Reader Spotlight: Drew “Hondo” Felder

Drew 'Hondo' FelderMeet Drew Felder, a bassist who goes by the nickname “Hondo” (I don’t see any actual Hondo basses on his gear list though – and I may be dating myself with that comment).

Drew is a pretty interesting and funny guy. So we think you’ll like this week’s reader spotlight.

Bio:

I’m an undead bassist/composer from the Philly area. My goal in life is to play music that is inspired and creative… for a living… most of a living at least. I practice about 20 hours a week to compensate for a complete lack of natural talent, and I enjoy (almost) every minute of it. Playing bass is my sanctuary.

You’re wondering about the undead thing aren’t you? Drop me a line! It’s a good story.

Location:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Day gig:

My day job is being an Employee and Labor Relations Manager. Don’t know what that means? Neither do I sometimes…

Years experience:

12 years

Bands & Gigs:

I am! I am a contributing member of a band called E-Rx that does some trippy atmospheric jazz-ish music (if you so choose to call it). I am also the main bassist for an act from the Congo called Rafiya. Cool world music-ness. I play for a 60s/70s influenced rock act called Ghettosongbird, and I do session/side-man work whenever possible.

Gear:

I am currently running…

  • Callowhill Basses: (MDM6, SNS5)
  • Jule Amps: Monique pre-amp
  • Bergantino: IP310
  • Line 6: M13
  • MONO: Basically everything they sell

The near future rotation will include…

  • Callowhill Basse: As many as I can afford.
  • Aguilar: TH500, SL112
  • Barefaced: Big Twin T
  • Crest: CA6

Why I play the bass:

Listening to bassists of the ’80s and ’90s stretching out on songs that I really enjoyed. I think I made the final decision after listening to Billy Sheehan, Stu Zender, and Dirk Lance in one sitting.

My bass superpower/claim to fame

My bass super power is being disarmingly easy to work with while still being somewhat competent.

My influences

Man… in no particular order: Pino Palladino, Paul Turner, Steve Jenkins, Oli Rockberger, Haystacks Calhoun, Tim Cloonan, Janek Gwizdala, Jordan Pearlson, Eric Harland, Tony Grey, John Shannon, Matt Garrison, James Jamerson, Damien Erskine, Owen Biddle, Stu Zender, Stix Beiderbecke, Tone Whitfield, Derrick Hodge, Bilal, Grace Potter, Jaco, Ron Carter, Dave Pomeroy, Rocco Prestia…

More on the web:

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Leave a Reply to Gareth Davies Cancel reply

  1. This is a really great article to read. Congratulations to my musician friend Hondo. Keep up the great work my good brotha, stay strong and continue to do your thing!

  2. Man’s got awesome influences!