Miking a traditional Inuit drum for the stage

I’m lucky enough to be part of the Inuit music scene in northern Canada, where I produce music with some of the most amazing human beings I’ve ever met. In their culture, the Inuit have a very special traditional drum that’s notoriously hard to mic on stage. We always got great results in the studio, but never live — the drum is played with a dance and a lot of movement, so nothing would stay put.

After many attempts, the best result came from the Cortado Xe, mounted right above the handle with a little pressure held on it by a piece of foam.

The photos below follow the instrument from the workshop — milling and steam-bending the ash frame, fitting and lacing the head — through to the Cortado Xe mounted at the handle and ready to play.