Rory Dempsey on SoundBetter

I do remote sessions for film/TV/media composers from my studio. I have played on a wide variety of shows and releases in varying styles. Whether you need bass for several film cues, a whole album or just one song, get in touch and I'm sure I'll be able to help.

I have worked as a bass player in London since 2004 and have a wealth of experience in a wide range of styles including jazz, classical, tango and rock.

I have recorded at all the major London studios and also record high quality remote sessions for TV, film, and library music composers from my studio in London. My playing can be heard on tv shows such as Better Call Saul (Netflix), Staged (BBC), Marvel Agents of SHIELD (Disney), Us (BBC), Breeders (Sky/FX) and Rockfield - The Studio On The Farm (BBC).

As well as playing jazz and pop I studied classical so I am equally comfortable playing arco lines.

Let me know what you need for you project. Turnaround time is generally 48 hours.

Please see rorydempsey.com for lots of audio examples

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

Credits

3 Reviews

Endorse Rory Dempsey

by Worm Kid Productions
Verified
We loved working with Rory on these songs. His playing and tone are aces, turnaround time was excellent, and he was faithful to our scores as well as offering up helpful additional ideas. Would definitely be our first call next time.
by Tom Campbell
Verified
Rory delivered a perfectly played and recorded part exactly as I had asked for it. He discussed things with me in detail before starting to make sure everything was as it should be and I really appreciated the extra care taken to do so. Will definitely come back to him when I need double bass in the future!
by Joe Matzzie
Verified
Rory was super easy to work with. He communicated clearly and got the bass part in the first take. I look forward to working with him again.

Interview with Rory Dempsey

Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Experience, some humanity and groove I hope!
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I mostly record double bass parts for media composers at the moment. That means mostly TV shows and also production music albums.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Recording for a TV show that comes out in a couple of months and recording a passion project album for a composer I know. Before COVID I was doing a show in the West End so that will probably start again after the pandemic.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: If it's a project where I have written the music, produced and played on then I am usually extra proud of it.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Not yet, I'm new here.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Probably digital because I don't have a tape machine. Also I am playing a very 'analog' instrument!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: That I take a lot of care over the recordings and if I have any questions I ask.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I work for myself.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: - can you embellish my bassline a bit? Yes - How quickly can you get it back to me?! Probably tomorrow.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: - Do you have a sound in mind? if so provide a reference track - What sample rate do you want me to record at? - How adventurous do you want me to be?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: I would say that if you could have the resources for your songs (files, charts etc) well prepared and clearly labelled then the process will be faster and cheaper. I would also say that a 5 minute phone conversation can save 20 emails!
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: U87 Apollo(with all plug ins) double bass piano hammock
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I did a degree in classical music in Cork, Ireland and then came to London to study at the Royal College of Music. I like a wide range of styles so ended up playing different types of music as well as classical. I got lots of work in West End shows so I ended up staying in London and I'm still here!
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Rhythmic.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Tom Waits!
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: I record with more than one mic so I have options even if I don't use them.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: All sorts!
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I have experience in a lot of styles of music.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I usually speak to the client to see what type of sound and feel they are looking for and suggest things if they are unsure. Then I ask them to send me the files, possibly a chord chart or some sheet music (depending on the style) and a bpm and I get to work.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I usually record with two mics - a U87 and a Coles 4038. They go through a Neve 1073 preamp into my DAW. I usually use Pro Tools but can also work in Logic. The two mics have very different tonal qualities so I usually send the client each channel separately or a blend of the two depending on what the client requests.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: There are loads of musicians that I work with all the time that inspire me. I am inspired by people who can delve into many styles.