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.

Would love to hear from you. Click the contact button above to get in touch.

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.