Nolan Sloan

Indie/Alt Session Guitarist

Nolan Sloan on SoundBetter

I don't just learn your song — I learn your vision. Guitar & bass player with 7+ years across indie, alt-pop, rock, and folk. Every part I record is crafted to serve your artistry as a whole. Clear communication, professional results, and a player who truly gets what you're going for.

I'm a Seattle-based session guitarist and bassist with over 7 years of experience helping independent artists and songwriters bring their music to life. My work spans indie, alternative pop, rock, and folk — genres where feel, taste, and restraint matter just as much as technical ability.

I offer professional-quality guitar and bass recordings tracked in my home studio with high-end gear, delivered with fast turnaround and clear communication every step of the way. Whether you need something understated and atmospheric or driving and full of character, I'll find the part that serves your song.

I've recorded for artists including King Mala, Crawford, and Jenny Kwon, and I bring that same level of care and professionalism to every project I take on — regardless of scale.

What sets me apart is a genuine investment in your artistic vision as a whole. I don't just listen to the reference track — I listen to your catalog, your influences, and your goals. That context shapes everything I play, and it's why clients feel truly understood when we work together.

If you're looking for a player who's as thoughtful about your music as you are, I'd love to be part of your project.

Send me an email through 'Contact' button above and I'll get back to you asap.

Languages

  • English

Interview with Nolan Sloan

  1. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  2. A: From now on, digital. There are still analog things that are difficult to recreate digitally, but as time goes on, they will be fewer & further between. Also, most analog gear is prohibitively expensive for most people & usually just does one specific thing extremely well. But that also isn't going to stop me from buying analog gear I love.

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

  4. A: I promise to try to understand what you are trying to do, even if that means coming to the conclusion that I am not the best fit & recommending someone else.

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

  6. A: Don't hire someone who doesn't try to understand your artistic intentions.

  7. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  8. A: Always be looking for new inspiration. If you've never listened to anything before you were born, make that your first priority. If you haven't heard of any of the artists on the current charts, listen to them. Always be looking to learn & understand. Be curious, not judgmental.

  9. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  10. A: I believe it is my ability to understand a piece of music in it's entirety, not just my specific part of it.

  11. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  12. A: I bring a decade plus of songwriting experience, including a Bachelor's Degree in Songwriting & Production. Also, as a skilled multi-instrumentalist, I understand how to create hooks in the arrangement of a song, not just in the lyrics & vocal melody.

  13. Q: What's your typical work process?

  14. A: I check my email daily either in the morning or late afternoon, depending on my work schedule. After that, I reach out to the prospective client to understand more about their vision. After about a week & a couple revisions (depending on scope), we should have something we are both extremely proud to put into the world.

  15. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  16. A: My primary microphone is an AKG C414. I run that through a UA Apollo x4 interface into Logic. I have multiple guitars & basses & a Nord Stage 5 73 Key electric keyboard along with several VSTs.

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

  18. A: My current production inspirations are Bon Iver & Dijon. Songwriters that inspire me are Jeff Buckley, Phil Collins, & John Mayer. Guitarists that I love to listen to & take notes on are also John Mayer, Tim Pierce, & Steve Lukather.

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

  20. A: First & foremost, I am a problem solver. Music is personal, and the production process can be overwhelming. Whether they know exactly what they want or are still figuring it out, I show up ready to carry that weight with every client. I bring the knowledge and experience to move a project forward, and just as importantly, I'm someone you can think out loud with. Sometimes that means executing a clear vision to the letter — other times it means being a sounding board until the right idea reveals itself. Either way, I make sure my clients don't have to navigate it alone.

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Guitar Performances with Tyler Crawford, King Mala, Jenny Kwon

I was the Guitarist in this production

Terms Of Service

For single item services, turnaround is typically 5 days with 2 revisions. For full productions, I require a Zoom meeting to discuss vision. Turnaround typically 7 business days & 3 revisions.

GenresSounds Like
  • Phoebe Bridgers
  • John Mayer
Gear Highlights
  • US Vintage Series Fender Stratocaster
  • Gibson Les Paul Reissue
  • Fender Precision Bass Lyte
  • UA Apollo x4
  • AKG C414 Condenser Mic
  • Fender Deluxe Reverb
More Photos
More SamplesElectric & Acoustic Guitar layers.