The Art of Networking and Finding Your Musical Voice w/Luis Espaillat :: Ep 209 The Rich Redmond Show

In this episode, we dive into the nuances of networking and making meaningful connections in the music industry. Our guest, bassist Luis Espaillat, shares his insights on navigating the professional landscape, from the importance of saying "yes" to opportunities to the value of versatility and immersion in one's craft.   We explore Luis' musical journey, from his time at Berklee College of Music to his diverse collaborations with artists across genres. The conversation also touches on the challenges and rewards of touring, the role of social media in personal branding, and the art of preparation and improvisation.   Additionally, we discuss the concept of "drumming roulette" and the importance of pushing boundaries and embracing new musical experiences. This episode offers valuable lessons for musicians and industry professionals alike, highlighting the power of adaptability, authenticity, and a genuine passion for the craft.   Luis Espaillat is a multi-faceted bassist and musician whose career has spanned many genres and taken him around the world. His unique sound can be heard in all forms of media from shows on network television such as Roswell,New Mexico, Smallville and King Of The Hill, major motion pictures includingS.W.A.T. and American Wedding and even video games includin: Need For Speed:Hot Pursuit 2 and Project Gotham Racing.   In the studio, Luis can be heard in various genres from the modern country sounds of Bailey Zimmerman’s multi-million stream and counting hit, “NeverComin’ Home,” country legends like Michael Martin Murphey to contemporary country, Juno award nominees Autumn Hill, the #1 Country  Christian song, “I’m There” by Buddy Jewell, TV commercials for the likes of Ford Trucks and Zaxby’s to the Billboard Top 20 hard rock sounds of Eve To Adam. His sense and respect for the art of the song itself has made him in demand for many songwriters and producers not only in Nashville, but also Los Angeles and New York City. On the stage, Luis has performed with country stars Jon Pardi, Brett Eldredege (for his big band Christmas tours), Lee Ann Womack, Jo Dee Messina, Ty Herndon, Lee Greenwood, Trace Adkins, Jamie O'Neal, Jimmy Wayne, Lindsay Ell, and Pam Tillis, legendary singer/songwriters such as Gavin DeGraw and Jim Messina, rockers such as Tom Keifer of Cinderella, Tantric, The Guess Who, Tony Harnell and Bo Bice, progressive instrumentalist like Johnny Hiland, and even artists that defy normal convention such as country rappers Cowboy Troy and Colt Ford, just to name a few.   A graduate of Berklee College Of Music, Luis also conducts clinics and master classes on the world of studio recording, touring and of course, bass. Luis resides in Nashville, TN.   Some Things That Came Up:    -9:00 Brett Eldredge’s Christmas Big Band    -13:30 Luis’ Road Rituals and Routines    -18:00 Good Hangs…Brad Pitt?   -18:30 Billy Bob Thornton? Robert Downey Jr.?   -22:30 Berklee “Caf Shows”, Rush and Queen    -23:00 Meeting Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson    -25:00 The band HOT ACTION COP   -27:50 Sunset Boulevard Adventures and Ron Jeremy   -29:50 Dominican and Puerto Rican Roots   -30:30 A well rounded education includes the Arts    -35:00 Luis’ first Nashville opportunities    -37:00 The dirty word that is ‘Networking’   -38:00 What’s Your Problem? Can I Help?    -40:00 Upright or Electric Bass    -42:00 Entertaining social media -43:00 Luis loved film scores   -48:00 Pop and Slap technique    -50:20 The Big PRIMUS audition    -57:50 The DRUMEO genre test    -1:01:20 Luis and Rich doing a music business panel at Belmont University   -1:02:50 The time saving rhythmic shorthand and kick drum patterns    -1:04:40 Listening Latin Music growing up and immersion -1:09:00 Pigeonholes…and keeping all polished   -1:11:40 The Immersion Technique   -1:15:30 Voice Over for Amtrak   -1:16:15 Luis’ Musician Spotlight at The Country Music Hall of Fame    -1:18:20 The Fave 5    -1:23:00 Tribute Band   -1:27:00 Drummer “Poker Tells”    Follow: www.luisespaillat.com www.facebook.com/luisespaillatbass www.X.com/luisbass www.youtube.com/luisespaillat www.instagram.com/ebassluis https://www.tiktok.com/@luisespaillatbass   Snapchat: ebasslu   The Rich Redmond Show is about all things music, motivation and success. Candid conversations with musicians, actors, comedians, authors and thought leaders about their lives and the stories that shaped them. Rich Redmond is the longtime drummer with Jason Aldean and many other veteran musicians and artists. Rich is also an actor, speaker, author, producer and educator. Rich has been heard on thousands of songs, over 30 of which have been #1 hits!   Follow Rich: @richredmond www.richredmond.com   Jim McCarthy is the quintessential Blue Collar Voice Guy. Honing his craft since 1996 with radio stations in Illinois, South Carolina, Connecticut, New York, Las Vegas and Nashville, Jim has voiced well over 10,000 pieces since and garnered an ear for audio production which he now uses for various podcasts, commercials and promos. Jim is also an accomplished video producer, content creator, writer and overall entrepreneur. Follow Jim:   @jimmccarthy www.jimmccarthyvoiceovers.com www.itsyourshow.co