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An Interview with |
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How long have you been playing? I started playing bass April 1995 How did you get started? I used to play drums before I became a musician (gales of laughter), and I played occasionally at my old church. One night when I was filling in for the regular drummer, the bass player left early, so when the regular drummer came back, I picked up the bass. I’ve mucked on guitar for years, so I wasn’t at a total loss – that came later. What’s your favourite band / solo artist? Favourite band would have to be Rush, Dream Theater or Pain of Salvation. Favourite solo artist would have to be John Patitucci. What are the instruments you currently use? I play an Ibanez BTB405 5-string with Seymour Duncan pickups and an 80’s era Spector/Kramer 4-string fretless that I refinished and fixed up (with the awesome assistance of the guys at Andy’s shop). What instruments would you like to have if money were no object? A Ken Smith 6-string or a Nicholas Tung 6-string and then I’d also love a Godin 5-string fretless. Andy had one and it’s the most in-tune fretless I’ve ever played, not that that’s saying a whole lot though! What have you been doing for the last five years or so? Mostly not practicing. I am the laziest bass player ever. But I played with the progressive metal band Titus from June 1998 to December 2000. I’m currently in a cover band called “Undercover” which is cool. I’m into about a million different things that might or might not pan out. What recordings that you’ve played on would you recommend for listening? My first recording as a bassist was with a band called Pulse way back in 1997. They needed a bassist for a demo and I played on it. My only other claim to fame is the Titus CD Fade, which, if you’re into progressive music is kinda cool. It’s my baby thus far. What’s been the low point in your career so far? Having ideas for bands and no one to share them with. It’s always for lack of a drummer, or a singer or a guitarist or a practice venue. But we carry on regardless though, don’t we? And what has been the high point? The second last gig I played with Titus, at (the now defunct) Hunter’s in Randburg. We were not all that keen on the gig to begin with and I blew a fuse on my amp and then used the wrong fuse with blew the amp! But in the end, we did four encores, and it was amazing. One of those gigs where you think it’s going to suck and it turns out to be the best instead. What are your goals currently? Trying to find a band that I can express myself in completely, and trying to find that middle ground that is always so elusive. Do I play what I want and be happy or play what the band wants and be miserable? Also trying to find out the secret to a good line or hook. I’ve played a few, but to find that certain something that makes a bass line happen…well... |
