Reader Spotlight: Paul O’Moore
Meet Paul O’Moore, a man who had a career in music long before he picked up an instrument. But Paul eventually picked up a bass and the rest – as they say – is history.
Paul is the No Treble reader in the spotlight for the week of January 19, 2015. Here’s his story…
Bio:
I grew up in music – my father would rip it up on his mid-80’s Rickenbacker in the other room while I was doing my homework in grade school. It seemed only natural that as soon as I turned about 15, I started riding with my friends to attend local shows. By 16 I was booking my own local bills amongst friends that were in bands, and regional bands that I just wanted to see. This got me in for free and helped me establish my foot in the door at the street level of the local music scene.
I earned my first job in music venue by 18, creating fliers and taking door covers at a venue called the Mad Hatter. I continued to book shows, making a negligible amount of money and enjoying the company of the scene I was creating around me. I even booked my own Music Festival by age 19 (dismal failure, lost my life savings at time).
All of this took place before I really picked up an instrument. By the time I had started playing music, I already seemed to have all the friends that I needed to get gigs regularly. I started with a guitar, and had always had a passion for singing, the bass found me years later and I fell in love with holding down the groove.
Location:
Cincinnati/OH/USA
Day gig:
I book bands for a local music venue and also act as the bar manager. I kind of just fell into this dream job through years of experience in the field of booking, and a good foundational network, and unique knowledge of a diverse variety of music scenes.
Years experience:
Three years
Bands & Gigs:
I play bass in the band Coconut Milk, and I love every minute of it. I have never been a part of something that has been so well received. It honestly gives me goosebumps from time to time knowing that my band is only a little over six months old, and we are already being asked to play at some of the biggest venues in the city. I play bass, and provide back up vocals, occasionally I write lyrics.
Gear:
- Carlo Robelli USB895 5-String
- Big Muff Pi Pedal
- Peavey TNT 130 amp
Why I play the bass:
The bass player from my first band was definitely an inspiration. He could slap so fast and precisely that it sounded almost like a low frequency laser. I bought my first bass – a Carlo Robelli 5 string – and began to fiddle with it. About a year later I met this guy Alex Baker. Alex was a much better singer songwriter than I was, so naturally I fell into playing bass in the band. I take a lot of pride in finding simple bass melodies that drive the rhythm of our music, while trying to stay a little out of the box for what is expected of a bassist.
My bass superpower/claim to fame:
I find really tasteful grooves – that is my secret. They don’t need to be over complicated – just hold down the low end of the song, and keep the pulse going. When I figured that out, I ran with it.
My influences:
Portugal the Man, The Beatles, Victor Wooten, Dr. Dog, Green Day…
Video:
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