Reader Spotlight: Roy Eraca
Meet Roy Eraca, who got his start on bass after making a promise to improve his grades (he did, and his reward was a new bass guitar). Since then, Roy has gone from being a “closet player” to a gigging one. Roy is this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight (you could be next!) Here’s his story…
Bio:
When I was 17, I wasn’t doing well in school and ended up in summer school to make up some classes. My mom made me a promise that if I did well, she would take me to a music store and buy me the bass I wanted. She kept her promise.
Location:
Wappingers Falls, NY, USA
Day gig:
I’m a Bridge Repair Inspector for NYS DOT. I get high for a living I always say.
Years experience:
A long time, but my passion rekindled in 2008.
Bands & Gigs:
The past few years I’ve been a closet player as they say. You know, nothing but music theory and play along with a song, jamming to music through my amplifier. I didn’t think I was good enough to join a band, but that all changed for me as I put myself out there on a website called BandMix and someone looked up my bio and sent me a message to see if I wanted to try out. I agreed – being nervous and all – and the band asked me to join. I accepted. Since that time last winter 2016, a bandmate asked me if I was interested in being in another band where it’s all classic 70’s rock, and I felt right at home.
I’ve been with them for quite a few months with the hopes of playing out soon, as we’re very fussy about our sound before we make a commitment. We’re in no rush to play out until we all agree we’re tight and solid. We’re almost there. I’m proud to be with this great group of musicians.
Gear:
- Ampeg SVT CL Head
- Ampeg SVT 4 Pro Head
- Ampeg SVT VR Head
- Ampeg SVT VR 8X10E Cab
- Ampeg SVT 8X10 Cab CLassic
- Fender 1958 reissue PBass
- Fender Modern player 5 String Bass
- Fender Jazz Bass 4 String
Too many more to list.
Why I play the bass:
I played many instruments in high school, but my primary was the saxophone. It wasn’t until 1976 that a good friend of mine then showed up at my house to jam with his bass and a homemade amplifier. I asked if I could try it and the rest is history as they say.
My bass superpower/claim to fame
My bass superpower is no claim to fame really. I’m influenced by many amazing and awesome musicians. There are many great players with their own sound. I just want to find myself in music and find my own sound. To be an individual in music and to keep pushing my own boundaries, I guess that’s my own claim to fame perhaps.
My influences
So many great ones. So little time. I would have to start with Marcus Miller, Nathan East, Stefan Lessard, and of course – Jaco.
More on the web:
- Also, I’m an administrator for Bass Players United on Facebook
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