Episode 40: Inside The Life Of A Professional Session Musician (With Rich Watson)

Guitar virtuoso Rich Watson takes us on a fascinating journey through the evolving landscape of session musicianship. From touring with major artists to recording remotely for clients worldwide, Rich offers a masterclass in musical versatility and career adaptability.The conversation explores Rich's work across multiple domains – from the technical demands of theatre pit work (where sight-reading is non-negotiable) to the efficient workflow of modern remote session platforms. Rich provides exceptional insights into Musiversal, an innovative platform where musicians undergo rigorous auditions to join a curated roster of session players, offering subscription-based access to high-quality recordings.What makes this episode particularly illuminating is Rich's historical perspective on session musicians. He traces a fascinating lineage from the legendary Wrecking Crew through to the LA session wizards of the 80s and 90s, explaining how technological evolution has transformed the industry. His analysis of how Pro Tools changed the game – reducing the need for flawless first-take performances when multiple takes can be compiled – helps listeners understand why the golden age of session players has evolved into today's more democratized landscape.For aspiring musicians, Rich offers invaluable advice balancing technical mastery with personal identity. Rather than trying to become a musical chameleon, he suggests embracing your unique characteristics while still developing comprehensive skills. His YouTube success exploring vintage session guitar techniques has become both creative outlet and client magnet – a perfect example of content creation serving dual purposes in today's digital music economy.Whether you're a working musician looking to expand your opportunities, an artist wanting to collaborate effectively with session players, or simply fascinated by the business of music creation, this episode delivers profound insights wrapped in engaging stories from a true professional. Subscribe now and join our community of music creators seeking to understand both the craft and business of music!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/richardwatsonWebsite: https://www.richardwatsonmusic.com/Reach out to me ! Support the showWebsiteswww.jonnyamos.comhttps://themusicbusinessbuddy.buzzsprout.comInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themusicbusinessbuddypodcast/https://www.instagram.com/jonny_amos/[email protected]