Forging his own path into the future... With roots in the U.K. club and hip-hop scenes,  Richard Spaven brings a fresh approach to the instrument that’s at once modern and  traditional. Combining machine-like accuracy with jazz-influenced improvisational  sensibilities, Spaven’s drumming has landed him gigs with vastly varied artists such as UK  rapper Loyle Carner, Guru of hip-hop duo Gang Starr, producer Flying Lotus, jazz/hip-hop  vocalist José James and Brainfeeder artist Jameszoo. Spaven’s brilliance is evident  beyond his world-class performance abilities; he’s equally impressive in production and  compositional territories. And most recently, the drummer released his fifth solo record,  'Spirit Beats', which once again showcases his multifaceted talent. Spaven’s signature  drum sound often sees him combine high-pitched, crisp snares; round, jazzy toms; and  small, punchy bass drums. His cymbal choices are a sonic contrast of dry, lower-pitched  hi-hats, rides, and crashes. Altogether, the drummer’s tone could be described as a nod to  the past while keeping an ear toward the future. Much like his compositions, Spaven’s  drumming is elusive and genre-defying. He often avoids conventional downbeats and  cadences in favour of sneaky syncopations and the types of sonic glitches you might hear  from a deejay. No 16th note is left unturned within some of his drum ’n’ bass–and dubstep– influenced explorations.