Words by Riccardo Malpeli
My name is Riccardo Malpeli, and I’m a 24-year-old bass player, music connector, and graduate of Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. I’m originally from Langhirano, a tiny town tucked in the countryside of northern Italy — the same hometown as legendary opera singer Renata Tebaldi, whose star still shines on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She and I were born a century apart, but I’ve always felt that her story quietly paved the way for mine — a reminder that someone from our little town can make it to Los Angeles and leave a mark.
I moved to LA four years ago to study bass and immerse myself in the music scene. Since then, I’ve performed at some of the city’s most iconic venues, including The Roxy, Whisky a Go Go, The Viper Room, House of Blues San Diego, and UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion. In 2023, I played at SXSW in Austin, Texas with the artist Buppy, and have toured across the U.S. with him and other projects since. I also performed at Dirty Fest in 2024 with Noah Cunane, and have worked closely with bands like Richbreed, as well as artists Wendy Wang and Chrissy Floga.
While I came here as a performer, I gradually found myself stepping into a role that went beyond playing bass. After the passing of Barry Squire — an industry icon known for helping young musicians in LA get connected — I felt a pull to carry on that legacy in my own way. I began organizing introductions, matching session players with artists, and building a constantly evolving database of musicians and creatives in Los Angeles. That list continues to grow, and I’ve become a point of connection for bands, producers, engineers, and visual artists — including helping people connect and find opportunities at major studios like NRG.
Today, I’m in the process of applying for my Artist Visa (O-1) so I can continue this work officially — helping elevate others while building my own career as a performer and creative. What started as a leap of faith from a quiet Italian town has become a full-circle mission to bring people together through music and collaboration. My goal is not just to stay — it’s to keep growing, keep giving, and keep proving that stories like mine don’t have to be rare.
If you're new to LA or a producer looking for musicians and artists to collaborate with, feel free to reach out to me at xyy.2001@hotmail.com or 747-306-3167.
I maintain an extensive and constantly evolving database of musicians, vocalists, producers, and creatives based in Los Angeles. This list — updated quarterly — includes names, handles, and key details to help you find the right fit for your project. Whether you're building a live band, assembling a studio session, or launching something brand new, I’ll help make it happen.
