Reader Spotlight: Pedro Zappa

Last year, we shared what turned out to be a very popular video of ZYkR performing “Only Human,” with Pedro Zappa on bass. Now we get to learn more about him.

Pedro is a graduate of Berklee who keeps busy with multiple bands – and styles. He’s this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight. Here’s his story…

Bio:

I am a Portuguese born bassist graduate from Berklee School of Music. I’ve studied classical music from a young age but I was always drawn to rock/contemporary music.

At the moment (2019) I am touring with Parekh & Singh, a Kolkata based dream pop band signed to London based Peacefrog Records. We are doing an India Tour this May, more shows will be announced in the near future in other parts of the world.

My first rock band, Stone Giant, released it’s debut self-titled album in 2015, and Nasty Creatures EP in 2018. The band is currently on a hiatus. Our vocalist is working on his first solo record, and our keyboardist, like me, is on the road with another band, The Claypool Lennon Delirium.

In the last year I’ve been working closely with NYC/Delhi based ZYkR, a electronic-rock band with a experimental-DIY approach.

In the past 7 years I’ve also been involved/gigging with: The Frotations (New England) Spiritual Rez (MA, USA), Gold Stars For Everyone (NYC), The Velvicks (NYC), Amy Allen (New England/NYC), Mama Juke (NYC), The Sidefire Trio (NYC), Perfect Mark (New England), Um Zero Amarelo (Portugal) among many others.

Location:

Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal

Years experience:

I’ve been playing bass for over 16 years.

Why I play the bass:

Ever since I can remember I was always drawn to the bass. From listening to Paul McCartney on The Beatles records to watching Tony Levin playing with Peter Gabriel on a VHS tape my dad had of their Secret World performance. I remember watching it every weekend! I loved how cool he sounded playing both the electric and the upright bass! Though I started on the cello ever since I picked up a bass I knew that it was my instrument.

Gear:

• Ibanez SR5005E Prestige
• Markbass Traveler 202P
• LittleMark Tune 800
• Tech 21 VT Bass Deluxe

My Influences:

My playing is heavily influenced by Paul McCartney, Tony Levin, Pino Palladino, Joe Dart, Nick Oliveri, and Nick O’Malley just to name only a few.

When it comes to bands The GOASTT, Louis Cole, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Queens of the Stone Age, Vulfpeck, D’Angelo.

My bass superpower/claim to fame:

I have a good hear to transcribe bass lines from records. I’ve transcribed hundreds of bass lines and shared them with the bass player community on Youtube quality note by note performances of contemporary music accompanied by a precise notation bass transcription of the piece. I plan to keep on doing it in my free time!

More on the web:

• Website
• Beard & Bass RuleZ (Transcription Channel)
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter