Bassist, Producer

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: Intergalactix is a project I started with Serg Dimitrijevic who plays guitar for Earth Wind & Fire. We started the project from scratch and have toured and recorded around the world. I think it's always important to have your own project and it helps you understand the importance of being involved in someone else's project.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I've been consistently recording multiple bass sessions for producers and bands online and in the Los Angeles area. I am also finishing up my solo record and a record with my band Intergalactix and touring with artists in between.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Mike Avenaim - Mike's the one that told me to get on Sound Better and we've worked together a bunch and we are both from Sydney. Great drummer and lovely guy.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I always steer more towards analogue because it's just got the warmth that is hard to replace but it really depends on the style of music you are creating and the tones you like. Digital can also be amazing in the right context.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: I will do my very best to deliver exactly what you require and need for your project. And I will keep a consistent, open line of communication throughout the entire process and make sure you are 200% happy with the end result.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I get to do what I love for a living, travel and make my own schedule. I also get to work with some interesting and amazing people. Overall I think I have the best job.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: The most common question I'm asked is "how much will it cost?" and "how long will it take?" I normally work with the client in both of these areas. If you need something done super fast just let me know and I'll do my best to make it happen. Also if the price is an issue just let me know and I'll try to do what I can to work with you.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: That because I love what I do and have been fortunate to do it for a living that it's not really work. The truth is that when you work for yourself you have to be twice as motivated as those that don't because the only one responsible for you is you. It's such a privilege to do what we do as musicians and I definitely respect that privilege and make sure that everything I do is done at the highest level.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I always ask, what is your ultimate goal with your music? That always tells me a lot about the artist. Then.. Let's make it happen.

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Go with your gut feeling. Look for someone that you could see yourself having a long relationship with. I've definitely built my career on real relationships and I believe it's the only way.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: My 1964 P bass, my 73 Jazz bass, My 71 Jazz Bass my Wurlitzer (if I could carry it lol) and my Ampex Mic pre.

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: Music has always been my career and over the years I've toured extensively with quite a few high profile bands and artists. Lately I've been finding myself in the studio a lot more but I'll always enjoy doing both.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My playing is definitely rooted in groove, rock & soul. Groove, feel and consistency are definitely the most important things for me.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: Prince. I met Prince a few times and opened up for his band once. I feel it would be a challenge to work for someone like Prince and I know a few people that have and everyone has their Prince stories but I feel musically it would be a very rewarding experience.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Less is more. Find the right parts, performance and the right sounds for track and once these elements are right then you don't need much more. I think production can be over thought and I really admire productions that are so simple but have all the right elements and amazing performances.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: I work on all types of music and that's what I've always loved to do. I believe that diversity is my strongest asset. The main styles of music I normally work on are rock, soul, pop, funk, singer songwriter and electronic.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I believe I'm a great communicator and I'm always willing to do whatever it takes to make the client happy. I really do think communication is the key and the better the communication is the better the end result.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I believe I'm good at understanding what a song needs to get it from the demo stage to the record stage. First and foremost I try to lay down a solid and consistent foundation with the drums, add some special moments and most importantly support the vocals and the artists vision for the song. I also believe that tone is a huge factor in the bass and most of that comes from your fingers. Great gear is obviously key in emphasizing that.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I normally listen to the song quite a few times and get the key points and basic structure of the song internalized. If I have to make any notes I will but I normally just like to get the song into my system to really feel what the artist is going for and try to add to that vision and energy as much as I can. I'll normally do 3-4 takes and If I am happy with the parts and performance, then I will compress and post the files to Dropbox and send the link on its way! I always check in with the client to make sure they are happy and always offer revisions if needed.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have an amazing home studio that I built myself and I carefully put each piece of gear together over the years. I have many mic preamps including a BAE 1073, Universal Audio LA610, Trident S20 and an Ampex vintage valve preamp, TC Parametric EQ and a Teac A3300S tape machine. I have a great collection of vintage basses, old 60's and 70's fenders, Gibsons, Hofners and Music Mans as well as a great collection of new 5 strings for more modern production tracks. I have a vintage amp collection too of old Ampeg, Traynor, Fenders and an Airliner.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: As a bass player I am very influenced by players like James Jamerson, Pino Palladino, these are guys that I feel not only play for the song but they also add another level to the song and really bring it to life through their unique and creative bass lines. My goal is to add value and really bring which ever piece of music I work on to the next level. I have also always been into many different styles of music and my goal has always been to play each style with authenticity and correct feeling.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: The thing I like to do more than anything else is to provide the highest quality bass tracks for my clients. Over the years I have worked really hard to cultivate a great collection of recording gear and apply my skills as a player to get the best results possible so my clients have the most seamless and enjoyable experience.