Mark Hill- Bassist (Kelly Clarkson, Eric Church, Luke Bryan)
12/01/22 • 48 min
Today’s guest is Mark Hill, Mark is at the top of the list for holding down the bottom end on recording sessions in Nashville. Clocking in for over 600 session dates a year, he’s well past the 10,000 hours mark of mastering his craft over the past 32 years in the industry.
Mark’s head turning tone and deep pocket has earned him five nominations for ACM Bass player of the year. He’s toured with artists like Reba, Martina McBride, and Steven Curtis Chapman. He held down the band leader roll for Keith Urban, and has collaborated on records with artists like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, and pretty much everyone else.
Mark’s focus on delivering a mix ready tone is arguably at the top of his undisputed calling card for Nashville’s top producers. However, he lays out so many golden examples of the skills beyond the instrument that go into becoming, and remaining a first call session musician. We’re honored to have Mark on the show, and stoked to have you here to learn from his journey. Here we go!
Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com
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Today’s guest is Mark Hill, Mark is at the top of the list for holding down the bottom end on recording sessions in Nashville. Clocking in for over 600 session dates a year, he’s well past the 10,000 hours mark of mastering his craft over the past 32 years in the industry.
Mark’s head turning tone and deep pocket has earned him five nominations for ACM Bass player of the year. He’s toured with artists like Reba, Martina McBride, and Steven Curtis Chapman. He held down the band leader roll for Keith Urban, and has collaborated on records with artists like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, and pretty much everyone else.
Mark’s focus on delivering a mix ready tone is arguably at the top of his undisputed calling card for Nashville’s top producers. However, he lays out so many golden examples of the skills beyond the instrument that go into becoming, and remaining a first call session musician. We’re honored to have Mark on the show, and stoked to have you here to learn from his journey. Here we go!
Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com
For access to exclusive masterclass sessions
Instagram
Youtube
Previous Episode
Alex Wright- Keys/Piano (Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown)
Today's guest is Alex Wright!
Alex has quickly become one of Nashville’s first call Keyboard players.
After graduating from Berkley College of Music and moving to Nashville in pursuit of a career on the business side of music, Alex found himself on a unique road that landed him on the stage and in the studio with artists like Florida Georgia Line, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Kane Brown, and countless others.
Solidifying the truth that there are countless ways to arrive at one’s purpose, Alex got his start providing overdubs for emerging producers and songwriters from his home studio. As those relationships grew, his parts made their way on to several chart topping singles, and opened the coveted doors to the top of the studio musician mountain.
Alex is a relentless student of his craft. He spent countless hours exploring sound design with a goal of discovering the pathways to head turning sounds and parts, then used those skills to refine a fresh approach that would help him discover his own unique identity within commercial music.
Alex’s journey is packed with lessons that will offer hope, inspiration, and knowledge to anyone who is navigating the path to career fulfillment. Alex is a shining example of the future of studio musician legends and we couldn’t be more excited to share his story with you!
Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com
For access to exclusive masterclass sessions
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Next Episode
John Willis- Guitarist (Taylor Swift, India Aria, Jewel)
John is a first call guitarist, songwriter, and producer based in Nashville, Tennessee.
Raised in Louisiana, John found his calling for guitar picking at an early age, and after discovering the roll of studio musicians, he traveled to LA to train at the Guitar institute of technology.
After making fast friends with his instructors, John earned opportunities to see first hand how records were made. His next step was Muscle Shoals, where he honed his craft, and caught the ear of famed record producer David Briggs, who urged him to take the leap to Nashville. Through a 20/20 vision of purpose, and blind faith to trust the process, John has dominated the guitar player chair for over four decades.
John’s playing can be heard on records ranging from Alabama and Willie Nelson, to Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift, to India Arie and Jewel. If that wasn’t enough, John has also honed his craft as a songwriter, producer, and studio owner.
Through continuing to expand his skill sets and creative approach, John has crafted the roadmap for long term success in an ever-evolving industry. The stories we unpack in this episode cover lessons that could easily be the one stop manual for success and fulfillment as a studio musician. Grab a pen, because you’re going to want to take notes!
Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com
For access to exclusive masterclass sessions
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