Thom Swain - Bassist

Session Bassist

Thom Swain - Bassist on SoundBetter

I am passionate, educated electric bassist who puts love and energy into everything I play. Allow me to use my expert skills to bring groove and life to your music!

I am a professional session bass player based in Melbourne, Australia with over a decade of playing and recording experience. I hold a Bachelors degree in Jazz performance and can provide creative, musical bass lines for many genres of music. I am and expert in jazz, rock, pop, hip-hop, soul, rnb and funk.

I will provide professional quality recordings and take pride in delivering best sound for the job.I can provide synth bass tones either via my effects pedal board, or my Arturia Minibrute 2 monophonic synth. I am very comfortable soloing and improvising and will happily record a melodic bass solo.

Send me an email through 'Contact' button above and I'll get back to you asap.

Interview with Thom Swain - Bassist

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

  2. A: Recording my first full length album with my band 'The Kujo Kings'. After several years gigging and refining material with the band, I recorded bass for 13 tracks at Holes and Corners Studio.

  3. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  4. A: I am working on a debut release for my self-produced project 'Mobius'.

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

  6. A: Hugo Lee - a good friend and amazing saxophonist/multi-instrumentalist

  7. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  8. A: Digital. The flexibility and accessibility allows people to be their creative selves.

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

  10. A: I will always deliver and ensure the client is 100% happy with the outcome.

  11. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  12. A: Hearing and being a part of new music

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

  14. A: Get in touch! I am a very open and understanding person to communicate with. Discussing your vision is the best way to work out if we would be a good fit.

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

  16. A: My Greco bass, my Fender Stratocaster, my SM7b microphone, an interface, a laptop.

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

  18. A: I have been playing music since I was about 10 years old. For as long as I remember, being a professional musician has been my dream. After finishing high school I moved to Melbourne to study music at Monash University - one of Australia's best music schools. Since graduating from uni in 2018, I have been working as a gigging/session musician and a bass/guitar teacher.

  19. Q: How would you describe your style?

  20. A: A mix of old and new. I love the character of classic vintage audio and I am also very excited by modern production and sound design!

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

  22. A: Hiatus Kaiyote were one of the first groups to introduce me to neo-soul and jazz harmony. I would love to work with anyone from that band.

  23. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  24. A: Create first, refine later.

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

  26. A: Anything with groove! I play reggae, funk, hip-hop, jazz, soul, blues, rock, Motown. I perform with band in all these styles.

  27. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  28. A: I bring groove, energy and life to all music I play. Finding the pocket that a bass line can sit in is immensely satisfying to me. I try to think creatively when writing a part, but alway prioritise serving the song.

  29. Q: What's your typical work process?

  30. A: When hearing a track for the first time, I avoid playing any instruments. I focus on hearing the song as it is and imagining a part I could add to it. This helps me think creatively and ensure all my decisions come from a listener's perspective.

  31. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  32. A: I work in a home studio with a range of gear I have accumulated over the years. I teach and record remotely from this studio and spend hours working on my craft.

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

  34. A: Herbie Hancock, Jordan Rakei, Eric Valentine, Adam Neely, Kevin Parker

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

  36. A: I most often write and record bass lines for client's songs. Typically, clients will provide a copy of their song along with a general description of what they are after. I will then record a bass line and discuss with the client how they feel about the direction and if they would like to change anything. This ensures the client is always happy and the music is at it's best!

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Ezra Allen

I was the Bassist in this production

GenresSounds Like
  • Pino Palladino
  • Paul McCartney
  • James Jamerson
Gear Highlights
  • Fender Jazz Bass
  • Vintage Greco Precision Bass
  • Arturia Minibrute 2 synth
  • Vintage Fretless Bass
  • Markbass Little Mark II Amp
  • SM7b Microphone
More Photos