Sean Hurley on SoundBetter

Bass Player for John Mayer, Lana Del Rey, Lizzy McAlpine, Alanis Morissette, Lukas Graham, Jason Mraz, and many others.

I am an LA based session bass player. I've played on records by John Mayer, Lizzy McAlpine, Gwen Stefani, Jason Mraz, Lukas Graham, Colbie Caillat, Lady A, Lana Del Rey, Alanis Morissette, Ringo Starr, Robin Thicke, Idina Menzel, Vertical Horizon, Michael Buble', and many others. I have also played bass on many film scores and tv shows during my 23 years in the LA session scene.

I love working with artists and producers who are trying to bring their songs to life with live bass, whether it be simple pocket, McCartney-ish melodic, or Motown soul style playing. I focus on getting the right tone for a song's sonic palette and then create a bass line that supports the song and the artist's vision.

Click the Contact button to talk to me about playing on your song

Contact me through the green button above and let's get to work.

Credits

AllMusic verified credits for Sean Hurley

Mindi Abair
Mindi Abair
Jason Mraz
Benny Blanco
Paul Stanley
Paul Stanley's Soul Station
Paul Stanley
Paul Stanley's Soul Station
Engelbert Humperdinck
John Mayer
Daniel Powter
James McMurtry
Gracie Abrams
Morrissey
Morrissey
Lukas Graham
Heather Youmans
Louis Tomlinson
Morrissey
Céline Dion
Camila
The Shelters
Mijares
Stevie Nicks
Disturbed
Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel
Jason Mraz
Jason Mraz
Pete The Cat
Mijares
Shawn Mendes
The Night Game
Idina Menzel
Pitbull
Pitbull
Pitbull
Lady A
Lady A
Lana Del Rey
Jeremy Riddle
Nikka Costa
Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani
Yahir
James Patrick Morgan
Frankie Ballard
Idina Menzel
Liam Gerner
Liam Gerner
Liam Gerner
Lyle Workman
Michael Bublé
Clairy Browne
Leonard Cohen
Steve Grand
Steve Grand
Joshua Radin
Better Than Ezra
Trevor Hall
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez
A Great Big World
Chris Jamison
Anastacia
Ricardo Arjona
Chris Jamison
98°
98°
98°
98°
Josh Groban
Josh Groban
T.I.
Robin Thicke
Pharrell Williams
Vertical Horizon
Vertical Horizon
Kris Kristofferson
Megan Hilty
Justin Young
Manika
M83
Anthony Gonzalez
Joseph Trapanese
M83
Anthony Gonzalez
Joseph Trapanese
John Mayer
Max Gomez
India.Arie
Hollywood Studio Symphony Orchestra
John Mayer
Colbie Caillat
Alanis Morissette
Jamie Hartman
Anastacia
Idina Menzel
Blush
Nathan Pacheco
Nathan Pacheco
Tak Matsumoto
Earl
Manika
Manika
Daniel Powter
Colbie Caillat
Rachael Yamagata
Mike Viola
Mike Viola
Mike Viola
Kate Voegele
Nicole Scherzinger
Nicole Scherzinger
Adam Cohen
Pitbull
Pitbull
Pitbull
Dia Frampton
Ian Axel
Ian Axel
Terra Naomi
Kimberly Caldwell
Brendan James
The Scene Aesthetic
Miley Cyrus
Josiah Leming
Crystal Bowersox
Melissa Etheridge
Uncle Kracker
Idina Menzel
Jason Castro
JLS
JLS
Guy Sebastian
Guy Sebastian
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
The Dance Party
Guy Sebastian
Katharine McPhee
Peter Andre
Peter Andre
Jason Castro
Cheryl
Cheryl Cole
Colbie Caillat
Vertical Horizon
El Sueño de Morfeo
Rob Thomas
Cassie Davis
Caitlin Crosby
Caitlin Crosby
Ashley Tisdale
Uncle Kracker
JLS
JLS
Allison Iraheta
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez & the Scene
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez & the Scene
Kris Allen
Guy Sebastian
Aaron Barnhart
Aaron Barnhart
Aaron Barnhart
Dean Martin
Tiffany Giardina
Tyrone Wells
Tyrone Wells
Samantha
Bethany Dillon
Natalie Warner
Natalie Warner
Jen Foster
Crosby Loggins
Crosby Loggins
Trevor Hall
Robin Danar
Jon Peter Lewis
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus
Elisa
David Archuleta
David Archuleta
Echo Jet
Josh Hoge
Brett Dennen
Brett Dennen
Brett Dennen
Idina Menzel
Serena Ryder
Lenka
Lenka
Lenka
Ringo Starr
Ringo Starr
Ringo Starr
