Session Bass Player

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work from my home studio. The audio interface I use is a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, and the DAW is Ableton Live 10. I have a Darkglass b7k preamp which I usually use, but not always; it depends on the sound I want to get from the recording.

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

A: Yes! Dante Saulino, a very much creative and sensible music producer, songrwiter and sound engineer. Also one of the funkiest guitar players around! Super recommended!

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

A: Probably people outside music industry don't always understand the amount of time, effort and hours and hours of study and perfecting this job, just like any other job, requires.

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

A: I believe accompaigning Marilina in her tours and live shows has been one of the most enrichening experiences of my carreer up to now. Not only for the professional experience and for the great quality of her music, but also for her message. She is really involved in social issues and has a strong opinion regarding human, social and women rights. I believe through music we can think of and move towards a better world for all of us.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm currently recording the basslines for an EP for Louise (the artist whose song you can listen to on my profile) and also on a full album for an argentinian pianist, singer and songwriter. I'm actively playing live and touring with Marilina Bertoldi (rock/alternative singer songwriter) and Mike Amigorena (funk/pop singer/performer).

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: ... both?

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

A: Compromise, responsibility, honesty, transparency, sensitivity and quality.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love the fact of meeting new people through their art and also being in touch with different styles of music and approaches of music production and composition by working with people from different backgrounds. I love the fact of getting to be organized and creative at the same time. I love making music and when someone chooses me to be a part of their song, I feel honoured and happy to be invited in. I love new challenges, expanding my own boundaries and discovering new habilities after the process of recording every different piece of music. I love the sense of humanity involved in all of it. I feel lucky I can make a living out of my passion.

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

A: I don't think I can generalize over this... Each custommer has their own special inquiries and I will be glad to answer to any of them specifically!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: How do you imagine this song should/will make people feel? Do you have any references to listen to? How do you think the audio of the bass should be? Would you like me to stick to the exact demo bass line or would you like me to try some new ideas as well?

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

A: I would advice to be very clear about the results they expect and musical references, and also to trust the musician's criteria and leave space for creativity.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Probably I would just say I try to keep it groovy and funky. I stick to the basics and would never jeopardize the groove of a song by playing nonsense fills, even though I must admit I find them super fun.

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

A: Well, that's a hard question! There are so many artists I look up to. I think my dream would be to play with Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, and/or Ariana Grande. I believe, each one in their own style, has created a new language and changed the course and evolution of music. I admire ther delivery and talent so much, I think I could learn tons from the experience of playing with them.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Listen to the bass drum and stick to the groove...

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

A: In general I work on rnb, funk, soul and pop songs. Also rock/alternative and some original songrwiters' pieces, which could include, folk music, latin american music, or indie. I love jazz music and usually play live but I haven't made any records in that style yet.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Responsible, attentive to detail, tight groove.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring a solid, tight groove and a sensitive, soulful touch. I believe there's no sense in playing all the right notes at the right time if you can't feel the music.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: In general, when they call me to record a bass line, the producer or artists sends a demo and a reference of how they would like it to sound. We communicate fluidly and set an aesthetic criteria and from that point, I build a bass line and show them some ideas. When I receive their feedback, I record the final retouches and luckily that's it! I always give my best to keep the artist/producer satisfied with the results.

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

A: I really admire Meshell Ndegeocello, Esperanza Spalding, Pino Palladino, James Jamerson, Rocco Prestia, Jaco Pastorius, Paul Chambers, Ron Carter, Ray Brown, Sharay Reed, Steve Swallow, Cody Wright, Paul McCartney, Carol Kaye. I learn from all of them, how they sound, how they feel, how they groove and how they connect the notes in order to build beautiful melodies when it comes to bass lines, going from super simple to the most complex ones.

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

A: The most common type of work I get called for is for creating and recording bass lines, studio sessions, live sessions and live shows. I work freelance, but most of the times I get to build a work relationship with artists and producers who hire me, and end up recording or playing live with them more than once. I also work as a stable band member for some artists. When it comes to recording, sometimes I work from my home studio, and sometimes there are rehearsals and/or studio sessions at professional recording studios.

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

A: Well, assuming there's electricity funcioning on the island... I woulg take my bass, cables, amp, computer and audio interface. (and I would sneak a pair of headphones too).

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

A: I first bought my bass and started playing it when I was 15 (2012), and started playing professionally since I was 19 years old (2015). I started by playing funk covers at private events, bars, and parties, as soon as I started Music College and got to know professional musicans. I was really encouraged by my bass teacher at the time and he even recommended me for a few gigs, which were great opportunities for which I will always be very grateful. Wheels kept turning and I started playing at better gigs as years passed, and I'm currently playing as a session musician for artists that I really admire and respect, both for their art and their personalities, which makes me feel really happy and satisfied!