Meet Mario Pagliarulo of Denver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Pagliarulo

Hi Mario, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Naples, Italy, where I first picked up the bass at 16, playing casually with friends and local bands, mostly covering songs for fun. However, at 18, I joined my first original band, influenced by funk, soul, acid jazz, and world music. It was then that I truly discovered the joy of playing bass and writing music. I became serious about my craft and decided that music would be my path.

From that point on, I immersed myself in playing, touring, recording, and collaborating with any artist or project that came my way. At 21, I joined a rock band in Naples with three other musicians. We chose to write songs in English, driven by the dream of gaining international recognition. This band was essential for my growth as a songwriter, and just two years later, in 2000, we signed a small record deal with Steakhouse Studios in Los Angeles (owned by Steve Lukather from Toto). With that opportunity, we all moved to LA.

After about a year, the band broke up, but I decided to stay in Los Angeles and focus on session work. I played countless shows, took part in numerous studio recording sessions, and collaborated with groups dedicated solely to songwriting, always keeping my creative skills sharp.

In 2006, I landed an incredible opportunity as the bassist for Serj Tankian’s (System of a Down’s frontman) solo project. With him, I toured worldwide and recorded on all his albums. During Serj’s breaks from touring, I also played with another amazing artist, Trevor Hall, touring the U.S. with him for about two years. Some of our best shows were in Denver, Colorado, where I discovered a vibrant music scene and connected with many talented musicians.

A series of events eventually led my wife and me to move to Denver in 2012. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to continue making a living through music, writing, and collaborating with incredible artists such as Rob Drabkin, Sound Rabbit, Eric Martinez, Tori Pater, Voodoo Kings and many others. Today, I divide my time between Denver, Italy, and Los Angeles, pursuing my passion and making as much music as I can.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh no, the journey wasn’t always smooth. One of the first challenges I faced was leaving my family behind to chase a dream that felt uncertain at best. Then came the culture shock of moving to the U.S., which was a significant adjustment. Throughout my career, I’ve experienced many ups and downs, as the music industry is notoriously unstable and unpredictable. However, every challenge has been worth it, knowing that I’ve had the chance to live the dream of so many musicians—even as someone coming from another country. More than that, each obstacle has been an opportunity to grow and push beyond my comfort zone.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional bassist, songwriter, and composer specializing in live and studio sessions, as well as music composition for TV, commercials, and songwriting. My primary genres include Funk, Soul, Pop, Rock, Reggae, World Music, Folk, and Electronica.

I am best known for my work as a bassist, particularly as Serj Tankian’s bassist and Trevor Hall, as well as for my collaborations in writing, recording, and performing with incredible artists and producers, including Serj Tankian, Larry LaLonde (Primus), Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), Trevor Hall, Thomas Lang (drummer – Nina Hagen, Robbie Williams, Rod Stewart), Dan Monti (producer – Serj Tankian, Metallica, Buckethead), Eddie Kramer (producer & engineer – Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones), Steve Lukather (guitarist – Toto, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones) at Steakhouse Studios, Andrew Murdock (MudRock), Ricky “Wally” Taylor, Bernard Fowler (The Rolling Stones), Ross Hogarth (Ziggy Marley), Document Room Studios, and Jay Baumgardner at NRG Studios, among others.

Additionally, my composition work includes music for Fox Sports, National Geographic, Sony PlayStation, and more.

I am very proud to have been able to share music and laughs with all these folks.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Yes, I wanted to share about my new up and coming project, Muddy Flowers. A lovely group of people currently writing some amazing music that will be available soon on all platforms. We are having a blast. Our music is Rock&Roll, contaminated by many other genres. It’s powerful, honest and real but catchy. We write in English. I love it and I am sure listeners will love it too. Stay tuned

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mariopagliarulo.com
• Instagram: @supermariobassinsta
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariopagliarulo.3
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-pagliarulo-b6897a7/
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-264125925-280292911/sets/cuesoncue-music-samples and https://soundcloud.com/user-264125925-280292911/sets/recording-writing-and

Image Credits
Hi-Def Photography and Films
Jim Mimma
George Tonikian