session bassist, producer

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

A: In early 2022, I released my 2hr+ box set Unc Precedented Vol. 1. The box set features 16 singles I've released over 2021, along with 20 additional tracks made around the same time. 2021 was a productive year for us and to see it all on one release was really a proud moment. Take a listen, its a wild journey! https://uncd.bandcamp.com/album/unc-precedented-vol-1

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am currently working on a live hip hop album, similar to Kendrick's 'To Pimp A Butterfly.' While the MC has prepared lyrics, the band will be doing complete improv to make the songs in the moment. This is the first LP of this kind I am doing, and the precedent for this hip hop group will be to never have a 'song,' technically, but always improv under the MC's lyrics.

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

A: I would recommend Lee Syatt, the flying j bass!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: both! its 2022, the binary is dead baby.

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

A: My promise is that I will have clear communication, no bullshit, typical a relaxing of terms/rates shown on my profile.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: My favorite part about my job is making a damn record. As a youngster, I grew up looking at old CDs and cassettes as mystic little portals of discovery, it was always my dream to make them!

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: The biggest misconception is that I only do instrumental music. While as Unc D I am mostly instrumental, all of my work in my career before Unc D was in groups with vocals from corporate dance bands, stand up comedy, indie rock, reggae and hip-hop.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I always ask about a deadline, where you want me to play and what expectations or direction they had for the baseline.

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

A: My personal advice is to be pragmatic, rather than idealistic, in terms of your expectations. As a jazz musician, I have found it is best if you work with what you have rather than try to make something that is in your head. That being said, I always treat post-edits as fair game- feel free to edit my bass in any way you like after I send it to you. Most of the time, your issue could be fixed with a simple omission of the part you don't like.

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

A: If on a desert island, i'd take a 6 string bass, an acoustic miniature 6 string bass, and a drum machine.

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

A: I have been a bassist for ten years and a producer for 5. I have played in many original and working bands in Ohio before starting my own jazz funk project 'Unc D in 2019.' My goal is to gradually get to a pace of releasing one single/release per week, and do this until I am unable to so for health reasons. As an independent artist, creating is the edge we have against those locked down by label bureaucracy!

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

A: I would love to work with UK jazz producer Kamaal Williams and drummer Yusseff Dayes. The pair's fusion of house and afrobeat with jazz funk is impenetrably cool. Additionally, their improvisational method is similar to my own, all about that first take energy baby!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: As a bassist with over a decade of experience, my bass playing balances tradition and classic vibes, with progressive modern flavor. While I have no problem with taking the lead, my bass lines are always meant to support the melody while paying particular attention to the drums.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Typically, I passively listen to the song I am working on for a day before sitting down and spending 1-3 hours in the studio working on it. I wait until the next day to listen again with a fresh ear, and then typically send it over!

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a whole home studio with a 16 track interface, 2 studio rooms, drumset, enough mics for a 'small big band,' synths and drum machines, multiple basses and guitars, and finally, both Ableton and Logic.

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

A: I have always been inspired by the Beatles, particularly in their experimental studio phase, gotta love watching the greats take chances! For a modern example, the relationship between Flying Lotus and Thundercat is one of my favorites. Flying Lotus' ability to bring Thundercat's bass guitar into sonic realms previously untouched by the instrument is so inspiring!

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

A: I typically work as a session bassist, remotely recording from my studio in Ohio and sending back isolated bass, drum or synth tracks. To a lesser capacity, I work as a producer and both provide beats for artists, as well as offering feedback about release strategy and marketing.