ASH SOAN | The Drummer and his Gear at Graham Russell Drums

Who is Ash Soan?

Ash grew up in Shropshire, began lessons at a young age and later studied at the University of Salford and Drumtech in London. His first major break came in 1994, when he joined Del Amitri following a recommendation from bassist Pino Palladino. Work with Faithless and Squeeze followed, before Ash became one of the UK's most in-demand session drummers. In 2017, he won the studio drummer category in the Modern Drummer Readers Poll.

Studio career

Ash's recording credits include Adele, Rod Stewart, Cher, Céline Dion, Taylor Swift, Sam Smith, Alicia Keys, Seal, Dua Lipa, Robbie Williams, Take That, Snow Patrol, Tate McRae and Tori Amos, among many others.

His screen work includes three Mission: Impossible films with Lorne Balfe, plus Kung Fu Panda 3, Terminator Genisys, Pennyworth, Netflix's Eric, The Lion King (2019) and Boss Baby 2. Much of his remote session work is recorded at Windmill Recording Studio, where delivering a finished, well-recorded and carefully tuned performance is as important as the playing itself.

Signature playing style

Ash's drumming sounds like a producer thinking through a kit. Four qualities define it:

• Pocket first. He places the beat exactly where the song needs it, often just either side of the grid.
• Sound at the source. Muffling, tape, tuning and unusual drum sizes shape the tone before the microphones go up.
• Space and restraint. Fills are used sparingly, leaving room for the vocal and giving each musical choice more impact.
• Range without ego. Pop, dance, orchestral and rock sessions sound like the records they need to be, not one drummer imposing the same identity on everything.

My favourite Ash Soan listening

For the clearest demonstration of Ash's playing, try his duo work with Canadian guitarist Ariel Posen. After collaborating remotely for years, they finally played together at Windmill Recording Studio in 2024. The unplanned session became a ten-track album released in 2025.

Tracks such as Slow Filth and 5wag put the pocket, drum sound and restraint right at the front. It is my favourite introduction to Ash if you have only heard him supporting a vocal deep within a pop mix.

What Ash is doing now

Ash joined Snow Patrol's touring line-up in 2024, played on their number-one album The Forest Is the Path and is continuing with the band through 2026 and 2027. He also works with Tori Amos, appears on the trio release Diving Deep Live, and continues recording for film and television, including The Cat in the Hat and Young Sherlock.

The gear Ash Soan plays

Ash is a long-standing endorser of several brands we stock, so you can try much of the same gear in our Fareham showroom.

Gretsch drums

A Gretsch artist since 2015, Ash plays Broadkaster kits, typically with a 22" bass drum, 13" rack tom and 16" floor tom. His Gretsch 12" x 7" Ash Soan Signature Snare Drum uses a nine-ply Purpleheart shell, double 45-degree bearing edges and 4mm die-cast hoops. It has the sharp response expected from a small drum, but with far more body and versatility than its size suggests. You can also browse our snare drums or explore the full Gretsch range.

Zildjian cymbals

Ash plays Zildjian cymbals. A typical setup includes 14" New Beat hi-hats, an 18" K Dark crash and a 22" Constantinople medium thin ride: dark, controlled sounds chosen to serve the song. Browse our hi-hats, crashes and rides, or read our complete guide to Zildjian cymbals.

Vic Firth sticks, Remo heads and DW hardware

Ash's hickory Vic Firth Signature Ash Soan Drum Sticks have a balanced, versatile profile suited to studio and live work. He also uses Remo heads, DW 6000 flat-base stands and a DW 9000 bass drum pedal. Explore our full ranges of drum heads and drum hardware.

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