Professional Session Bassist

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

A: Nordstrand Audio Acinonyx bass, Ampeg SVT, Boss OC-2 Octaver, an interface and a laptop!

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

A: I started playing the bass when I was 10 years old. I grew up playing in cover bands when I was a teenager, playing 3-4 hour gigs some weekends. I've played in a lot of different contexts, like indie-pop bands, all the way to playing a theatre pit band. From early on in my development I learned to love recording myself playing bass and producing my own projects.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I support the song and do my best to let the arrangement do the talking. I always try to pick the best tones to support the aesthetic of the song and add to the overall vibe. I like to insert some of my own unique ideas if it makes sense to, but the song comes first!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I like to start by getting all the pieces of the puzzle together first. Starting with any charts, demo tracks, and references you might have. I like to really understand where you're coming from and get inside the song as much as possible. Then I try some ideas, record to your track, and go from there!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Re-designing my pedalboard to be even more versatile in the studio.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. All of my favourite records have been made by people who have an appreciation for both. Embracing the limitations and classic vibe of analog gear, while also benefiting from the flexibility of digital to create something well rounded is my favourite way to do things.

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

A: I will always try to support you and your song as best as I can!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love meeting people and connecting with them over a shared love of music and creativity. Community and collaboration are everything!

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

A: That the bass can't make or break your song. It definitely can!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What are your top references for your song? Who or what are you trying to take inspiration from?

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

A: Be ready to collaborate! I love to get involved in the creative process. I'm invested in creating the best possible outcome for your project.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Vintage sounding with a modern feel. Supporting the song while also developing interesting and memorable bass parts.

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

A: D'angelo.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: I typically play music in the Pop, R&B, and Singer/Songwriter spaces.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Communication and collaboration! I love to work with other creative people towards a common goal. I love going deep on references and getting a solid understanding of where the artist is coming from and where they want to take their project.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have multiple distinct sounding basses that offer a unique vibe to each track I play them on. I often opt to combine a DI track with a mic'd amp. I have both Ashdown and Ampeg amplifiers that I record in a treated live room, all into Warm Audio preamps and compressors.

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

A: Pino Palladino, Tim Lefebvre, Yussef Dayes, J Dilla, Lee Sklar, Tom Misch.

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

A: I provide a high quality bass track tailored to their references and influences.