Best of 2012: The Top 10 Most Popular Bassist Interviews
We had more interviews in 2012 than ever before. While we loved every single one of them (readers did too), these ten made up the most read list for the year.
Be sure to check out the interview archives for even more.
1. The New Bass Buzz: an Exclusive Interview with Felix Pastorius
Just before we interviewed Felix Pastorius, we broke the news that he would be joining the Yellowjackets to fill the shoes of cofounder Jimmy Haslip while he takes a hiatus. We caught up with the son of bass legend Jaco Pastorius to get the whole scoop on the Yellowjackets situation, as well as his start on bass, practice techniques, gear and his father’s influence on his career…
2. Pop With a Twist: An Exclusive Interview with Henrik Linder of Dirty Loops
How do you make pop music cool again? One way is to have Dirty Loops cover it. Since posting their cover of Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” on YouTube, the Swedish trio has caught the attention of fans across the world. In this interview, bassist Henrik Linder shared the stories behind Dirty Loops, his technique, and his secret to great tone…
3. Bassist Redefined: An Interview With Juan Alderete
Juan Alderete is a man who stays busy. After getting his break with thrash metal outfit Racer X, Alderete now contributes the low-end to progressive rock giants The Mars Volta, whose new album Noctourniquet hit earlier this year. We phoned Alderete at his house the morning after Big Sir played a special in-store concert at Hollywood’s legendary Amoeba Records to get the latest from this exciting bass player…
4. Getting Heavier: An Interview with Periphery’s Adam “Nolly” Getgood
When we shared a bass cam video of Periphery bassist Adam “Nolly” Getgood performing “Make Total Destroy” live at Manchester Academy, it became a major hit with readers. Many remarks were about Getgood’s ridiculously awesome tone. So we asked him about it and a whole lot more in this interview…
5. Playing with Words and Music: An Interview with Victor Wooten (Part 1)
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” might be a familiar phrase to most of us, but Victor Wooten has evidently never heard of it. Or, if he has, he’s never heeded its advice. In our three-part interview, the bassist shares a ton of insight into music, recording, his new albums and more…
6. The New Face of Bass: An Interview With Evan Brewer
With unbelievable technique and a unique musical voice, Evan Brewer is quickly becoming the face of the new wave of bass heroes. The former Animosity bassist joined the ranks of technical death metal band The Faceless last year in time to help write and record their album Autotheism…
7. Groove Clinic: An Interview with Andrew Gouche
Andrew Gouche is one of the most influential gospel players on the scene and has had an extensive career touring and recording career to match. We sat down with him to discuss how he got his start as a bass player, the evolution of his career, his MTD signature bass and some learning suggestions for other players…
8. Rocking Steady: An Interview with Jack Casady (Part 1)
As a member of the generation-defining bands Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, the impact Jack Casady’s bass playing cannot be overstated. His unmistakable tone and melodic bass lines have been the foundation for countless songs, not to mention the inspiration for countless bassists. This two part interview includes both text and video. Must read/see…
9. Raise Up: An Interview with Larry Graham
It’s not often a musician can lay claim to changing the way their instrument is played, but Larry Graham is definitely one of those musicians. His story is the stuff of legends. We reached out the Graham to get the low down on his first album in 13 years, his creativity, and his advice for new bassists…
10. Ultra Low: An Interview with Jeroen Paul Thesseling
Jeroen Paul Thesseling is a bassist constantly pushing himself to new heights. The Amsterdam native picked up his first 4-string bass in his teens, eventually going on to study at the Conservatory at Enschede in the Netherlands. Now known for his 7-string fretless work, we caught up with Thesseling to get his story, and his thoughts on styles, music education and extended range basses…
