Reader Spotlight: Nick Castledine
Nick Castledine lives an interesting life, working as a mechanical engineer (and on his Ph.D. in robotics) while balancing a healthy gigging schedule. He started on saxophone until an opportunity in a metal band came up, which is when he made the switch to bass.
Nick is this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight (you could be next!) Here’s his story…
Bio:
I’m a bass player by night, mechanical engineer by day, based in Yorkshire, England! There has always been a battle in my life between music and engineering, I’m lucky to have reached a point where I can dedicate equal time and passion to satisfy both cravings! I’ll happily play all styles of music and have been fortunate to be involved and gig with metal, pop, rock, funk, folk and jazz bands over the years.
Location:
Leeds, UK
Day gig:
I’m a robotics PhD student, researching the integration of robotics into city infrastructure.
Years experience:
About 12 years now!
Bands & Gigs:
I currently play in two wedding/function bands, one playing soul and Motown and the other playing pop and disco which are both really fun!
I’m also involved with local singers playing original material, as well as a big band and jazz quintet. I like to stay busy!
Gear:
- Sire V7 Vintage 5 string
- Wood&Tronics EJ4
- Fender Squier ‘SQ’ P bass
- Home-made fretless jazz bass
- Aguilar Tone Hammer 500
- Bag End and BareFaced cabs
- Loads of pedals!
Why I play the bass:
I am lucky to come from a musical family (my dad is a classical guitar teacher), so I was encouraged from an early age to take up an instrument. I first chose the alto saxophone which I played until I was 16, at which point my friends wanted to start a metal band and needed a bassist… I was instantly hooked!
My bass superpower/claim to fame:
Enthusiasm, funky fingers, and the ability to get stuff done and organize people!!
My influences:
John Myung, Paul Turner, Tim Lefebvre, Pino Palladino, Janek Gwizdala, Derrick Hodge, Joe Dart, among many others!
More on the web:
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