Sean Hurley

Session Bassist

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256 Reviews (246 Verified)
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

Click the 'Contact' above to get in touch. Looking forward to hearing from you.

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

  1. Review by Dean B.
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    Yet again, low-end alchemy from Sean transformed my shivering trailer park demos into sonic mansions of mahogany and warmth.

  2. Review by Jannick C.
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    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.

  3. Review by Dean B.
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    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.

  4. Review by Gerardo
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    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.

  5. Review by Chris J.
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    Sean was a pleasure to work with and provided multiple superb takes for the track in question. Really excellent.

  6. Review by leeinae
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    I was very excited to work with Sean! I love his vibe and bass style! It was a pleasure to work with him

  7. Review by Dean B.
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    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.

  8. Review by Cody Z.
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    Sean's a great experience! Good communication, fast turnaround and open to multiple directions. Looking forward to working again in the near future!

  9. Review by Johnny H.
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    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.

  10. Review by Josh M.
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    Another amazing session with Sean. Always so tasteful and creative. Looking forward to the next one!!

  11. Review by Stephen L.
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    Amazing player! Brought such great feel and life to my track!

  12. Review by Shmuli
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    by Shmuli
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    The best! A true session pro.

  13. Review by Grant
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    by Grant
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    It’s always a pleasure to play on a song for Sean. Easy and professional.

  14. Review by Jonathan A.
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    Sean is the best bassist on this site. Highly recommend

  15. Review by Eric D.
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    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

  16. Review by Austin
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    by Austin
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    Sean is awesome! absolutely love his playing! Quick communication and serves the song so well.

  17. Review by Josh M.
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    Amazing as always. Great parts, several options. Great communication and fast!

  18. Review by Shmuli
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    by Shmuli
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    Amazing! A top session pro available to everyone. It's a dream come true.

  19. Review by Nian
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    by Nian
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    Loved working with Sean again! His bass line brought my song to life and nailed the vibe I was going for.

  20. Review by R.G.Deguire
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    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

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

  2. A: Born and Raised. John Mayer recorded in 2011. Working with an artist who had a vision and drive.

  3. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  4. A: Finishing a new John Mayer record and many other songs for different artists.

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

  6. A: Jake Reed and Darrell Thorpe. LA’s finest.

  7. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  8. A: Always both. If it sounds great, it is great!

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

  10. A: I won’t give anything less than my best, no matter the budget.

  11. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  12. A: Being a creative support service for the creators.

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

  14. A: What’s John Mayer like to work with? 😂

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

  16. A: Born and Raised. John Mayer recorded in 2011. Working with an artist who had a vision and drive.

  17. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  18. A: Finishing a new John Mayer record and many other songs for different artists.

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

  20. A: Jake Reed and Darrell Thorpe. LA’s finest.

  21. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  22. A: Always both. If it sounds great, it is great!

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

  24. A: I won’t give anything less than my best, no matter the budget.

  25. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  26. A: Being a creative support service for the creators.

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

  28. A: What’s John Mayer like to work with? 😂

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

  30. A: It’s a subtle art. When it’s right there’s no question.

  31. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  32. A: What was your inspiration for your song?

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

  34. A: Let’s communicate and find out what you are wanting for your song.

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

  36. A: Vintage P bass, Noble DI, UA Apollo and my hands.

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

  38. A: I’ve been working with talented and amazing artists for 30 years!

  39. Q: How would you describe your style?

  40. A: Supportive and intuitive

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

  42. A: Artists with vision

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

  44. A: Let the ideas flow and capture them!

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

  46. A: Pop, Rock, Soul and beyond.

  47. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  48. A: Intuitive and creative bass playing for vocal songs.

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

  50. A: Creative and solid bass tracks for songs.

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

  52. A: Bass Tracking daily

  53. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  54. A: ProTools-Univeral Audio Apollo interface, vintage gear and modern workflow.

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

  56. A: Retro to Modern. Motown to Mayer to Lukas Graham

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

  58. A: Bass tracks for songs in all genres.

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

  60. A: It’s a subtle art. When it’s right there’s no question.

  61. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  62. A: What was your inspiration for your song?

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

  64. A: Let’s communicate and find out what you are wanting for your song.

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

  66. A: Vintage P bass, Noble DI, UA Apollo and my hands.

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

  68. A: I’ve been working with talented and amazing artists for 30 years!

  69. Q: How would you describe your style?

  70. A: Supportive and intuitive

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

  72. A: Artists with vision

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

  74. A: Let the ideas flow and capture them!

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

  76. A: Pop, Rock, Soul and beyond.

  77. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  78. A: Intuitive and creative bass playing for vocal songs.

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

  80. A: Creative and solid bass tracks for songs.

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

  82. A: Bass Tracking daily

  83. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  84. A: ProTools-Univeral Audio Apollo interface, vintage gear and modern workflow.

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

  86. A: Retro to Modern. Motown to Mayer to Lukas Graham

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

  88. A: Bass tracks for songs in all genres.

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Last Train Home, John Mayer

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    John Mayer, I Guess I Just Feel Like
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    John Mayer, Queen of California
Terms Of Service

2-3 day turnaround, depending on schedule.

GenresSounds Like
  • John Mayer
  • Paul McCartney
  • Motown
Gear Highlights
  • 61 & 66 Fender P basses
  • 67 Ampeg B-15
More Photos