Bass Player

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

A: The most common work I do is with Singer Songwriters, mainly as they are solo and don't have a band. However, I've long been in bands of all types, so my work isn't limited to only that.

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

A: Composers more than anything inspire me. Of course I appreciate master instrumentalists as well, but composers demonstrate the ability to conjure ideas from thin air to inspire people to listen and be moved, and I prefer to move people with music, and not impress.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio set up starts with my instruments. My main instrument is a 1968 Fender Precision bass. I also own a more modern sounding 1969 Fender P. Another primary instrument to records very well for me is my 1964 Hofner Club Bass. After that, into one of my tube preamps, which then go into a Universal Audio Apollo Twin, and finally into Logic.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical work process for online artists goes like this: I'll receive the job from the SoundBetter client, who then sends me a hi-res file of a song they want me to record bass to. (Don't worry too much about the 'Hi-res' part....this only means that the tune should be sent with a sharper image than what is a little mp3.....) Once I import the song into Logic, I'lll have a play-along, and the moment I start to understand the song form a bit, I start to record, the reason being that the first ideas to come are often the best, and most natural. At that point, I try to capture the best performance of that approach, and then move on to different ideas. Perhaps I'll switch to a pick, or maybe I'll adjust the tone on the amp for something completely different. Stepping away for a bit also helps to clear the mind, so that when I come back, new ideas often present themselves. The end result of an afternoon of playing and recording is hopefully 5 or 6 different approaches to a song, which are all sent to the artist so they can choose which one they like the best. Sometimes the artist prefers a certain tone one take, but would like me to revisit the tune again with a different approach, which of course, I'm more than happy to do!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: As a bass player, I will bring a steady foundation to your tune that you can reliably build on with other players and instruments. I can be extremely fundamental in my note choices, or I can provide a more melodic counterpoint to whats happening in the vocal or the tune. The Artist usually has a good feel for what they want there, and if not, tune tells me what to play.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is listening. Listening to the song, and to the artist for what they hear in the tune.

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

A: I often play with rock bands and folk bands/artists (ie. Passenger). I also do a lot of indie rock (Dope Lemon, Will Stratton) and often also alt-country bands. recently I've been composing for and playing in instrumental jazz/rock music called Schmetterling, which is a departure from the usual styles I get to work with.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I've been described as 'low-and-slow'.....usually thats a cooking phrase for making BBQ, but I think thats a pretty good description of my playing.

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

A: I started in a dedicated band early on, and when that came to an end, I started helping others get their music made, which lead me to become a free lance bassist. It was never my intention to be a freelance guy, but I quickly found a high level of aptitude and success in playing for others that it took over my professional life.

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

A: A fender P bass, an Ampeg B15 amp, and 3 guitar cords, since they always go bad.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: the easiest and most direct way to understand how an artist wants a song to sound is to provide a recording of something they like as a reference. Do you hear your Fol song with reggae bass like Bob Marley? send me the tune you think best represents your vision so I know what you want.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: playing music is always an incredible privilege.