Session bass player

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My signal chain is very simple and concise: bass -> pre/DI -> audio interface -> DAW. I tick all with the true must-haves for any contemporary bass players: two Jazz Basses, a Precision bass (with flats, for a true vintage sound), and a powerful 5-string for modern pop bass (a Mayones Jabba). My Radial JDI is the standard to have the cleanest bass sound that can clients can work with, and as an alternative I offer a Markbass Little Mark preamp to add some colour and achieve a slightly warmer sound. Everything goes into a MOTU audio interface, and gets managed with Ableton Live 10. I use KRK Rokit 5 studio monitors or AKG K141 headphones to make sure everything sounds great.

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

A: As a bass player, my biggest influences are Pino Palladino, Nathan East, Paul Turner, Michael League, James Jamerson, Stuart Zender, and many more. Generally speaking, I look up to bassists who have the ability to play what's right for the song, and my ultimate goal is to be someone who can add value to any piece of music that I'm privileged to contribute to.

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

A: You'll have what you're looking for. You'll be able to get in touch with me anytime in the process. You'll want to work with me again for your next project.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Normally from general questions (i.e. what are you working on right now, how has your journey been so far, etc.) to particular (i.e. tell me the vision you have for this song, what do you want to achieve, etc.)

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

A: I've started playing bass at 14-15 years old, then joined a professional music school in Italy, where I graduated in music performance (bass guitar, 2009), and have also done a Berklee College of Music summer course (2009). I've been playing with several artists, both while I was studying and after. I've also taught bass guitar in several music schools and privately.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't be afraid to experiment. Trust your ears more than pro tips from the Internet. Play without fear.

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

A: What I normally provide is high-quality bass guitar tracks for my clients. Over the years I've put together top-notch recording gear for my own studio, honed my skills as a bassist, and cultivated excellent communication skills so that we can have the best and most productive time possible.

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

A: P bass, Radial JDI, MOTU Audio Express, laptop, and headphones. Music for life.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I grew up as a rock bass player. I've had my prog phase, my purely pop phase, my jazz / walking bass kind of period, and I'd say over the years I tried to bring it all together and create my style, rather than strictly adhere to a genre.

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

A: I think I'd love to play with Jamiroquai one day!

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Being not just a bass player, but a good communicator and co-worker. I always try to see the relationship between me and the artist as a true artistic partnership, rather than just client-contractor.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: As a bassist, I try to lay a solid, consistent harmonic & rhythmic foundation for the song. I think I'm good at deciding when to stay in the pocket, and when to execute fills, melodies, or embellishments. I like playing with spaces—not every second of the song has to have a bass guitar playing. In general, the ultimate goal is always to provide a bass line that supports the artist's vision and music.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I will ask the client to send me anything they deem valuable (an idea, a full demo, a bass line made with computers or other instruments, sheet music, a description of what they want etc.). An audio file is obviously essential. I usually listen to the it several times through to internalise all of the fine points (chords, melodies, unisons, licks, etc.). At this point I decide which bass and pre/DI to use. If the client has provided no bass line, I'll play along with the audio file, then I will track some takes, and review them to make sure it all works well for the song. If the client has provided an idea for the bass line, I'll learn it, translate it to my style, and get started with the track & review process. When I'm happy with the performance, I will upload the files to a file hosting service (i.e. Dropbox or Google Drive), and send the link to the client within 5 business days.