Maria K on SoundBetter

I will write interesting bass lines that compliment your songs - don't you hate it when bassists play just the root notes? Genres: metal, rock, pop. Slapping, tapping, weird time signatures, not a problem.

I've been playing bass in rock and metal bands for over 15 years and I have tons of recording experience (I also have a music theory degree from my classical piano training years). I generally play with my fingers but I'll use a pick if it makes the song sound better.

You can send me scores/tabs or if you don't have any, I can work everything out by ear and you can give me as much or as little direction as you like. In the end, I can send you the scores/tabs of the bassline I write in PDF format (or a Guitar Pro or MuseScore file) for an extra $10.

I am also happy to provide a video recording but the price will have to be agreed separately for each individual case, depending on the length and difficulty of the song (somewhere between $40-80).

If your song is longer than 4 minutes, please understand that we will have to agree on additional payment, depending on the song, around $15 per extra minute.

Just get in touch to discuss your requirements. If you'd like me to work on multiple songs, I can offer you a discount!

I started as a pianist when I was 8 and I taught myself to play the guitar when I discovered rock and roll at 13. A few years after that, bass became my passion which until now (maaany years later) I call my "main" instrument.

My personal progressive metal project is called Emity Trap if you want to check my original stuff.

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Languages

English

4 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Maria K

by Tony C.
Verified
This was my second time working with Maria, and she once again did a wonderful job. This song was one that mostly needed some refining and I think she fulfilled that need very well while adding a bit of interest and flavor to some areas. Highly recommended!
by Danny
Verified
Super cool riffs for a rock tune, highly skilled and definitely keeps the beat going! Very much recommended!
by Tony
Verified
I worked with Maria on a Melodic metal song where I was having trouble coming up with ideas for the bass that made the song better, rather than just following the low note progression on the guitar. I reached out to Maria and she did a wonderful job adding some sections that elevated the whole composition while also playing very tight. In particular, her use of some harmonics in a soft section really added to the atmosphere and mood in a way I would't have considered.

I highly recommend her!
by Scott Briggs
Maria is an amazing bassist who can take any type of song and bring it to another level. She is professional, talented and has a quick turn around time. One of the best bassists out there!

Interview with Maria K

Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Apart from session work, I have my own progressive metal project called "Emity Trap". I'm slowly writing the second concept album whenever I have time.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital, it offers more possibilities
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: We'll work on it until you're 100% happy. If not, you can cancel the order and you can have your money back. No one has ever done that so far.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Getting creative with so many different songs and styles
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Mostly my availability and it depends on how busy I am. No one has ever had to wait for over a week
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: Lots of people think the bass is an "easy" instrument
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Is this the final drum track?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Get the drums done first. This way I can make sure the rhythm section is tight.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Laptop, sound card, bass, guitar, piano. There electricity on the island, right?
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I started recording at home when I was 19 and kept doing it over the years for fun, to record ideas and send them to my bandmates. I kept learning and improving and at the age of 30 I realised I am good enough to do it professionally.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Finger style, usually smooth
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I can't name just one, but I'd love to work with quite a few drummers I admire who have advanced technical abilities and creativity. An interesting drum track makes things so much more fun for me.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: If you're not sure about something, sleep on it
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Rock and metal
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I have a good ear, I am able to hear all the instruments and understand how they all serve the song and how the bass can add to that.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: While some songs only require the bass to be minimal, that's not the case for most of them. There are usually moments where the bass can shine with a little bit of melody and/or accent the rhythm section by locking in with the drums. That's what I bring to a song.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I listen to the song a couple of times to understand the structure and then I start working on each part on loop until I come up with something I'm happy with. Then I record and move on to the next part.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Bass --> DI box --> Sound card --> laptop --> Cubase
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Too many to list
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I record bass tracks for a variety of genres. Usually I'm given the songs with no bass and I write it myself.