Marcus Miller
Theodore Shapiro
Theodore Shapiro
The Human Abstract
Erly Thornton
Natalia Lesz
Jordan Pruitt
Jordan Pruitt
Natasha Bedingfield
Robin Thicke
Robin Thicke
Stuart Davis
Kate Alexa
Kate Alexa
Arden Kaywin
Ryan Cabrera
William Fitzsimmons
Three Graces
Theodore Shapiro
Matt Wertz
B'z
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys
Blake Lewis
Blake Lewis
Blake Lewis
Blake Lewis
The Smooth Jazz All Stars
George Stanford
Kirk Wheeler
Idina Menzel
Brittney Elizabeth
Guy Sebastian
Idina Menzel
Hannah Montana
Judith Owen
Judith Owen
Judith Owen
Judith Owen
Emmy Rossum
Pat Monahan
Robin Thicke
Trevor Thompson
Steve Bertrand
Ligabue
Ben Lee
Streetwize
Jamelia
Annie Lennox
Annie Lennox
Annie Lennox
Brad Callow
Jamelia
Bethany Dillon
Anouk
Katy Eggleton
Aly & AJ
Brooke Fraser
Brooke Fraser
Brooke Fraser
Josh Groban
Josh Groban
Josh Groban
Josh Groban
Guy Sebastian
Judith Owen
Judith Owen
Judith Owen
Will Young
Will Young
Paul Stanley
Paul Stanley
Paul Stanley
Jon Abel
Jon Abel
Jamelia
Ashley Parker Angel
Ashley Parker Angel
Ashley Parker Angel
Trevor Hall
Robin Thicke
Robin Thicke
Robin Thicke
Ilse DeLange
American Royal
Jamelia
Stuart Davis
Disney
Aly & AJ
Aly & AJ
Aly & AJ
Judith Owen
Judith Owen
Judith Owen
Luce
Anastacia
Liz Phair
Creede Williams
Chely Wright
Emma Roberts
Emma Roberts
Anastacia
Judith Owen
Jan A.P. Kaczmarek
JoJo
JoJo
Our Friend the Atom
Our Friend the Atom
Our Friend the Atom
Our Friend the Atom
Raven-Symoné
Judith Owen
Robin Thicke
Robin Thicke
Shark & Bear
Vertical Horizon
Vertical Horizon
Vertical Horizon
Justin Guarini
Maria
Cary Pierce
Cary Pierce
Sugarbomb
Mya
Vertical Horizon
Vertical Horizon
Kristin Cifelli
Mary Gauthier
Mark Curry
Arlo Guthrie
Arlo Guthrie
Pete Seeger
Arlo Guthrie
Pete Seeger
Arlo Guthrie
Arlo Guthrie
Arlo Guthrie
Sandoval
Axel Muñiz
Gracie Abrams
Mijares
Dan Godlin
Kaia Lana
Aubrey Wood
DJ Komori
Salma
Coréon Dú
Robyn Cage
Sitti
Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel
Jay Vaquer
Frankie Ballard
The Shelters
Borchardt
Antonio Orozco
Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel
Charlie
Sandoval
Emi Meyer
Emi Meyer
Claudia Koreck
Flintface
Love2move Music Workout
Idina Menzel
Charice
Charice
Charice
Charice
Audio Groove
Frankie Ballard
Morrissey
Frankie Ballard
Donna Missal
Donna Missal
Donna Missal
Michael Paynter
Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star
Salma
Brandy Clark
Idina Menzel
Cara Mentzel
The Sweet Remains
Sandoval
Mijares
Carlos Vara
Party Tyme Karaoke
Party Tyme Karaoke
Yahir
Helene Fischer
Cole Citrenbaum
Ry Cuming
Ry Cuming
Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel
Sandoval
Kaia Lana
Frankie Ballard
Silver Treason
Silver Treason
Silver Treason
Sean Hurley
Sean Hurley
A Bad Think
Josh Groban
Tim Cunningham
Yahir
Lex Land
Matthew Wolcott
Cindy Alexander
Cindy Alexander
Benny Blanco
Benny Blanco
Marshmello
Vance Joy

Endorse Sean Hurley256 Reviews - 55 Repeat Clients

by Dean B.
Verified
Yet again, low-end alchemy from Sean transformed my shivering trailer park demos into sonic mansions of mahogany and warmth.
by Jannick C.
Verified
Sean has an incredible knack for writing perfect basslines in no time. He provides plenty of takes and is always open to feedback. For me, he’s a no-brainer when I’m looking for a world-class bassist.
by Dean B.
Verified
Sean operates with a level of quiet brilliance, technical mastery and complete lack of pretense that transforms a song. Make me want to write more songs just to keep working with him.
by Gerardo
Verified
Sean is an amazing bassist and musician! He delivered multiple takes, and all were fantastic. Quick and easy communication too. His musicality and artistry are on point, and his groove locks together with the drums in a really danceable and emotional way.

