If you’re trying to find session musicians you can trust, perhaps looking for a session drummer, or someone to play acoustic guitar, electric guitar, flugelhorn, bodhran or egg shaker, perhaps I could do that for you?
I’ve been playing drums and guitars for about 35 years. On and off I’ve been playing cornet (and now flugelhorn and tenor horn) for about 45 years! I’m pretty much 100% self-taught, so definitely have my own take on these instruments, know my own limitations and styles and will be the first to recommend other players if I don’t feel I’m the right person for the job.
If you’re recording in my studio I’m happy to do any or all of these things for you, included in the studio price. I can also do ‘remote’ sessions. Just send me the music you’re working on, some guidance as to what you’re looking for, perhaps the BPM, and we’ll see what happens.
For instruments/styles I don’t play (keys, strings, shredding lead guitar, funky slap bass…) I have a network of people I trust that can do a great job for you.
If you’re early in your music career or new to the music industry, you might be unsure of what I’m talking about.
A session work musician (or simply session player or session musician) will work with you on a particular song or project for a fixed amount of time at an agreed rate of pay (either hourly, a fixed fee, sometimes a royalty rate or possibly a combination of these). They could be a studio musician, purely working in a recording studio environment (like the famous ‘Wrecking Crew’) or a live session musician, someone who works with you for live performances. Good session musicians will of course be skilled on their instrument, but in my opinion, the best session musicians are highly empathetic people who can use their abilities in a way that serves the songs, not their own egos!
FAQs
My main instruments are drums and rhythm guitar. I also sing, play cornet, flugelhorn, tenor horn, bodhran, shakers and tambourine pretty well! In an emergency I can play some bass guitar too.
I love working on sessions where there is a willingness to experiment, even though I’ll always give the final say to the artist.
Firstly, don’t worry if you don’t feel like you have the language or knowledge of different instruments. Experienced, sensitive session musicians are used to being patient and want to help get the best result for you and the song. That said, the more prepared you can be to communicate what you might like to hear, the better. Are there guitar sounds you like on particular tracks, or vocal effects, or drummers you really like? Use those as jumping-off points when you’re talking to session musicians.