Bassist/Composer/Producer/ Melbourne. Over two decades of live and studio experience blending future jazz and post modern funk with hints of Afro-Caribbean and Latin influences.
I’ve been playing electric bass for over two decades focused on the sounds of world, hip-hop, electronica and African music interwoven with an original sense of groove.
My debut album ‘Maximum Sessions Reached’ features a global cast of musicians. I composed and arranged this album with the performers contributing to the overall aesthetic of the album - cinematic, urban and thematic.
I was also featured on respected guitarist and composer, Sanjay Divecha’s album "Secret" which was awarded a 4 star rating on All About Jazz.
As a session and live musician I’ve logged credits with very many bands, artists and ensembles in India and Australia. I’ve performed all over the world and participated in festivals such as Dark Mofo (Tasmania), Kathmandu Jazz Festival, Boogie Festival (Victoria), Bhutan Literary Festival, Brunswick Festival, Suds Arles (France), and am an active part of the emerging immigrant musician community in Melbourne.
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Credits
Endorse Sonu Sangameswaran7 Reviews
check_circleVerified (Client)Absolute pleasure to work with Sonu, what a great track! clear and concise instruction and looking forward to working with him again later in the year!
G
check_circleVerified (Client)Great person, amazing musician, and composer!
- check_circleVerified (Client)
Great composer/musician, always a pleasure collaborating with him!
check_circleVerified (Client)It was a great experience recording for Sonu,
His flexibility but very clear plan about what he was looking for allowed me to be creative but very precise about my arrangement and solos, optimising time and feedback. On top of that, recording on his tune was super fun!
I highly recommend working with Sonu, and personally I am looking forward to the next time recording horns for him!
check_circleVerified (Client)This was our first time working with Sonu.
Great experience!
His music production has so much character! We loved it.
Super great communication. He provided everything we needed to work comfortably. A real pro.
I highly recommend working with him!
check_circleVerified (Client)Great the work with Sonu! Very cool music and an easy/smooth process!
- check_circleVerified (Client)
Sonu is a very talented musician and composer, as well as a kind person. He sent me a great song to record, and I’m looking forward to working on more of his music soon.
Interview with Sonu Sangameswaran
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: Probably that I only play live gigs. Recording bass and working in a pro home studio environment is very fundamental to my working style.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Timeline, concepts, specifics if any around the part I’m being hired on.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Come with open arms! We are here to help each other but also be respectful of our professional obligations.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: It’s a hard call without electricity on a desert island. I’d probably take my Jaco Pastorius book by Bill Milkowski and keep reading it! It’s such an inspiring tome.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: 15 years professionally. When I discovered in 1999 that it felt good to play the bass and make a living, I’ve never looked back!
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Funk fusion, jazz, pop and everything in between!
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Youssou N’Dour
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Don’t force it! A mix reveals itself to you IF you let it.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Usually original music- it is usually instrumental and defined by the tones and texture of my electric basses and peripherals.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Composing, arranging, working under pressure and being open to the fact we are always learning something new.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: An original sense of groove. We are a product of our environment- I try to bring that multifaceted, multicultural and global mindset to anything I’m working on.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Depending on the tasks I have it’s typically recording bass on remote sessions and/or arranging/composing client sent material. This is constant and one way I keep it fresh is by listening to new music as well as keeping abreast of everything I may have missed!
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I use a lot of hardware sequencers from Elektron, Teenage Engineering, Erica Synths and Arturia. On the DAW side, I have two pedalboards for reamping and a variety of recording solutions including class A DI’s and 6 electric basses to suit all genres and styles of music. I use Logic Pro X, Ableton and Bitwig from start to finish.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Ryuichi Sakamoto Paa Kow Jaco Pastorius Jim Beard Herbie Hancock Earth, Wind and Fire Tower of Power Suzanne Vega Joni Mitchell
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I mostly play live gigs in Melbourne city and record for a variety of clients- typically in the fusion and pop space. I primarily record for myself and offer my services to clients who are seeking an urban, cinematic sound rooted in jazz fusion and future funk aesthetics.
- Bass ElectricAverage price - $150 per song
1-2 revisions.
1 week turnaround.
- Xotic basses
- Fender basses
- Markbass and Aguilar amplification
- Elektron sequencers and a lot more …!
