Albatross Music on SoundBetter

World Class Multi-instrumentalist, Toured, Played and Recorded with a host of top names over the last 15 years. Including Mumford and Sons, Avett Brothers, Charles Bradley and Jeff The Brotherhood. Worked on numerous Grammy and Brit nominated and winning albums.

I LOVE music and I love to Make music. I specialize in Acoustic and Electric guitar, Bass, Steel, Mellotron and Percussion. As well as mixing. Played for 30 years, in the biz for over 15. I have a huge collection of weird and wonderful vintage equipment, in addition to the industry standard recording equipment. UA, Neumann's, Shure, Coles etc. Endorsee with Duesenberg Guitars, Maton Guitars, Mya Moe Ukuleles, D'addario strings and Roland. Let's make some music together.

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

Credits

11 Reviews

Endorse Albatross Music

by Ryan R.
Verified
Wow, Adam/Albatross absolutely crushed this… I needed a few guitar tracks and a solo, and he gave me multiple options for each, and the tones/sounds were spot on for the references I sent. He also absolutely RIPS on guitar. The guy can shred but also keeps it tasteful. Honestly can’t wait to use him again.
by Mike Marsh
Adam is an absolute wizard with music. I’ve made music with him several times. He is quick to relay any and all ideas that are thrown around. Not only that, his imagination is vast and full of strange and unexpected soundscapes. A true master at guitar. A multi-instrumentalist that has no limits with his imagination. Above all, a true English gentleman and a great conversationalist. A gem!
by Katie Shore
I first met Adam when he was a guitar tech for Mumford and sons. I first noticed his comradery with his colleagues, and quickly learned what an incredible musician he is. I was lucky to have him play on my record, and I was completely blown away by the depth and breadth of his musicianship and his innate ability to play the perfect thing at the perfect time. I’d hire him all day every day, and I recommend everyone does the same! He’s one of the most wonderful people and musicians on the planet.
by Joshua Z.
I have worked with Adam (Albatross) in various forms over the years and he is one of the best collaborators that our band has ever worked with. His musical talent is superb and varied, but the thing that I appreciate most is his personality. In all of our interactions he has been flexible to adapt his style to the needs of the song and bring creative ideas to the table without ego or conflict. Definitely recommend getting him involved with a project in any way you can!
by David John Williamson
I’ve toured the world with some of the biggest bands and as a consequence have worked with the top session guitarist out there, Adam can hold his own with any of them.
His harmonic ear 👂 is ridiculous and he has the technique and feel to match . Through an encyclopaedic knowledge of music 🎶 he can transfer this to his playing to cover a vast array of musical genres.
To top this off, he is just a lovely guy who is punctual and a true professional.
by Ryan Rabin (Captain Cuts - Producer & Songwriter)
In my years of work writing and producing many prominent pop and alternative artists, but not being able to play much guitar myself, Adam (albatross) has been an invaluable asset to my records. When I need a part or parts to really bring a record to life with a real player that possesses the kind of musicianship and technique rarely seen today in the charts, I always turn to Adam first. He really dives into what each song is about, using his insane guitar (and piano and bass and ukelele and literally everything) skills to enhance a record without trying to show off. Great mixer too! love him!!
by Dave Jackson
Adam administers killer tone, across all instruments, recorded to the utmost quality. He can be relied on for tasteful parts, well executed, chops where it counts. Highly recommended guitar slinger, musician, and for phat full ear pleasing mixes.
by Garrett Miller
Adam (Albatross Music) is incredibly talented! From guitar to keys to vocals and beyond the man can do it all. His tones and taste are exquisite and he always works to serve the song, and the project. 10 out of 10, highly recommend. Bonus- he's just an all around incredible person as well!
by Evan Bird
Every time I’ve worked with Adam has been a pleasure. He has extensive knowledge about gear and production, and is one of the best guitar players I’ve ever met. As musicians, we’re all striving to “serve the song,” but I’ve never seen it better exemplified than with Adam. Can’t recommend him highly enough for session work and production!
by Spencer cullum
Adam has played on multiple compositions for me and is a wonderful musician. Tasteful with exceptional tone and craftsmanship. He tracked acoustic on a record I made that really made it shine. Echoes of John martyn ,Bert Jansch and Peter Green his playing but also completely original and very much his own style. Professional and reliable too
by Ross Holmes
Adam Stockdale, Albatross Music, is a BRILLIANT player, arranger, producer, and engineer. His work with Mumford & Sons, Jason Isbell, The Avett Brothers (and dozens of iconic artists and bands) is singular and memorable - Adam’s skills and his ear have elevated him to the very top, I recommend him with 5 Stars!

Interview with Albatross Music

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I have been lucky there are a few. But probably the most significant for me was Charles Bradley, i played on his final release, it was a dream come tru for me, although sadly it was post-humous so i never got to hang with CB. But i was a huge fan of his music and energy.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: A NOLA 2nd line style jazz record. A new instrumental record. And mixing a Soundtrack.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: New Here.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Ive always been a die hard vintage collector, so in days gone by i would defo say Analog, and in days gone by i feel it was legitimate to say it sounded better and why. But honestly these days, the tech has come so far, not only does Digital compete, it is much cheaper and readily available, plus you can do things that analog cant. But... its still fun to bust out the old gear here and there.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: Satisfaction. Hopefully
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Ive never really seen being an artist as a job, its a way of life.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Who have you played with. Or what was it like playing with.... I think everything has a good and bad side, but you always learn something from it.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That any one with a laptop can do it.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: It depends on what they are hiring me for. But i think an artist always needs to know their identity and what they are trying to say. So it helps to ask a little about who they are.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Know what you want (As much as possible), you will get the best out of me and your money if you have a good idea of what you are trying to achieve.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My Turntable, my McIntosh amp, Pet Sounds, My 57 Gibson LG and Van Halen 1
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I am enjoying what im doing right now, but would love to eventually score full time. Movie buff.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Patient but driven. Efficient but thorough.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Id love to work with Trey Pollard, he is a modern day George Martin. Love to jam with Derek Trucks too, that guy is just vibe.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Equalization is the art of subtraction.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Anything from Americana to Surf Rock. I also compose and score, so i have a good ear for instrumental stuff to, especially cinematic. Huge Windham Hill fan.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I have a huge collection of music and very varied. So i think that gives me a vary toned and educated ear. Playin wise i'm in constant search of the best melody and rhythm. for me they are equally important.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Ive always been fascinated by the song overall. Rather than concentrating on one element or instrument within it, but see the whole picture. I think playing multiple instruments has always helped with that, its about how each instrument serves the other and the song, rather than using the song as a vehicle to over play on whatever your instrument is.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Try to get an idea of what the artist is aiming for, get reference points and then advise on how i feel i can take it in that direction and make suggestions of what i hear. Send a few takes, and then allow up to 3 revisions. Want everyone i work with to be happy with what i do and happier with their art than they were when they sent it to me.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: 16 Channels, UA Apollo, MAC, Pro Tools, 100s of plug-ins. 1/4 inch tape machine, Tape delays. Huge collection of vintage guitars, pedals and amps. Neumanns, Shure, Coles. Mellotron, Leslie.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Im a huge Ethan Johns fan. Love is vibe and sound. Was lucky enough to make a record with him at RAK in London a few years ago. Hug fan of Eddie Spear too, worked with him and Brendan Benson when i was living in Nashville.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Overdub Guitars and Mixing.