.

Contact Aaron:
If you would like to work with Aaron or inquire about his rates, you can reach him via email: aaron@aaronharris-audio [dot] com