MARIO'S BIO

Mario is a songwriter, formally trained bass player, multi- instrumentalist, mixing/recording engineer, and independent producer from Los Angeles. Mario has been developing his craft since he was 10 years old and has an academic working knowledge of music notation and theory.  Mario’s bass playing style has a heavy Motown influence infused with a hard edged alt/indie sound and pop sensibility.  His unique style lends itself well to Rock, Blues, R&B, Jazz, and Pop musical genres.

Currently Mario is teaching, playing, mixing, recording and producing music in and around Los Angeles.  Mario has been touted by many music industry insiders as one of the most promising emerging musicians and producers coming up in the Los Angeles music scene today.

Mario’s love for music and exposure to the arts began at a young age and is rooted in his musical family.  His great grandfather, father, and uncle were all notable working musicians in the LA music scene.  Mario continues that legacy and has used his talent to inspire and enrich the lives of those around him.

Mario’s is also a gifted songwriter who draws influence from artists such as Kurt Cobain, Jim Croce, Bob Dylan, and Lou Reed.  In a recent interview, Mario shared that, “most of the songs I write come from personal experiences as well as stories others have shared with me. My inspiration is drawn from writing about the insecurities of myself, of others, and life itself.  I try to dive deep and question the existence of normalcy and the culture of acceptance in our society.”  Mario believes that simplicity is key to his songwriting and, in the words of Lou Reed, “One chord is fine. Two chords are pushing it. And three, you’re into jazz.”

Mario recently left his teaching position at the prestigious Arts Academy and Boys & Girls Club of the Los Angeles Harbor, and has fully moved on to pursue performing, producing, writing, mixing, and mastering full time.

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In April of 2017, Mario received critical acclaim for his recent one month residency at the Whisky A Go-Go in Hollywood, performing with the LA band, Earthsleep.  Showing his musical flexibility, he then shifted gears and played at the KROQ Locals Only event playing bass with the popular act, Late Night Revival.  Mario is a musical chameleon, mixing styles and balancing genres while always maintaining his signature sound.

During the summer months of that same year, Mario began tracking bass with the Grammy-Nominated Engineer, Andrew Kapner, known for his work with Ariana Grande, twenty one pilots, and Jason Derulo. 

Mario's work with Kapner and Grammy winning Mastering Engineer Mike Bozzi, elevated his status and established Mario as a bonafide recording artist.  Mario’s hard work and attention to his craft lead him to receive the honor of being the youngest artist ever to be endorsed by the world famous, Epifani Amplifiers.  
 

In 2018, Mario went on to train under the technical direction of Andrew Kapner, serving as his assistant-in-training at the renowned Angelhouse Studios. 

Mario has represented Epifani Amplifiers through product demonstrations of their new amplifiers and has performed with Dexibell Artist, Andrea Desmond on the Dexibell stage at the Winter NAMM Show.

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Mario's production company and solo music project, Vinegar Hill SP, has evolved into creative artist collaborations under the titles of Vinegar Hill and Edgewater Angel.  Mario’s talent and inclusive work ethic has made him the go to and highly in demand independent producer in LA. 

When not producing or recording new independent artists, Mario can be found performing around Southern California or touring around the country.

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Mario is currently performing and touring with the up and coming Country Rock act, American Mile, and has performed in front of audiences of thousands including 40,000 at the famous 2018 New Years Eve Idaho Potato Drop.  Mario also is a fixture at LA's Viper Room where he has a residency performing with the band Cosmic Eye.

In 2019, Mario opened his own studio in Downtown LA under his company, Vinegar Hill Music.  His studio offers professional grade producing, writing, engineering, mixing, and mastering services for local Southern California artists.  

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During the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, Mario has not slowed down.  Mario just finished his most recent recording project with the up and coming artist Carli Storms.  In this tour de force, Mario produced, recorded, played every instrument, arranged, mixed, and mastered Carli's upcoming EP, set to release in the summer of 2020. 

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Mario has also been working extensively in the studio as a session bassist playing on the latest Cosmic Eye album as well as the highly anticipated American Mile full length debut album. 

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As the music industry is stalled and live music temporarily halted during COVID-19, Mario is still producing, recording, collaborating, mixing, and mastering remotely for his clients from his home.

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Mario plans on reopening his downtown studio in June of 2020 with strict adherence to social distancing and safety guidelines.
 

Some of his work can be seen both on and off stage and around the Southern California music scene and in online content with artists such as American Mile, Cosmic Eye, Andrea Desmond, Jesse Biggio, Keith Chagall, Berries and Toast, Season's Call, Kyle Gracely, Gedina, Joe Con, Coastal Clouds, Late Night Revival, Earthsleep, Nebulaen, Bixby Jazz Combo, Rochone, Color + Thunder, Vinegar Hill SP, and No Jet Left.