Andy Stoller on SoundBetter

Bassist for Heart, Tracy Chapman, Chuck Prophet, Ann Wilson, Nancy Wilson, Lee Oskar, Penelope Houston, and more, in addition to performing with Peter Gabriel, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Eric Clapton, and more.

I am a Seattle based session bassist. I've played on records by Tracy Chapman, Ann Wilson, Nancy Wilson, Chuck Prophet, Penelope Houston, and many more. I have performed with Peter Gabriel, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen & many more. I've also played on soundtrack scores and TV shows.

My approach is all about the song. Most often, my instinct is to start with a simple pocket and go from there. Much of the time, this is the right approach. Other times, the song calls for a James Jameson style of playing; or 4 on the floor; or melodic McCartney-styles. I love all of it, and I work hard to choose the right part, the right bass and the right sound to fulfill the artist's vision. I try my best to ask all the questions up front so there everything is clear, especially in remote recording situations.

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Credits

6 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Andy Stoller

by Chris S.
Verified
Andy is the best! Amazingly talented not to mention stunningly efficient - totally elevated my songs! Big shout out and thank you!!
by davidnyro
Verified
I couldn't be happier with Andy's collaboration on my song. He served the song, the vibe, was reliable, good follow-up. Went above and beyond in offering a few different options and followed up with a couple of alternate passes. Highly recommend Mr. Stoller!
by davidnyro
Verified
Andy was, and is, a joy to work with. On many levels. As a bassist, as a musician of many stripes - plays a mean mandolin - as a creative, as a person of good humor and empathy, as a friend. He brought all kinds of ideas, flavor and groove to my "babies!" I would hire him again in a 16th note!
If you can't get Paul, I say "Get Andy!"
by Kevin T.
Verified
I reached out to Andy for help with an original tune of mine. It is always a nervous situation for me to allow someone to listen to my little songs that I come up with. Andy could not have been a more calming influence and we worked through what I think is a great part for the song. Andy worked quickly and his response to any questions and suggestions were always responded in a timely manner. I'm looking forward to working with him again in the very near future. Thank you! KT
by Ethan F.
Verified
Andy is an absolute pro - both in terms of his efficiency in communicating with me, and especially in his playing on my song! I wasn't entirely sure in what direction I wanted the piece to go, and the two takes he sent to me were both so good and fit so perfectly into what I wanted, that the song found its own direction! Hiring a pro in this way was _exactly_ what I needed to finish my track. Andy is a master!
by Sarah R.
Andy is a dream collaborator! He is as focused and talented as he is kind and open. I want Andy on any project I am in because he will bring an ease into the room and then he will just get the entire room in the pocket. Totally groovy and no ego- what is better than that?

Interview with Andy Stoller

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My 1966 Fender Jazz Bass. And 4 strings.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: My goal is to always play to serve the song, and help create a vibe or emotional response from the listener. I've played with great songwriters for decades, and I've learned to try to "get out of the way" of the song, and be mindful of how each note supports it or plays with it. A world of possibilities, which is one the reasons I love my work.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I usually receive a stereo rough mix (without any tracks that I may be replacing). I often ask for a separate drum stereo mix, plus a separate bass drum track for monitoring. I send back at least two takes, varying the approach so you'll have options. When working alone in my own studio, I often find that I do more takes than I would in outside sessions where the clock is ticking; I can experiment with parts and sounds and really think about my role in the song. I make brief notes on each take to assist the engineer as they are importing my work, and always highlight which take I think they should start with, or provide a comp if necessary. Then I send the files along with an MP3 rough bounce so the artist and/or producer can quickly check out the direction I've gone without waiting to import files into a DAW, and provide feedback for a second round of takes if necessary!
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have a lot of basses, from vintage to modern. For the most part, I stick with my old Fenders, but there is a modest collection available. I always go direct into a Noble tube pre-amp, and into a UA Apollo Twin into Logic. If requested, I can also mic the speaker cabinet or re-amp the track.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: My main inspiration for session work is the style of folks like Leland Sklar. His style and sound has had a huge impact on the way I play. I am also heavily influenced by Paul McCartney and James Jameson (like everyone!). I am sometimes asked to play in these styles.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: For remote recordings I almost exclusively do electric bass and fretless bass overdubs. About a quarter of my jobs are redoing tracks that have already been recorded. The rest are overdubs over a new track with a varied amount of direction.