Articles by Kevin Johnson - Page 837

Bassist Sean Stewart of the Australian alt-rock band HTRK died last week according to a recent statement by the band’s label, Blast First Petite Records. Though the details of his death have not been released, it is said to have been suicide. He was 29 years old. HTRK (pronounced ‘hate rock’) formed in Melbourne, Australia in 2003. They released their...

TC Electronic is introducing the new BG500 bass combos at the Frankfurt Musikmesse 2010, which runs from March 24th to the 27th. The 500-watt BG500 is available as a 1×15 or 2×10 combo, each equipped with a 1″ tweeter. The BG500 combos share many of the same features as the company’s RH450, including the SpectraComp multi-band compressor and TubeTone control...

Sonic Youth bassist Kim Gordon will be releasing a new book of artwork on March 23rd entitled Performing/Guzzling. Published by Rizzoli, the book is a collection of paintings, watercolors, photographs, and poems that all revolve around the main theme of Gordon’s onstage experiences. Also included are written contributions by artist Jutta Koether and writer Hilton Als. The first 3,000 copies...

The new P-Retro from East UK is a P-bass style active/passive preamp equalizer that is be installed without permanently modifying your bass. The P-Retro fits in easily, and uses screw terminals, so no soldering is necessary. Therefore, no physical modifications to your bass are required. The P-Retro features two stacked knobs with pull switches on each. The regular volume control...

Hot off the heels of Mike Gordon’s solo project tour, Phish have announced a 2010 summer tour which will be their biggest yet since reuniting last spring. The 29-show outing begins in Chicago during June and finishes up in Wantagh, NY in mid-August. Also look out for Phish 3D, which is a feature-length theatrical concert film that takes the best...

Rush will be among the artists inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame this on March 28th. The 6th Annual CSHF Gala will be presented at the George Weston Recital Hall at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. The music of Rush will be celebrated with performances by Les Claypool, Alexisonfire and Jacob Moon. Claypool will be playing the...

FEA Labs has announced the FEA Growler pedal to their product line. The Growler is designed as an enhancement pedal that adds second harmonic warmth to add “growl and punch” to their tone. The pedal generates an analog harmonic octave tone to blend with your bass’s natural tone. The pedal features a dual-channel setup that allows you to switch between...

Andy Fraser of the groundbreaking ’60s and ’70s band Free will have one of his basses put on exhibit in Cleveland, Ohio’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Fraser, who was a founding member of Free, was also the co-writer of their biggest hit, “All Right Now.” The bass is a “one of a kind” custom made by Z-Guitars of...

Funk master Bootsy Collins has just announced that he will be opening the “Funk University,” and that the first semester of classes will begin on July 1, 2010. Professor Bootsy will lead a group of outstanding musicians in teaching funk to intermediate and advanced players in an online setting. The Funk University classes will be held over the web via...

Radiohead’s Thom Yorke has announced the name of his new supergroup, which includes Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and tour dates for the band. The group, Atoms for Peace, also includes Joey Waronker of R.E.M., Mauro Refosco of Forro in the Dark, and Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich. They have announced a 9-date tour, beginning in New York and...

DR Strings has announced a new line of strings called the DDT. Designed specifically for drop tuning, the strings feature specific technologies and heavier gauges to help maintain tuning consistency, even way down low. They also attempt to reduce that floppy string feeling and fret buzz. The Bass DDT’s are available in the following sets: Medium DDT-45 (45, 65, 85,...

The Playboy Jazz Festival promises to be another bass player’s favorite, featuring performances and appearances by Esperanza Spalding, Marcus Miller, Dwayne Burno, John Clayton’s Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra, Chick Corea’s freedom band with Christian McBride, and many more. Hosted by comedian Bill Cosby, the festival will take place June 12-13 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California. “It’s a party with...