Classically trained versatile 'cellist and arranger, with experience ranging from ultra classical contemporary chamber music to drones for Jonny Greenwood & sessions for Radiohead, Arcade Fire & Sir Paul McCartney. I improvised for the score of Jed Kurzel’s film Macbeth and have 20 years of freelance session recording.
I offer remote cello sessions from my studio.
The cello is recorded in Logic Pro X using either a Røde NT4 stereo X/Y condenser microphone or a matched pair of AKG C414s, through Apogee Ensemble DAC in an acoustically treated room.
I have 20 years experience working internationally as freelance soloist, and chamber musician, specialising in contemporary music. My arrangements have been performed in Westminster Abbey, the Wigmore Hall and on BBC radio 3.
I have just released my debut solo album "The Isolated Cellist", which I arranged and self recorded, and am currently writing a body of new music with harpist Eleanor Turner.
"Clare is the first cellist I try to book for any session I do. She is a brilliant player of course, always on top of the notes when we start to play. But, as importantly, she has a deep understanding of the way the music works and a joy in the simple act of playing which illuminates everything - from the most complex to the most basic music put in front of her.
I recommend her all the time, in any context to anyone I know."
Harvey Brough - composer, producer, arranger
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Credits
AllMusic verified credits for Clare O'Connell9 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client
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check_circleVerifiedClare was great to work with, is a fantastic cellist, and is dedicated to making your project work. Highly recommended!
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Clare plays incredibly well. understand exactly what I'm looking for. . Always delivers on time. Easy to communicate with!
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Have used Clare several times for my film music and she always plays very well. beautiful cello! . Responds quickly and delivers super fast. Highly recommended.
check_circleVerifiedIt was a great pleasure working with Clare! She delivered the recording the next day. I had one comment about it and she delivered a second version right away.
She’s very professional and I’m very pleased of this collaboration!- check_circleVerified
Very quick in response, Clare has delivered well recorded Cello part for my song, including some improvisations in addition to the main textures.
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Again, Clare delivers top quality! She understands what I'm looking for and she has a very nice tone in the cello. The recording is also very good. I'll be using Clare again!
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This was my first time using Soundbetter. This was a wonderful experience. Clare responded quickly and delivered the day after I sent her the music. Fantastically well played and very nice recording. She immediately understood what I wanted. I will definitely ask her again. I can highly recommend Clare!
check_circleVerifiedClare went above and beyond with the cello beds she provided for my tracks, giving me several beautiful layers of sound to build. I needed something completely fresh and original sounding and Clare has breathed new life into my project. I’m absolutely thrilled: amazing tone, superb tuning, fabulous communication and the recording was crystal clear - I’m excited to book Clare again for another piece soon.
Clare is wonderful to work with. She really cares about every piece and you can hear her passion and love for her instrument in every recording. Clare recently recorded for my new album and I cannot thank her enough for the extra help with the scores - Invaluable input and wonderful additions made to the songs. Highly recommended.
Interview with Clare O'Connell
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Know what you want in detail and ask for it. I will try to get as close to what you want as I can.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My cello, bow, my stereo mic, laptop and Apogee duet
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I trained as a classical cellist at the Royal College of music, spent 10 years freelancing as a chamber, orchestral & session musician, and then focussed on contemporary chamber music and more solo stuff, arranging and writing.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Pure
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: When layering up many cello sounds, put the mic in a slightly different position for each one so that they don't clash
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Classical & pop
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: An emotive performance
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: My unique sound and expression
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: The cello is recorded in Logic Pro X using either a Røde NT4 stereo X/Y condenser microphone or a matched pair of AKG C414s, through Apogee Ensemble DAC in an acoustically treated room.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: My main inspirations are violinist friend and colleague Daniel Pioro, harpist and producer Eleanor Turner, Manchester Collective and Scottish Ensemble (artistic director Jon Morton) are hugely inspirational. Visionary violinist and composer David Le Page.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I record cello parts which have already been written, I create cello arrangements for tracks and record them, and I compose & record cello parts as well.
I was the 'cellist in this production
- CelloAverage price - $150 per song
- String ArrangerAverage price - $100 per song
Turn around time typically inside 5 days, including minor tweaks or one full revision beyond that to ensure the track is satisfactory for you.
- Jonny Greenwood
- domshov.
- David le Page
- Software: Logic Pro X
- Mics: Røde NT4 stereo X/Y condenser microphone or a matched pair of AKG C414s
- Audio Interface: Apogee Ensemble DAC
- acoustically treated room.
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