Rommel Dela Cruz

Bassist/Songwriter

Primary Band(s):

Barbie's Cradle

Playstyle & Tone Profile:

Melodic groove, jazz-fusion dexterity, rock pocket-foundation, and versatile session adaptability

Musical Journey & Growth

  • The Accidental Beginning: Rommel stepped into the role of a bass player by default during his teenage years when his friends needed someone to fill an empty slot in a newly formed band. What started out of necessity quickly turned into a lifelong passion as he learned the ropes and realized the unique power of the instrument.
  • Defining Alternative Rock with Barbie's Cradle: He anchored Barbie's Cradle through their classic era of original alternative rock albums. Following a long hiatus, he returned for the band's reunion and their recent EP release, cementing their enduring legacy in the local scene.
  • Mainstream Milestones with Freestyle: From 2005 to 2017, Rommel served as the touring and recording bassist for the premier OPM pop group Freestyle, handling major international tours and studio releases.
  • Jazz Fusion & Prolific Session Work: Beyond rock and mainstream pop, he explores deep-pocket improvisation with jazz-fusion projects like Loop and the Virtuals, performing regularly in Manila’s jazz venues. True to a lifelong dream of laying down tracks for artists he admires, his session discography spans over a hundred albums across world music, pop, and rock.

Musical Influences &
Sonic Philosophy

  • The Masters of the Low End: His approach to the instrument is heavily shaped by the pioneering techniques and compositions of Jaco Pastorius, alongside the timeless groove and touch of Pino Palladino and Motown legend James Jamerson.
  • Songwriting Foundation: From a composition standpoint, he looks to The Beatles as the ultimate benchmark, ensuring every bassline serves the melody, emotion, and core structure of the song rather than just the rhythm section.

The Montances pickups are perfect matches with the basses with my Jaguar I mainly used for vintage tones matched with flatwounds and all. The silent cable is another addition to the loop quite it is!

Gear of Choice

Montances Modern Jazz Bass Pickup | Alnico V | 4 & 5-String | High-Definition Punch

Montances Modern Jazz Bass Pickup | Alnico V | 4 & 5-String | High-Definition Punch
Montances Modern PJ Bass Pickup Set | Alnico V | 4-String | High-Definition Punch

Montances Modern PJ Bass Pickup Set | Alnico V | 4-String | High-Definition Punch
La Bella SS45-B Super Steps | 5-String Bass String Set | 45-128 Long Scale | Exposed Core

La Bella SS45-B Super Steps | 5-String Bass String Set | 45-128 Long Scale | Exposed Core
La Bella LTF-4A Low Tension | 4-String Bass String Set | 42-100 Light | Round Core Flatwound

La Bella LTF-4A Low Tension | 4-String Bass String Set | 42-100 Light | Round Core Flatwound
La Bella LTF-5A Low Tension | 5-String Bass String Set | 42-118 Light | Round Core Flatwound

La Bella LTF-5A Low Tension | 5-String Bass String Set | 42-118 Light | Round Core Flatwound

Key Milestones

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During his time with Barbie's Cradle, Rommel recorded three original albums, alongside a recent release. His tenure with Freestyle from 2005 to 2017 was marked by extensive international touring and multiple album releases. Driven by a lifelong dream to collaborate with his musical heroes, he has contributed bass tracks to over a hundred albums across the rock, pop, and world music genres