honestly learned so much more from Colt compared to most other youtube music-related channels. Thanks for being so open and informative man, you're doing everyone a serious service!
I feel the thing that people miss most is the value of connections. So glad you touched on that. When I used to look up how to be a session player years ago, people would often say that you need to be able to master all styles. Like be an amazing country guitarist, classical, jazz, rock, etc. I think knowing a little of most genres is a great all around trait but, it seems that most people hire me for a few specific styles that I play. Kind of like my specialties. I personally think it’s worth the time, nailing one or two specific genres so you become “that guy” and develop your unique sound that people can’t find anywhere else.
This is some really honest opinions with hands on experience, especially for those who stuck in a situation where they never played as a session player in a record or in a show. It makes sense to put investment first (hiring producer / other session players) into making something to showcase. That's like when you look for a job without real life project experience, invest to some sort of certification with hands on project might be a good approach to start.
Great info on this one. I'm currently trying to peddle my services as a guitar session player in places like SoundBetter and Airgigs. There's so much of the marketing that has to be done in advance that it seems overwhelming, but I'm still plugging away. Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely have to watch this one multiple times. Off to watch the other vids in this great series.
hey man, ive been watching your videos (older and newer) and ive been finding them very informaive and insightful. firstly, i would like to say thank you very much for all the time and effort you put into these videos. secondly i was hoping we could have a conversation if you have the time.
I never asked to be a session player. A producer heard me play and asked me to play for a track he was recording. Things went from there and the production bug got me. My career changed.
Thanks for this, dude. I'd really like to get into this. I've recorded guitars for some small-time projects, and of course my own. But I'd really like to branch out and start doing more of this type of work. And to your point, dude, it's brutally obvious to everyone what I do :)
I may have missed this point - if you made it previously - but as a former LA studio drummer - retired music educator - and a highly educated musician (I'm 60 now)... How about being a well educated, great reader/interpreter/feel player??... You have to be able to sight read and play and feel instinctively when you get that chart thrown in front of you... Time = Money, and you have got to be able to cut it as soon as the recording starts... I don't know if it's the same in Nashville, but in LA - ALL of your chops have got to be top notch ~ if you intend to make a living at this... Thanks!
Hello Colt, as a Braguinha and Viola d'Arame player (Traditional Instruments from Madeira Islands), i want to try out becoming a session player. What kind of sound as an sound engineer you are looking for in a session player? Like the most dry i can make it? And what kind of sound i should be able to make in order to self promote? For example RUclips Videos. Should they be equally as dry? Sorry for my grammar, not native english speaker :)
I want to start promoting myself as a session player. How can I stand out from other session players? Especially to producers who already know a bunch of good session players?
Honestly have been loving your content. Do you have a cable tester or anything the only real reason i ask is because there seems to be alot of buzz in the background of the video.
Before u spend money to buy studio time to create a demo offer ur service to producers n artists for free til u have a history or maybe just once for someone. No money in or out of pocket but u have a studio demo n reference.
This is applicable in many careers. Charge what you’re worth, be available, promote what you do, be approachable, know your role - all good advice!
Ben Vici 100%. Thanks for watching!
honestly learned so much more from Colt compared to most other youtube music-related channels. Thanks for being so open and informative man, you're doing everyone a serious service!
I feel the thing that people miss most is the value of connections. So glad you touched on that. When I used to look up how to be a session player years ago, people would often say that you need to be able to master all styles. Like be an amazing country guitarist, classical, jazz, rock, etc. I think knowing a little of most genres is a great all around trait but, it seems that most people hire me for a few specific styles that I play. Kind of like my specialties. I personally think it’s worth the time, nailing one or two specific genres so you become “that guy” and develop your unique sound that people can’t find anywhere else.
Great point. “Do what’s right for the song & what the producer asks”
This is some really honest opinions with hands on experience, especially for those who stuck in a situation where they never played as a session player in a record or in a show. It makes sense to put investment first (hiring producer / other session players) into making something to showcase. That's like when you look for a job without real life project experience, invest to some sort of certification with hands on project might be a good approach to start.
So good! Been following you for a couple years now. You are no doubt going to explode on this platform. Your content is excellent.
Jeff Aulich Thanks so much man! I truly appreciate that! Let me know if you ever need anything, love to work with you guys!
Subscribed...on the strength of this video right here! This is *precisely* what I was looking for!
Great video as always Colt. All really valuable stuff
Great info on this one. I'm currently trying to peddle my services as a guitar session player in places like SoundBetter and Airgigs. There's so much of the marketing that has to be done in advance that it seems overwhelming, but I'm still plugging away. Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely have to watch this one multiple times. Off to watch the other vids in this great series.
hey man, ive been watching your videos (older and newer) and ive been finding them very informaive and insightful. firstly, i would like to say thank you very much for all the time and effort you put into these videos. secondly i was hoping we could have a conversation if you have the time.
I never asked to be a session player. A producer heard me play and asked me to play for a track he was recording. Things went from there and the production bug got me. My career changed.
No ego is life advice for everything
Thanks for this, dude. I'd really like to get into this. I've recorded guitars for some small-time projects, and of course my own. But I'd really like to branch out and start doing more of this type of work.
And to your point, dude, it's brutally obvious to everyone what I do :)
Thanks for taking the time to make this!
Niko Albanese thank YOU for taking the time to watch!
Subscribed! Thanks for the info man! super helpful.
I would love to become a session player but my years of gigging live is not translating well to the studio so far. Haha.
I love what said about being humble.
Great information. Q: Do you use some kind of xlr Boost with your SM7?
Thanks.
Thanks Colt. Very encouraging/helpful insights.
Wow this is a gem of a channel! Great content
Great info again! Greetings from Germany!
I may have missed this point - if you made it previously - but as a former LA studio drummer - retired music educator - and a highly educated musician (I'm 60 now)... How about being a well educated, great reader/interpreter/feel player??... You have to be able to sight read and play and feel instinctively when you get that chart thrown in front of you... Time = Money, and you have got to be able to cut it as soon as the recording starts... I don't know if it's the same in Nashville, but in LA - ALL of your chops have got to be top notch ~ if you intend to make a living at this... Thanks!
Hello Colt, as a Braguinha and Viola d'Arame player (Traditional Instruments from Madeira Islands), i want to try out becoming a session player.
What kind of sound as an sound engineer you are looking for in a session player? Like the most dry i can make it? And what kind of sound i should be able to make in order to self promote? For example RUclips Videos. Should they be equally as dry?
Sorry for my grammar, not native english speaker :)
Whatever you think would work on a record.
Great advise!! Really enjoying your videos!!
I want to start promoting myself as a session player. How can I stand out from other session players? Especially to producers who already know a bunch of good session players?
Honestly have been loving your content. Do you have a cable tester or anything the only real reason i ask is because there seems to be alot of buzz in the background of the video.
Turn the clock back 20 years and you can stand a chance!
Do you ever use amp modeling or always mic cab?
Good information :)
Before u spend money to buy studio time to create a demo offer ur service to producers n artists for free til u have a history or maybe just once for someone. No money in or out of pocket but u have a studio demo n reference.