Algorithmic Gravity
On the invisible forces that shape what we hear, what we share, and what gets lost when creativity bends around optimization.
Writings
On music, instruments, silence, and the creative life.
Occasional notes on music, instruments, creativity, and new releases.
On the invisible forces that shape what we hear, what we share, and what gets lost when creativity bends around optimization.
After a long journey, I’m happy to share that my new album, Part Of The Cycle, will be released on June 19th just in time for the Summer Solstice.
I’d like to thank John Fox Bass and Nikola Adamovic for working together to get this wonderful instrument into my hands. It’s the result of Nikola’s wonderful design aesthetics, technical proficiency, master Lutherie, and a choice of tone woods that supports my playing style.
The fretless bass is expressive, fluid, and capable of a singing quality that fretted instruments can’t quite match. Among its most beloved sounds is the “ mwah ” - that vocal-like, singing sustain that can make melodic lines come alive.
It was an honor to work closely with Doug on his new Country Rock album ‘Down to Earth’. The album features Doug Markley (Guitar/Compositions), Damian Coccio (Bass/Production), and Mark Woodyatt (Violin). Doug is a talented and prolific composer with many albums to his credit ranging from Jazz Fusion to Country. Check out the new albu…
This Strange Life is 10 solo bass compositions recorded with 5 string fretted and 4,5,6 string fretless basses. Creative live looping (no multi-tracking) and tastefully chosen effects provide an expansive, natural sound field that is sure to inspire and relax. This Strange Life is available on Bandcamp and iTunes.
Social Media use has accelerated during the pandemic and it is helping to tear the fabric of society apart. News feed algorithms have created massive division by tailoring user experience for maximum engagement, outrage, addiction and revenue. I highly recommend checking out the Center for Humane Technology . They are a highly intellig…
Has the awareness of social media's destructive potential finally hit mainstream awareness? I sure hope so. Maybe there is hope. PLEASE check it out and decide for yourself: https://www.netflix.com/title/81254224
I was honored to play a small part in this fabulous Surfing documentary by Nicholas Dorsey. I hope you enjoy it! I played the opening and throughout this awesome documentary.
A new Solo Bass Composition using my custom Fodera Imperial 5 string bass in now on my YouTube Channel . 'This Strange Life' is one of many songs that will be on the next album. Hope you enjoy it!
Well over a year ago I deactivated my Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts. The information about how Social Media was affecting its user's had been available for some time and I couldn't continue providing content for those platforms in good conscience. Initially the decision came with a bit of trepidation. As time passed the trep…
My new solo bass album 'Ephemeral Lane' is released!
A limited supply of physical CDs for my first 4 albums are still available on Bandcamp . It is unlikely that more physical CDs will be made (digital downloads are the most popular) so get them while they are here!
The specifications for this dream fretless bass took over 10 years to conceptualize. After trying many different wood and neck combinations and construction methods, I settled on an oak/walnut/ebony/ash combination. The woods are primarily based on Fodera's Monarch Standard Fretless, but with the addition of a dense Northern Ash Tone blo…
I have deactivated most of my social media accounts indefinitely. New music continues — find it on YouTube, Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music.
My new solo bass album Inner Ponds is released — 10 fretted and fretless bass compositions and improvisations with massive effects processing and convolution reverbs.
My custom 5 string bass was developed working closely with Vinny Fodera and the Fodera Team. This bass was specifically designed to fit my body and my tonal objectives. The single cut was chosen to increase the sustain and handle altered tunings. The 2" thick semi-hollow body adds comfort and a unique character I've come to love. I am…
Converting a Fodera with Duncan dual coils to Aguilar DCB pickups. Click the image below for the high resolution PDF wiring diagram.
My new solo bass album ’Mysteries of the Deep’ is released! -- See albums page-- Featuring 11 fretted and fretless bass compositions, 'Mysteries of the Deep' approaches Solo Bass as a vehicle for exploring subconscious depths. This album's compositions, massive effects and creative looping are sure to inspire and relax. The album Art wa…
An in-depth look at the specs and history of my Koa 6 string Fodera Emperor bass — from concept to the instrument it became.
This was a resource page compiling links and references on the subject of social media, privacy, and the attention economy — topics I've written about extensively in other entries in this journal.
The two most common questions I get asked are "what effects do you use?" and "how do you record YouTube videos?" This article addresses those questions with a few different approaches.
Hypnagogery is 14 tracks and 46 minutes of solo bass guitar recorded across all my Fodera basses with Strymon effects and convolution reverbs.
Why I stepped away from Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter — and what I learned about behavior modification, attention, and the real cost of "free" platforms.
'Peace Project' released today! Featuring 8 original Solo Bass compositions on 6 string fretted bass, Peace Project is sure to inspire the imagination and create a sense of peace. A high quality convolution reverb was used in a sonic exploration of noteworthy temples, cathedrals and spaces around the world. The EP was written and played…
My new solo bass album 'Year in Review' released today! Year in Review features 11 original beautiful & relaxing solo bass compositions on the six string fretted and four string fretless basses. The creative use of effects produces rich organic tones from the extended range bass and fretless. Now on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon, Band Camp, etc…
30 Minutes, 10 Tracks of Solo Bass on 4 string fretless and 5 string fretted basses. Hard Copy CDs are available through CD Baby. Now on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon, Band Camp, etc.. Check out this Album Review! All songs were written and played by Damian Coccio.
A collection of solo bass performances posted to YouTube — fretted and fretless compositions spanning multiple instruments and styles.
Available for download on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon etc. Waves of Spring is 14 tracks of original live solo bass guitar compositions with no overdubs. Now on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon, Band Camp, etc.. All songs were written and played by Damian Coccio.
Instrumental Jazz-Fusion Featuring Damian Coccio (Bass, Sound, Songs), Paul Deck (Drums), Audric Jankauskas (Electric Guitar), Doug Markley (Classical Guitar), Tom Tallitsch (Sax) and Michel Florijn (Flute). Now on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon, Band Camp, etc..
Something New Again featured several wonderful musicians whose contributions shaped the album in meaningful ways.
Free PDF charts of major scale harmonized seventh chords voiced for bass guitar.
Free PDF reference charts for harmonic and melodic minor modes and arpeggios — compiled because they were hard to find in bass-friendly formats.
Free PDF charts of major scale modes and arpeggio inversions for bass guitar, presented in a way that makes practical sense on the instrument.
Preface: I've been playing a long time and am primarily self taught, but I did have personal lessons with some great musicians. The only reason this page exists is because some people reached out to me for assistance. There are players who have devoted their lives to teaching music and I would suggest reaching out to them as well.