Aaron James Hay: session drummer for hire in Preston, North West, United Kingdom

Aaron James Hay is a Preston-based session and live drummer available for studio sessions, live gigs and international touring. Known as the drummer for British hard rock band Wytch Hazel, Aaron brings a wealth of recording and touring experience alongside a deep-rooted musicality drawn from decades of classic rock and heavy metal. Whether you need a powerhouse live performance or a sensitive, song-serving studio take, Aaron is ready to deliver.

Services offered

• Studio sessions
• Live hire — gigs and touring
• Remote sessions from home studio
• Will travel internationally

Genres and style

Aaron's playing spans Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Traditional Heavy Metal, Progressive Rock, Blues, Funk, Pop and Contemporary Worship. Drawing on the groove, power and musical expression of 1970s rock, he adapts fluidly across settings — from high-energy live stages to nuanced studio environments.

His core strengths include dynamic control, solid timekeeping, expressive groove playing and musical versatility. Aaron places particular emphasis on ensemble awareness, rhythmic precision, creative fills and always serving the song above technical exhibition. Alongside his international work with Wytch Hazel, he holds extensive experience in contemporary worship and drum education, supporting developing musicians in building strong technical foundations, confidence and musical independence.

Based in Preston, North West, United Kingdom

Preston sits at the heart of the North West, putting Aaron within reach of Manchester, Liverpool, Blackburn, Blackpool, Lancaster, Bolton and beyond. For larger regional, national or international bookings, Aaron is fully prepared to travel. Remote sessions are also available from his home studio, making collaboration straightforward wherever you are in the world.

About Aaron

As the drummer for Wytch Hazel, Aaron's playing is rooted in classic rock, traditional heavy metal and the expressive musicality of the 1970s. He favours powerful, dynamic grooves, musical fills and a strong sense of feel — always prioritising the song over technical exhibition.

His main touring and recording kit is a British Drum Co. Lounge in Wiltshire White, built around a 24" × 14" bass drum, 8", 10" and 13" rack toms, and a 16" floor tom. Snare options include a 14" × 6.5" Ludwig Supraphonic 402 and a 14" × 7" Highwood Walnut/Mahogany, driven by Tama Iron Cobra 900 pedals. His cymbal setup pairs Dream Bliss crashes and crash rides with a 22" Zildjian K Dark Medium Ride and 14" Zildjian K hi-hats — delivering a warm, vintage-inspired tone that suits his playing perfectly.

Whether performing live, recording remotely or collaborating in the studio, Aaron's approach is built on consistency, musical sensitivity and a confident, energetic performance that serves the music at every turn.

Book Aaron

Ready to work with Aaron? View his full profile at londondrumsticks.co.uk/artists/aaron-james-hay or head straight to the booking enquiry form to get in touch. All enquiries go directly to Aaron — London Drumstick Co. charges no commission on bookings.

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Aaron's current contact and booking details are listed on his LDC profile above. Check back for social updates as they become available.

Aaron James Hay is a London Drumstick Co. endorsed artist and plays LDC hand-turned drumsticks.