Reader Spotlight: Matt Thomas

Meet Matt Thomas, who decided he wanted to play guitar at first, and decided maybe “four strings would be easier.” He later determined this wasn’t the case, but he stuck with it. Today, he enjoys gigging after his day job is done.

Matt is this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight (you could be next!) Here’s his story…

Bio:

I started playing bass because I wanted to play guitar and I thought the one with four strings would be easier. I was wrong about that. I was also wrong in not choosing the neon green BC Rich Warlock over the Squire P-Bass, even though they were the same price. But I was right about playing bass. I’ve played rock and roll, funk, jazz, hip-hop, country, more rock and roll… Now I mainly play ones and fives on the upright. It’s a good life.

Location:

Philadelphia PA

Day gig:

I write copy for a digital ad agency based out of Vancouver, Canada. Working remotely has been a huge boon to my gigging life.

Years experience:

I stopped counting at 20 years. I should be better by now.

Bands & Gigs:

I’m a founding member of Man About a Horse, a regionally touring post-bluegrass group out of Philly. I also play with a the traditional bluegrass band Midnight Flyer, a really fun stoner rock band named Double Planet, and whatever pickup gigs I can find.

Gear:

• 1940 Epiphone B2 Upright Bass named Babs
• 1954 King Mortone Upright Bass named Carol
• A buncha electric basses I don’t bother to name
• PJB Bass Cub combo
• Mark Bass Little Mark head
• Avatar 2×10 cab

Why I play the bass:

Aside from thinking it’d be easier, I realized I’m born to be a bassist. I’ve always zoned in on basslines when I listen to music. I love playing the supporting role in a band and laying the foundation for everyone else to show off.

My bass superpower/claim to fame:

I’m always willing to do what’s best for a song – if that means playing root quarter notes the entire time, I’m 100% cool with that.

My influences:

In no particular order…

James Jamerson
George Porter Jr
Les Claypool
Paul McCartney
Paul Chambers
Leonard Hubbard
John Entwistle
Mike Bub
Danny Booth
Bootsy Collins

And like literally any bassist I’ve ever seen live – I always try to learn something when I watch someone else play.

Video:

More on the web:

• Man About a Horse website