New School: Scott Fernandez
Extended range bass artist Scott Fernandez is pushing musical boundaries. Equally comfortable on a 4-string as well as his 12-string, Fernandez incorporates his extended techniques to create lush harmonies, intense counterpoint, and intriguing melodies. His arsenal of effects pedals also help to create thick soundscapes while adding depth to his compositions.
Fernandez only stepped out into the solo bass arena a year ago, so we reached out to get more about his background, his style, and what he’s up to.
How did you discover your new school style?
I discovered my way of playing through a series of mistakes. I started off on the upright and I had no idea what I was doing on the electric. When I asked a guy at the new high school I was sent to “how do you play bass” he responded by telling me to use my thumb as a pick. I think it was a bit of confusion due to my thick accent or something because I found out later that he was talking about his style of slap bass in particular. It was too late and I’ve been slapping and tapping my way around ever since. Also, that fella from my high school is a friend of mine named Evan Brewer.
Share some of your videos with us.
What kind of gear do you use?
I use some pretty fun stuff:
Basses
- 12 String Benavente, 4 String Carlo Robelli (after market EMGs with custom wiring)
- On the way: 18 String Prat (by Oscar Fernandez Prat) and 8 String Ataraxia (by Leo Pedersen)
Amps
- Trace Elliot All Valve V-type 1×15 Combo (UK) (2 of them run in stereo)
Pedals
- Electro Harmonix HOG w/Controller
- Electro Harmonix Freeze Pedal x2
- Electro Harmonix Bass Big Muff
- Electro Harmonix Hum Debugger
- Electro Harmonix Stereo Talking Machine
- Electro Harmonix Metal Muff
- Electro Harmonix Analogizer
- TC Electronics Nova Reverb
- TC Electronics Nova Dynamics
- TC Electronics Nova Drive
- TC Electronics Nova Modulator
- TC Electronics Tuner
What kind of gigs do you get with your new school style?
I play all kinds of gigs. When I began this journey as a solo artist, I decided that I would never be too good to play a venue or with a band. I will play dive bars and sweaty metal clubs, jazz caves and outdoor stages… I play street corners and concert halls. I never say no.
Any traditional playing gigs?
I am heading out on the road with an artist named Felix Martin coming up in September but aside from that I play solely as a solo artist. I will pick up a random jazz gig or country gig if I need some extra cash but it’s very few and far between.
Do you have albums where we can hear your new school style?
I do not have any albums recorded. I’m working on getting all the tunes prepared for my first solo EP/Album. Coming soon…
Where can we find you on the web?
I stay pretty active on the internets:
What’s next for you?
For me, it’s all about getting the music recorded and taking my freak show on the road. I am hoping that everyone enjoys it everywhere I take it. I don’t know what happens next in the musical process but I am hoping to be able to take this is as far as a solo artist can take it.
What else do you want to share?
Not too terribly much. Thank you for taking the time to have me involved in your wonderful publication. I’ve only been a solo artist for a year and the amount of support and acknowledgement from fans and people involved in the industry has been overwhelming. I promise to continue to do my best.
That 12 string tune is crazy cool bro!
I’m very glad you dig it, friend!
What on earth is that 12 tuned to?
Standard. My twelve is C#, F#, B, E, A, D, G, C, F, A#, D#, G# (or A# depending on the tune)
That’s sweet man. I’ve often considered getting something just for tapping like a chapman stick or something, but I think I would be vastly more comfortable on an instrument like yours. Awesome playing, man. Keep it up!
My basses are basses first and that is what I love about them. I don’t do the “touch style” instruments because they play like touch style instruments. Chapman Sticks and the like are just that. I only know how to play bass =)
Also, thank you for the well wishes… I will be doing my best to get what I do out there as much as possible =)
Scott Fernandez said I was the most handsome man ever. Just saying ;).
Great to see him getting the recognition he deserves!
TOOO HANDSOME!!!!!!
Scott said it. It’s official!
Dude, an 18 string? I want to see that!
Me too… It’s being made by @[1162327429:2048:Prat Basses] and there are pictures already up on it’s completion. It should be done soon.
Check the pictures here…
http://www.facebook.com/scottfernandezbass
WHEW! Too many strings for me. Buddy has got some nice skills but I wouldn’t call that monster of an instrument is a bass guitar.
I’m much better on my 4 String =) Also, it’s gotta be a bass since that’s the only thing I know how to play =)
Ok nice reply ! just don’t tell pianists they play bass or you’ll have some problems ! ;-)
We definitely can play similar ranges but but I identify with my role a lot more than with my range. Bass is all I’ve ever known. Piano was always for the smart kids =)
Joachim Mahoudeaux http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PVjjV56TMs
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Totally right ! what you hear is what you are, musical instruments are just means of expression, that’s the difference between praticing an instrument and beeing an artist….
The 12 string stuff is really beautiful, the 4 string stuff sounds more like an impressive drum solo. Killer stuff though!
HA! Sounds about right. Just doing a bit of both. I also do all of the in between =)
Very musical, Scott. A beautiful instrument and beautiful technique.
Rock on, homie! Thank you for taking the time to check out the work.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Scott a few times, not only is he an amazing player, he is one of the most humble and all around coolest dudes I know. Rock on Scott best of luck!
18 strings?? How about I build you three four strings, one five string and then a 1 string???
It’s a 6 String Triple Course =) Also, I’ve been wanting one of your basses for at least a year now… SOON!!!
(also, thank you soo much for taking the time. You have been an amazing support and encouragement for when I was just deciding to become a solo artist. SERIOUSLY, that NAMM and hanging out in that Hotel Room was what did it)
that’s what I say cool, now you have built up the expectation, will wait for more and more… carry on the awesome work.
WOW! How wicked nice of you to share this!! Thank you for hitting me up and I hope that all is well. Feel free to contact me anytime
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http://www.facebook.com/scottfernandezbass
Anytime dude, if at least 5 persons hear this realy nice music because of me – I have done my part
how much do the 12 and 18 string weigh?