Spencer Buckle on SoundBetter

Portland's go to bassist for many genre's. Playing in more than 8 bands throughout the metro area, I have curated a fulfilling friendship and business with some of the top performers in PDX.

I have a Classical background on the String Bass and Piano, I stretched into the bass guitar realm as well, quickly getting involved in the music scene in high school. Like every kid dreaming of making it big in the music industry, I surrounded myself with the best musicians I could find and learn from. I later graduated from college with a Bachelors majoring in music with a minor in business. I serve in the 234th Oregon Army Band and have been a key senior musician of this military organization for over 12 years. With a broad background spanning classical to pop and funk, expanding into recording remotely is an exciting new chapter to branch into. Now operating under the business name "Deeper Grooves," I have been able to reach more people on the west coast. I know I can exceed your expectations and needs as your next bassist!

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English

4 Reviews

Endorse Spencer Buckle

by Zachary Martin
As a musician, Spencer is fluent and creative, with a solid comfortability of the beat at an atomic level. He balances the focussed professionalism you need to be productive while remaining lighthearted and easy to be around. I love this guy and cannot wait to work with him again!
by CJ Johnson
Extremely reliable individual and player. We've tracked in the studio, and played shows together. Spencer will do what he's asked, and if given the opportunity, he will do something better. He was even willing to coordinate wild outfits for shows. Absolute champ.
by Mason Martel
Spencer slays! He's got a great ear, phenomenal musical instincts, and really knows how to collaborate. Highly recommend him for the gig! 🤘
by Kelsey Easterbrooks
Spencer was great. He did everything I asked for and got my project done quickly. I would definitely use him again.

Interview with Spencer Buckle

Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I love analog, but there are many applications where I will use digital. I love being able to play a vintage instrument, but have the ease and power of a solid state amp. To me it is fair that they both have applications where each one has a specific benefit and will be needed in different way. so I don't think one is better than the other, it just depends on what project i'm doing and what will benefit the final outcome the most.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My 66 P Bass, Sandberg California TM5, String Bass, Handmade German bow, Bass Amp
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have been gigging in Portland for 15 years. Starting in high school and playing in a Ska band, to playing with bands in college. This is when I enlisted into the Army National Guard and became a Military Musician. This gave me a huge opportunity to better my playing. Since then I have worked with Many musicians throughout entire West Coast and have gone on many tours spanning California, Idaho, Utah, and Washington.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I have a few, but I would love to work with Charlie Puth. His music is fun, it grooves, and it seems simple, but has so many layers to it.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I work with a lot of singer-songwriters and have a lot of experience under the umbrella of Americana. Most recently I have been involved in many Indie alt. and indie pop bands.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: As a Bassist, I am the pillar that the band holds to. I have practiced some long hard hours on tempo and precision in timing of every not played. On top of that, I help create the pocket and groove, while supporting the melody.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: To me, the bass adds an incredible foundation to a song. A bass can fill and broaden any songs potential in some really simple ways. There are times when a bass should be present and just holding the groove and pocket with the drummer, but I always look for that one small moment to that can enhance the direction of a song. That can come in multiple forms. Whether it is from changing the rhythms, creating a new motif, or following the melody, being a bassist is an important role and will help create the personality of any song.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My setup is pretty simple. I will usually run through my TC Electronic RH750 and into my UA Volt 476 interface. My DAW is Ableton and I have a variety of plugins, but tend to keep things pretty minimal and clean unless specified by the artist. I have a pair of Yamaha HS8 Studio Monitors and also BeyerDynamic DT 1990 PRO headphones.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I have been heavily inspired by electric bassists like Michael League of Snarky Puppy, Pino Paladino, Payam Doostzadeh (Young the Giant), Le Sklar, Stefan Lessard. With a background in upright bass, I loved listening to Ray Brown, Milt Hinton, Oscar Peterson Trio, Neils Henning Orsten Pederson, Count Basie Big Band, and Edgar Meyer.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I specialize specifically on recording and performing as a bassist.