Life & Work with Ross Sandlin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ross Sandlin.

Hi Ross, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After winning a raffle to perform on stage with my hero Les Claypool, of Primus, I changed majors in school to full-time music. I then transferred schools to study music performance, composition, and production at the Santa Fe University of art and design. Where my focus was on world music and jazz. I moved to Denver in 2012 and started to participate in the front range music scene in 2014 by playing in multiple rock and jam bands. Since then, I have played in a diverse range of genres, including country, folk, hip hop, funk, soul, r & b, middle eastern music, and jazz. I have performed at venues all across Colorado, including Cervantes Otherside, Fox Theater, Denver Botanic Garden, Globe Hall, and countless breweries and bars. These opportunities helped me refine my skills and connect with local and regional musicians.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The path has been complicated at times, yet always rewarding. Initially, my greatest challenge was in finding like-minded musicians with dedication and passion for music with substance. My musical tastes are incredibly diverse, and finding a true connection was an obstacle that took many years of work to overcome. Additionally, I have struggled to make deep connections with audiences and fans in Denver. This is in part due to my introverted nature. I’m generally preoccupied with work and don’t make enough time for social situations. Lately, my struggle focuses on time management. There are so many facets to professional performance and composition. Often the admin work takes more focus than the writing and playing of music these days. There have been countless moments of soul searching and self-doubt. But, my passion for music always pushes me to innovate and strive forward towards growth.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in bass performance, where I am known for being incredibly reliable, professional, and skilled. I often get called a “gun for hire” to support bands and perform in one-off situations. The performance I am most proud of this year was “Ross & Friends” for the Rocky Mountain Virtual music festival. I put together a trio to perform originals and Nintendo and jazz covers. It was a featured performance by Arise music fest during the back to school edition. I also do session work, where I write and record bass parts for other people’s music. Again I’m known for being professional and succinct in my execution. The session work I am most proud of this year is playing on Sam & Sarah’s single “Flip.” Also, I compose original music that is diverse and tasteful. This includes my personal project Wandering Woods, which recently released a single “Terrarium.” Additionally, I am a respected music instructor with positions at multiple institutions around the Denver metro area, including Musical Life Denver. Recently I’ve been getting into production and beat making, with one published track, “I Feel Great”, on the debut Quiet Warlock EP. Also, I have been conducting interviews and writing articles for Jungle Ruckus productions, where I discuss the impact of Covid on the music industry.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Grow your network. Your contacts are going to be an invaluable resource in getting work. Hard work, get comfortable putting in all you have and watching your best grow over time. Stay grounded, invest in lifestyle balance, and try not to take things personally. Don’t try to fit in. Unique art takes time and space to reach its full potential.

Pricing:

• Session work-100$ a track
• Composition/Production-150$ a track
• Publishing-200$ a track

Contact Info:

• Email: ross.plant.71@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plant_plants/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlantRossSandlin
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0JO05UcqBS1kQn2fxLo1EQ?view_as=subscriber
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/rossplant

Image Credits
Max Paularena. Charla Harvey. Jake Feldman. Sarah Mount. Clark Parker.