Arcellus Sykes

Electric and upright bassist

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3 Reviews
Arcellus Sykes on SoundBetter

I'm a freelance bassist in Portland, Oregon. I have a degree in music but I feel the most valuable education I've gotten has been in countless hours of gigs with other musicians, and listening to and studying the playing of other great bassists. I adore the process of crafting a track, and would love the opportunity to help your music be its best!

Over 25 years of playing & recording experience in a wide variety of styles; from Grammy-nominated artists working out of world-class studios to DIY upstarts in their spare bedrooms, I'm comfortable and happy working in nearly any context.

I have many bass sounds to choose from: a 100-year-old carved German upright that sings & growls and sits so nicely in a track; tried-and-true vintage Fender Precision & Jazz basses; a thumpy short-scale; a big, warm hollowbody; a modern 5-string; a singing fretless. If you've got a vision, I've got the tools to bring it into the world.

Send me a current mix of your track, either a stereo mp3 or a full Logic session will work fine. A chord chart is helpful but not required. Any ideas or examples of songs similar to what you're looking for will also be helpful. Most importantly - what's your vision for the song, and how would you like it to sound?

Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Credits

AllMusic verified credits for Arcellus Sykes
  • Teddy Presberg
  • Jenna Ellefson
  • Ural Thomas & the Pain
  • Ural Thomas & the Pain
  • Ural Thomas & the Pain
  • Ural Thomas & the Pain

3 Reviews

Endorse Arcellus Sykes
  1. Review by WXY Music
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    check_circleVerified (Client)

    Working with Arcellus is always fun, professional, and fulfilling. Can't wait to collaborate again!

  2. Review by Brud Giles - Fremont Recording
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    check_circleVerified (Client)

    Prompt and professional. Everything you'd wish for!

  3. Review by WXY Music
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    Not only is Arcellus a first call A-list bassist here in Portland, OR, but he is a wonderful producer to work with. He has hired me to play drums on several of his tracks, and each experience has always been low-stress and tons of fun. He has excellent communication, and is able to explain his ideas for music very precisely, considering he wrote out the charts for our sessions himself. I highly recommend working with Arcellus as a bassist and as a producer!

GenresSounds Like
  • Marvin Gaye
  • Daft Punk
  • Ray LaMontagne
Gear Highlights
  • Fender Precision bass
  • Fender Jazz bass
  • Carved German upright bass
  • Hollowbody bass
  • Short scale bass
  • Fretless bass
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