Reader Spotlight: Cameron Holley

Cameron HolleyMeet Cameron Holley, a bassist from Wichita Falls, TX, and our player in the spotlight for May 31, 2011.

Bio:

I grew up in a really musical home and got my first bass for Christmas when I was 10 years old. Nine years later, I play all the time, anywhere I can. Even if I have to play guitar or keyboard.

I went thru three years of lessons where my teacher spent a lot of time going thru fundamental music theory. I hated it. But now I’m really thankful for him torturing me with it. All the pieces fit together in my head, and it’s made me a versatile player.

I play mainly in gospel settings and will continue to do so because I love the music. It requires a really broad skill set due to varying styles within the genre. But I’ve also branched out with my band, the Rockefellers. We do progressive jazz-rock instrumental stuff and its been a lot of fun collaborating with high quality musicians who push my ideas and skills further than I would practicing for hours a day.

Location:

Wichita Falls, TX, USA

Day gig:

I’m a part-time graphic designer for a local advertising agency and full-time college student.

Years experience:

9 years

Bands & Gigs:

I’m currently a member of The Rockefellers. We recorded a long, 7-track demo all in one take, in two hours, right before the other guys moved away for college. So its a little rough, but serviceable. When we’re all home on break, we jam and think together. I play every week at my church and various conferences and conventions through out the year. I’m constantly looking for inspiring musicians to jam with, so eventually another Rockefeller-esque group will pop up.

Gear:

  • Fender P-Bass
  • Schecter Stiletto Custom-5
  • Working for an Elrick NJS 5 string :)
  • 1980s Yamaha VX 55B 1×15″
  • Zoom B1x
  • Electro Harmonix Voice Box
  • DigiTech BP80

Why I play the bass:

I got a bass as a Christmas present in 2001 and fell in love with it when my friend gave me Stanley Clarke’s “Bass-ic Collection.” The first track is “School Days”, and I couldn’t stop listening to it and the rest of the album. I learned it over the next couple of days.

My bass superpower/claim to fame

My fingers. They’re the loudest in the world. I can slap and stuff, but to be really powerful all I need is to play regularly. My friend calls me a “sonic wall.” I just don’t like there to be empty space when there doesn’t need to be, so I fill it the easiest way I can.

My influences

Jaco first. I can’t listen to enough of his stuff. Stuart Zender is incredibly groovy and melodic. One day I’ll be able to play like him. Victor Wooten, of course. Stanley Clarke. Pino Palladino. Miles Davis. Chet Baker. Otis Redding. John Mayer. Kurt Cobain. Etc. Etc.

More on the web:

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