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?

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

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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