VINTAGE AND MODERN TONES

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

A: I recorded bass for Keaton Henson a few years ago, Keatons music is absolutely beautiful and it was a magical combination of people involved. I tracked with Radioheads drummer Philip Selway, and the guitarist was Leo Abrahams who works with Brian Eno, Pulp and Paul Simon. It was produced by Luke Smith who's credits include Depeche Mode, and Foals. It was just great to have all that experience together and see it actually all work together to create a such a gentle and beautiful record that really put Keaton and his songs at the forefront.

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

A: Ashley Krajewski. Ash is a superb Mixing Engineer and producer and top bloke. Also former member of Apollo440!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both can exist in harmony! Nowadays there's no avoiding digital in the recording process unless you record all on tape and only release it on vinyl, it's always converted at somepoint, it's where in the process that happens. Instrument wise I love old analog gear, but removing digital would be losing some of the most legendary synths and effects from the 80s and 90s!

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

A: They ask me to listen to reference tracks, to see if I get where they are coming from stylistically. I think this is a great thing to do, and often I will send a few tracks back that might show my intentions. It's a great way to check everyones on the same page before commencing any work.

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

A: Some people know that I play in rock bands and may think that's all I do. Well, rock n roll is my love, but I have a background in jazz too, I play upright bass and I'm at home with jazz theory and practice. I also love folk music, 70s funk, and I used to play a lot of East African music, the bass lines are amazing! I think my strength is being able to draw together all sorts of influences no matter what the style.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: It's helpful to get some background info on the client and aims for the project as a whole. Are you at the start of your musical career or do you have some experience in making/producing music? What are the aims of the song and is it part of a bigger campaign, or just one track? I will treat all clients with the same level of respect and attention to detail.

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

A: Communication is key - Trust your first impressions of someone, if they seem friendly and quick at replying this will probably translate into them providing a good service. If they seem a bit rude or make you feel silly for asking questions then be wary.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Melodic, rhythmic, and with attention to the sound. There is no ego involved, I'm happy to keep it simple, or step up and be more inventive when called for, most importantly and I LISTEN TO THE OTHER INSTRUMENTS!

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Throw out the rule book and go with your gut

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently I'm working with Palace, we are working on the 4th album and we have a great US/Canada tour in June 2023. I'm also about to hit the road with Willie J Healey playing Arenas around the UK with Florence and the Machine, Willie's next album is coming out in may, we recorded it with acclaimed producer Loren Humphreys. Last week I was in the studio with Crystal Fighters.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love recording as it's a process of freezing in time the best musical moments to be listened to again and again. I take pride in each session as I see every recording as an achievement that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I also love playing live where the magic is on stage but after the concert is finished you never get to hear it again, - recordings last forever!

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

A: I promise to do everything I can to help you get exactly what you want from my bass recording. I'm easy to talk to and I promise to keep great communication through the process.

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

A: A guitar and an amp, that's it!

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

A: Started playing bass as a teenager. I got a 1st class degree in music at Kingston University, London, and after that I started playing in bands around London. I began doing the odd session for solo artists, including Alev Lenz, and X-Factor finalist Jamie Archer, but my first real break came from playing with rock band Kid Wave, we signed a record deal and started touring the world. During that period I met some great producers and other musicians that were the foundations of me having career as a session bassist, and I've been doing it ever since!

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

A: I usually work with bands or solo artists loosely in the realm of rock music. A typical recent session with Crystal Fighters featured CF band members plus they brought in a few session musicians such as myself, guitarist Little Barrie (Primal Scream, Liam Gallagher), and drummer Matt Ingram (Laura Marling, Tom Odell). They had a demo bass part recorded on midi synth and wanted me to take the basics of the part and put my own stamp on it. The track ended up sounding incredible, and check them out if you don't know them!

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I believe I have a great instinct for melody and harmony within bass playing along with attention to really locking in with the drums. For example knowing when to tie in the bass with a vocal line or a guitar riff, or create notes that could support a string section melody - or just when to hold it steady with the drums!

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I will play with a feel that will sit amongst the other instruments and musicians as if we had known each other for years and were recording in the same room together. I also pay attention to getting great tone that will sit perfectly in your mix.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I will first listen to the song a few times to internalise the general feel - and then I'll hit record. Experience has taught me that it's often the first 3 takes that are the best, it's a special kind of feel you get from these first passes. I will do a couple more if I hit on an idea that I'd like to develop further. I'll listen through and if its feeling good I'll send it over to you via Google Drive or Dropbox!

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

A: Rolling Stones, all day long.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: In my north London studio I have a great range of basses which top of the list is my prized 1965 Hofner Violin bass, it records so well. In addition to this I always have my old Fender P Bass and a host of other interesting vintage and modern instruments, including a 64 Burns, 65 Hagstrom, and my lovely old Hungarian Upright Bass. Amp wise I have a 1966 Ampeg b15 and a 65 Fender Bassman. I record through an 1176 compressor, a tube preamp and Universal Audio Apollo.

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

A: I take influence from all sorts of musicians, I love John Lee Hookers guitar grooves, the production and grooves of Tame Impala, the balls to the floor guts of Motorhead and the sensitivity of Big Star. Bass wise - Hands down Larry Graham from Sly and the Family stone is the single biggest inspiration, but I also love Paul McCartney's melodies, John Entwistle's energy and Carol Kaye's pick playing.

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

A: By and large, my main work is recording professional quality bass guitar for rock and pops bands. Either in my own studio in London, or at which ever studio the band or producer chooses, usually in the UK or US.