Reader Spotlight: Emily Madison

Emily MadisonMeet Emily Madison (aka “Goldilocks”), a bassist from Kansas City, MO and our player in the spotlight for July 5, 2011.

Bio:

I grew up in Lincoln, NE, always loved music of any kind as my parents and older brothers were very into music from Motown, to Classical, Jazz and Punk and anything else. I started playing piano and violin early before switching to bass. After that, my whole world opened up to the positive and constructive aspects of music and life. Now, today as an adult, I can see that I had a very strange and educational journey here, and appreciate all that I have learned and the opportunities that music has afforded me in life.

Location:

Kansas City, MO USA

Day gig:

I am a graphic artist and screen printer working for myself, as well as run Rougher Records with my partner, Blue Riddim Band bassist Todd “Bebop” Burd.

Years experience:

Since I was about 13, so about 20 years

Bands & Gigs:

I am in a reggae band called RC Dub and yes we tour around from Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and California. We’ve also had the privilege to play in Jamaica to a positive response. We just released our second album on Rougher Records, “Strategy”and already have been getting some great radio play with it.

Gear:

  • Fender Jazz Bass
  • Ampeg 350 Head
  • Ampeg 4 X 10 Cab

Why I play the bass:

I had already played violin and piano as a kid, and knew that I liked music, but just needed to find the right instrument. I was getting pretty into Reggae music and had always liked Jazz and thought those kind of bass lines were fascinating and sounded like fun to play.

My bass superpower/claim to fame

I will keep playing as long as I can all night, for hours if people want. Even if I’m exhausted, fingers bleeding, whatever, if people want to keep dancing and having fun to music, I will do whatever it takes to make that happen. My band often plays 4, 5, or 6 hour shows full of every kind of reggae, traditional ska, roots, rocksteady, dub or dancehall music. Often people don’t get to hear that kind of variety at a show or any dance music, so they really get into dancing. It is a lot of work, but a lot of fun and totally worth it.

My influences

In No Particular Order:

  • Lloyd Brevett
  • Leroy Sibbles
  • Lloyd Parks
  • Fully Fullwood
  • Robbie Shakespeare
  • Charles Mingus
  • James Jamerson
  • Sting
  • Meshell Ndegeocello
  • Steve “Duck” McLane
  • Nick Seymour
  • Kim Deal
  • Kira Roessler

More on the web:

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Leave a Reply to Sekou Cancel reply

  1. Sekou

    her basslines are boss…and she’s cute