Hey There! I’m OTP…
a live and studio session drummer, teacher, gigging musician and drum soloist based in Brisbane focussing on an adaptive and fun approach to suit the needs of any project.
Before choosing to work with me, it’s only fair you get to know a little bit about me, my background and my approach.
I began my journey with drums back in 2016 when a friend of mine was looking for a drummer for his rock band. And me, with no experience whatsoever, decided I would be the perfect fit. Little did I know that what started as an excuse to hang out with my mate more would turn into a career in music…
Through highschool I maximised my time in the music rooms, playing with up to five different bands at one time ranging from leading percussion ensembles to a few rock bands as well as concert bands and big bands.
I took great pride in the music I created at school and the environment I was able to foster with my peers, younger and older, as a music captain. The values I learnt here continue to underpin my highly collaborative approach in the music I make today.
High school was also the beginning of my exploration into melodic solo drum writing which you can see here. During my time in high school I was tutored by Leigh Clarke, seasoned drum teacher and drummer for Ray Kostiainen. I found a love for the fun and out-there sides of drumming through Leigh’s lessons, including complex polyrhythms, metric modulation and odd time signatures.
A 12 year old OTP rocking out to the best…
I’m still OTP on this page (but in third person)…
OTP takes a unique approach to his playing which is influenced by complex yet musical rhythmic ideas to complement whatever project he is working on. OTP grew up listening to (and still does listen to) a range of music which has influenced his playing over the years, from Brisbane favourites Ball Park Music to classics like Stevie Wonder and Slipknot and everything in between. Session drummer and Toto band member Jeff Porcaro has positively shaped OTP’s style, with other influences including John Bonham, Chad Smith and more recently Benny Greb.
As a session drummer OTP is versed across a range of styles and genres from Classic Rock and Grunge to Shoegaze and Alternative Indie as well as more melodic influences found in Latin percussion. His professional approach in the studio ensures a tight groove for any track you are looking to put together. OTP’s most recent work includes collaboration with up-and-coming artists through the Vermillion high program.
You guessed it, still OTP…
OTP invests a lot of his time into his other musical projects including his work as the drummer of heavy hitting indie-rock band King Crow and the MD and drummer of Jazz-Funk-Pop conglomerate The Contraband. These groups keep Ollie busy with multiple gigs a month between the two. OTP’s personal development and exploration of his instrument is covered through his solo work, composing stand-alone drum solos which endeavour to maximise the melodic and musical capabilities of the drumkit.
More recently OTP has delved into the sampling world in collaboration with DJ Lyre to produce his own groove packs to share with the community. Included in his debut pack release is some of his go to grooves and fills at a range of tempos and genres.