Also, his bass-instrument selection served the song a lot, helping round out the low end perfectly. Recording technique is also on point.

10/10 would recommend. Will work with him again.
by Chris J.
Verified
Sean was a pleasure to work with and provided multiple superb takes for the track in question. Really excellent.
by leeinae
Verified
I was very excited to work with Sean! I love his vibe and bass style! It was a pleasure to work with him
by Dean B.
Verified
Meeting your heroes is usually a great way to get your feelings hurt, but Sean is has no ego, no 'tortured artist' gatekeeping… Kind visionary with extraordinary talent he generously shares to make the work sound better than it started.
by Cody Z.
Verified
Sean's a great experience! Good communication, fast turnaround and open to multiple directions. Looking forward to working again in the near future!
by Johnny H.
Verified
Sean was very professional and easy to work with. Understood what I was looking for and brought my songs to life. He’s the man, highly recommend.
by Josh M.
Verified
Another amazing session with Sean. Always so tasteful and creative. Looking forward to the next one!!
by Stephen L.
Verified
Amazing player! Brought such great feel and life to my track!
by Shmuli
Verified
The best! A true session pro.
by Grant
Verified
It’s always a pleasure to play on a song for Sean. Easy and professional.
by Jonathan A.
Verified
Sean is the best bassist on this site. Highly recommend
by Eric D.
Verified
Sean is a exceptional bass player, tone/feel/note choice are all spot on. Amazing! Sean's playing combined with a good drummer = goose-bumps and dancing feet. Sean is responsive and very easy to work with, I highly recommend him for your project. -Eric
by Austin
Verified
Sean is awesome! absolutely love his playing! Quick communication and serves the song so well.
by Josh M.
Verified
Amazing as always. Great parts, several options. Great communication and fast!
by Shmuli
Verified
Amazing! A top session pro available to everyone. It's a dream come true.
by Nian
Verified
Loved working with Sean again! His bass line brought my song to life and nailed the vibe I was going for.
by R.G.Deguire
Verified
Your music deserves the best. Sean is one of the greatest bassists in the world, working with him is a game changer. You simply can’t go wrong. A true legend!

Interview with Sean Hurley

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Born and Raised. John Mayer recorded in 2011. Working with an artist who had a vision and drive.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Finishing a new John Mayer record and many other songs for different artists.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Jake Reed and Darrell Thorpe. LA’s finest.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Always both. If it sounds great, it is great!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I won’t give anything less than my best, no matter the budget.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Being a creative support service for the creators.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: What’s John Mayer like to work with? 😂
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Born and Raised. John Mayer recorded in 2011. Working with an artist who had a vision and drive.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Finishing a new John Mayer record and many other songs for different artists.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Jake Reed and Darrell Thorpe. LA’s finest.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Always both. If it sounds great, it is great!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I won’t give anything less than my best, no matter the budget.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Being a creative support service for the creators.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: What’s John Mayer like to work with? 😂
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: It’s a subtle art. When it’s right there’s no question.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What was your inspiration for your song?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Let’s communicate and find out what you are wanting for your song.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Vintage P bass, Noble DI, UA Apollo and my hands.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I’ve been working with talented and amazing artists for 30 years!
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Supportive and intuitive
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Artists with vision
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Let the ideas flow and capture them!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Pop, Rock, Soul and beyond.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Intuitive and creative bass playing for vocal songs.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Creative and solid bass tracks for songs.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Bass Tracking daily
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: ProTools-Univeral Audio Apollo interface, vintage gear and modern workflow.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Retro to Modern. Motown to Mayer to Lukas Graham
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Bass tracks for songs in all genres.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: It’s a subtle art. When it’s right there’s no question.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What was your inspiration for your song?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Let’s communicate and find out what you are wanting for your song.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Vintage P bass, Noble DI, UA Apollo and my hands.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I’ve been working with talented and amazing artists for 30 years!
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Supportive and intuitive
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Artists with vision
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Let the ideas flow and capture them!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Pop, Rock, Soul and beyond.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Intuitive and creative bass playing for vocal songs.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Creative and solid bass tracks for songs.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Bass Tracking daily
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: ProTools-Univeral Audio Apollo interface, vintage gear and modern workflow.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Retro to Modern. Motown to Mayer to Lukas Graham
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Bass tracks for songs in all genres.