Donal Pywell on SoundBetter

Highly experienced studio bassist with a BA degree in Music. Accomplished multi-instrumentalist and producer. I love playing funk and jazz but have been trained to perform all styles.

I am a music lover that offers top level bass playing.
Accomplished in a variety of styles including Pop, Funk, Rock, Jazz/Fusion, Classical, Trad.
Preparation and professionalism are at the forefront of my values.
I’m an enthusiastic and positive force to have involved in a project!
I have an extensive background in Classical Violin as well as Irish Traditional music.

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

Credits

9 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Donal Pywell

by Eduard A.
Verified
Donal came up with some really nice and creative basslines that fitted well with our song and had a nice bass tone.
by Michael B.
Verified
Donal has delivered exactly what I needed for my track. He is a real pleasure to work with and I really like his creativity. He went above and beyond just a single bass part and gave me loads to work with above nailing the bass that I imagined for the track. Thanks again.
by Michael B.
Verified
Donal was excellent from the start. His communication was excellent. He understood what was needed for the track and delivered an excellent first draft. This has formed the backbone of the finished track. He then listened to feedback and delivered more than expected. I now have options, upon options to help me add embellishments and texture to the track. That is what you hope for when you hire someone. He has helped me elevate my project to a new level of professionalism. Thank you very much.
by Will M.
Verified
Donal jumped right in with a great attitude and nailed it on the first pass! Great to work with, highly recommended!
by Mystykal K.
Verified
perfect! he understood exactly what i wanted and sent different versions of dope basslines 🔥
by Madis O.
Verified
Donal, is a true professional. The minute we started to talk about our project he got involved and was gracious enough to listen to our ideas. The tracks he presented were perfectly executed! A true professional. I will work with him again. Definately!
by Jason Maleney
Donal is a consummate professional. Excellent player and great guy to deal with!
by Jesse Eigen
Donal is a ridiculously talented bass player! I’ve had the pleasure of watching him play in London quite a few times. Super nice guy too 🙌🏻👌🏻
by rvstless
Donal is a ridiculously talented musician and have had the pleasure of working with him a few times!

Interview with Donal Pywell

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: The sample track included on my profile is by an artist called Rocstrong that i was Bass Player and Musical Director for. I recorded all the bass and guitars on that track 'Be Cool'. Rocstrong has gone to have songs included in huge advertisement campaigns by Mercedes and McDonalds as well as a Coen Brothers Soundtrack.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Currently in quarantine I'm working on a lot of remote collaborations with other musicians around the world.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Lauren McManus (Vocals)
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I mean, Analog does sound better for sure. But I use so many Digital plug ins and Virtual Instruments and they sound awesome!! Cheaper too :)
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I promise that we can make something great with their song.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I love playing music with other people.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: They usual ask what I will do with the track. I normally answer that I'll work with them to make the track something they can be proud of.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: SLAPPA DA BASS MAN!. I really don't get to slap bass that much actually haha.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What kinda music do you listen to? How do you want your music to sound?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Best advice is just do it. I'm very well experienced and I guarantee that we'll have a fun creative time.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Fender Jazz Bass, Laptop, Acoustic Guitar, Keyboard, Microphone.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have been a professional musician for about 8 years.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I would describe my style as funky with an emphasis on tone.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Jamiroquai are my favourite band. And I can't even imagine being able to get that gig. They are so funky and have been for so long!!
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Simpler is always better. When I record I like to give the very best sound I can so that not much needs to be done post-production.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I usually work on pop music. That could be Electro, Rock, Indie, Folk, Disco or even something a little 'jazzier'.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I guess my strongest skill is my bass playing. I love just practising, recording and performingas much as I can.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I'm very proficient across lots of styles on multiple instruments. As long as it sounds great that's all that really matters right?! I'm always trying to bring 'that vibe' to a track as well as a positive attitude!
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I always love to chat with the songwriter first to get know them and how they envision their music to sound before I record. Then I come up with a few ideas by myself and afterwards get the songwriter to send some ideas that they have. I record those ideas also and then the songwriter can pick what will suit best for them. Finally, if anything needs a little bit of tweaking that can be done.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I like to run a simple set up with all of my recording and producing being done through Ableton Live 9. I have a whole array of instruments and pedals, amps, synths etc.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I love the production behind artists such as Tame Impala, Disclosure, Ariana Grande, Daft Punk, Anderson .Paak.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I mostly write and record bass lines either in the studio or remotely from my home studio for Songwriters/Producers. Usually Bass Guitar or Synth Bass.