Today we’d like to introduce you to Tres Sasser.
Hi Tres, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started playing bass at 14 years old and was always incredibly interested in not only the artists I was listening to, but who produced the album, who enginerred it, where it was recorded etc. I was obsessed with the sounds I was hearing and was always trying to learn more. After playing with a few punk pop bands I was asked to go on the road with Will Hoge as his bassist. In the seven years to follow we toured nonstop opening for Rod Stewart, Jon Mellencamp & The Wall Flowers to name a few. During that time we were signed to Atlantic Records.
While at Atlantic I asked to meet Ahmet Ertegun, founder of Atlantic Records. In this meeting with the band Ahmet said he did whatever he had to do to become successful in music. It was so inspiring! He was a songwriter, prouder, a&r guy and music lover. He had signed Aretha Franklin, Led Zepplin, The Rolling Stones and Cream. This struck a chord with me and I started looking for opportunities to produce bands I would meet on the road. I really love music and everything that goes into making an album, so this seemed like a natural progression.
From the beginning I wanted to produced bands and artists from all genres. A lot of producers will just do country or rock or jazz. I find it satisfying to not be pinned down to working with only one genre. As a result, I’ve produced music in country, rock, blues, christian, punk, emo and others. It is so satisfying to be involved with varied artists with different points of view. I still play bass on some of the recordings I produce, but love to bring out the absolute best in every artist.
My first Blues album “Revelation” from Piper & The Hard Times was #1 on Billboard Blues Charts in 2024. It also won the BMA (blues music awards) emerging artist album of the year.
I’ve also had a lot of music sync placements on Amazon, Chvias, NBC, CBS, A&E, TNT, TBS, ABC , ESPN, AMAZON and Esquire network. There is nothing I’d rather do than help people make their music the best it can be. It’s such an honor to collaborate with an artist.
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?
The music business is not easy. It does have it rewards and can be gratifying, but you have to be determined to win. I would say, you need to know who you are, what you’re worth and what you want. Once you figure that out you can go full speed ahead. But the road is definitely not smooth. Some people tell you what you want to hear, some people are only out for themselves and some people just lie. Ive met them all! But theres also great people who keep their word and help you. In fact all of these people help you get better.
The struggle is what separates the pros form the amateurs. It’s so easy to quit and give up.
Keep going and eventually you will hit your stride, find people that value what you do and make all the struggles worth while.
Even in the studio you’re going to have struggles. The equipments not working, the artist is in a bad mood, someones late, whatever. How you handle that dictates how the recording turns out, which effects how your work comes out. So really, you have to learn to expect and over come struggles in your life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a music producer. What does a music producer do? Everything! You find the artist, you help the artist write songs, or you help them make their current songs better. You pick the studio, you find musicians for the recording. You pick the equipment for the best sounds, you get the best performance out of an artist while recording. How do you know when that happens? Through experience. You add additional instruments when needed, you over see mixing of the song and mastering of the song. Sometimes you are asked to connect clients with other people to help them. You can also be asked for input on artwork, touring and management.
I think I bring an energy to the studio. Getting the artist in the space that helps them create. I’m known for having insight with artists and producing their music in a way that takes it to the next level. Helping an artist have a better take involves a certain skill set and I think I’ve learned to get the best out of people in studio situations. I like layers and experimenting. I hardly ever just record a single guitar, bass or vocal. Whatever the song calls for I’ll do.
I’m proud of every album or single I’ve produced, Everyone is a unique experience you have with that particular artist. I will say I was proud to have a #1 album on Billboard with Piper & The Hard Times. Their album Revelation was #1 on the Billboard Blues chart, knocking off Slash and Joe Bonamassa.
What sets me apart is an attention to detail, and really going above and beyond in regards to the artist. Also, just learning what makes each person thrive and what makes them shut down. If you can’t do that you’re missing a lot of what can make a session special. You really bond with your clients and thats a beautiful thing. You have to really get to know someone and get in their head space to understand their music and where it needs to go.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice would to search up a local studio and go knock on doors and introduce yourself. Most people in town are happy to help or refer you to someone who can help. In Nashville, there are so many talented producers, engineers and musicians, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding someone you can learn from.
Early in my career, I got Jacquire Kings (Kings of Leon, Zach Bryan) number and called him for a coffee. To my surprise he met me and we had a great hang and he even took a project I was working on to listen to. Through the years, I’ll run into him and he’s always very cool. I think also when you’re reaching out, to be humble. Being cool and chill goes a long way. Most of this business is relationship driven.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tressasser.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ts333/
- Other: tres sasser spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1MGXHCNaWMKGewO81lQhG1?si=6gJ8P8IgQJ2eCXo_FqtKMw&pi=vNZHO7AtQbCTt
