Fantastic Latin Basslines

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

A: In the music industry, I’m proud to have worked on projects that have been nominated for and won both the Latin Grammy and the Anglo Grammy. In terms of creative improvisation, I have been involved in projects such as book readings, where my role is to create live improvised music, recreating through music what the reading suggests. Both types of work are my passion!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am a professor at two universities in Medellín-Colombia, I do recordings from my studio and I am pursuing a PhD in Arts.

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

A: Yes! Daniel Uribe Colorado (top guitar), Juan Guillermo Aguilar (drums) and Juan Duque (Mixing and mastering - 409 studio)

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

A: I promise my clients a high-level bassline, sound, and performance so that their song has a clear concept.

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

A: - Do you have time to record this song? Yes, I have time to record the bass for your song. If you send me the organized files, rest assured I will record it very soon.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Do you have a particular feeling and tone in mind? Are they any reference track or artist you have in mind to record the song? Do you have a specific deadline for the project?

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

A: It’s essential for my client to have a clear vision of what they want in the song, as this will allow me to direct my work more precisely. For this reason, an initial conversation is key, as it will ensure greater fluency and quality in the process, taking the song to a higher level

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

A: I have extensive experience in the music industry, working as a session bassist with artists from many parts of the world and collaborating in many genres such as salsa, Latin music, jazz, classical music, rock, pop, funk, and folk. This has allowed me to have a broad perspective on music. My first recording was in 1994, but I started professionally in 2000. I can say that I have been working for 25 years in recording and music creation processes from the bass.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My musical style could be described as versatile, authentic, and focused on creating solid and deep grooves that adapt to different genres.

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

A: I would like to work with John Mayer because his music is powerful and of great taste, with simple yet deep elements.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Get inspired by listening and listen to get inspired; this will allow you to see the power of simplicity. ¡It's a great way to create wonderful music!

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

A: I'm strong focus on Latin music

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is conceptualizing the song with the appropriate notes, rhythm, and groove.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: - To start: I listen to the song to understand what my client wants. This requires a prior conversation to be sure of the direction to take. - Initial test: I send a bassline sample to define the groove. I also send 2 or 3 sound samples with different bass tones to decide with my client on the appropriate sound. - Recording process: Once the sound and groove are defined, I proceed with recording the final bassline. - Sending the recording and revisions: I send a mix of the song with the bassline and sound for the client to review and make any necessary revisions. - Final send: After making the final corrections, I send the recorded bass in .wav format. I usually send 3 tracks of the same take: flat, EQ, and cab emulation.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Apogee Element 88 – High-quality audio interface with stellar AD/DA conversion for clear, professional recordings. UA 610 Tube Pre – Adds warmth and depth to your bass recordings, providing that classic tube sound. Drawmer Tube Pre and Compressor – Delivers dynamic control and a rich, vintage character, perfect for shaping the tone. Bass Rig & Ampeg Pre & Cab Emulators – Essential for achieving classic bass sounds with great flexibility in tone-shaping. Cali 76 (1176) Compressor – A go-to for adding punch and control to your recordings, especially for dynamic bass lines. TrickFish Pre and Eq – A versatile preamp and EQ combo for precise tonal adjustments and clarity. Klakr Teknik Tube EQ – Adds color and warmth to the sound, perfect for fine-tuning frequencies and enhancing tonal richness. Empress Deluxe EQ – An exceptional EQ for sculpting the perfect low-end and adding musicality to your tracks. Reverb, Filter, and Octaver FX – A selection of effects to add space, texture, and depth to your bass lines.

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

A: I have many influences from bass players and producers. The ones that have inspired me the most on bass are: Anthony Jackson, Jaco Pastorius, Ray Brown. In production: Quincy Jones, Sergio George, Francisco Zumaqué, David Foster.

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

A: I work closely with artists to understand their vision. I also make sure the bassline complements the genre and mood of the song, delivering high-quality work with a solid musical foundation.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Recording give me the possibility to develop a lot of creativity, besides increasing the instrumental level. It is also fun to record in pajamas from home! :)

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Creativity, Growl, Energy, But the most important thing is to build and complement the idea of the producer. If the client needs the bass line as it is on the score, I'm sure I will do with the best performance. If the client wants some creativity, be sure I will explore different possibilities to give to the song the strength it needs.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I prefer analog. It allows me to connect my senses better, as it involves touch with the knobs, hearing, and sight. While digital has its advantages, it focuses more on hearing and sight. Analog allows me to reach the result I want faster. All my gear is analog!