Pro Bassist and Guitarist

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: The last Tempered album. It has some of my finest moments on bass and I got to play extra instruments like the didgeridoo and flamenco guitar.

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

A: My promise is to give them exactly what they're looking for, and respond in a timely manner.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love making music, so the best part of this job is simply doing the job.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: They ask if I can do specific styles or techniques. The answer is yes.

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

A: That bass is easier than guitar. Bass requires more accurate timing so it takes a lot of discipline to become a competent bassist.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I always ask for a reference track, just to make sure I understand what they want the song to sound like.

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

A: I think it's best for a customer to know what style of bassline they want before they hire a provider so that they hire the right person for the job, but I still work with clients who give the musicians free rein with their parts.

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

A: Chappell Roan. She's one of the best new artists.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I'm currently working on the next Tempered album. I'm recording all the bass tracks and some of the guitar.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I mostly do digital. It gives you more options.

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

A: P bass, Active Jazz Bass, Fender Rumble, Telecaster, Boss Katana.

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

A: I started playing 10 years ago and then joined the guitar ensemble and jazz ensemble in college. Since then, I've played in several bands and been hired to work on a bunch of projects.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Somewhere between John Paul Jones and Flea.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Only add something if it makes the song better. It's easy to add to much.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My ear for what the song needs.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Rock solid timing, exceptional taste, and expansive musical knowledge.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: First, I listen to the track once without playing to understand the structure and imagine how the bassline should go. Then, I'll do a few takes that are partially improvised before doing a final take that incorporates the best parts.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use Ableton Live. I usually record DI with a Focusrite interface and use the Bias FX amp sim.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Matt Very. He's great at what he does.

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

A: Usually rock and metal. Sometimes pop and sometimes experimental.

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

A: James Jamerson because he always played the best possible bassline on every song. I'm also greatly inspired by Geddy Lee, Marcus Miller, and Victor Wooten for their exceptional technique.

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

A: I most commonly work with producers or songwriters who ask me to record bass for their music. I also play in a few bands and will occasionally fill in for live shows with other bands.