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Bass Musician Magazine Welcomes Kevin Freeby

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Kevin Freeby

Bass Musician Magazine Welcomes Kevin Freeby…

First off, I would like to thank everyone at Bass Musician Magazine for bringing me in as part of their family. As a bass player that grew up reading magazines geared toward our instrument it is truly an honor to get to be part of one.

A not so brief introduction:

If you are anything like me, then Bass was probably your first instrument, ok well if you don’t count the failed attempt at starting a family band in which I was supposed to play the keys in, or the umpteen drum lessons that I took without ever owning anything more than a practice pad, then bass was my first instrument. Huh, I just realized that I’ve always considered bass as being my first instrument and clearly it wasn’t, maybe that is why I’ve never been the “8th notes only” kind of player. I’ve always wanted just a little more, especially in my earlier years, whether it was just a little more melodic interest or just a little more rhythmic subdivision, I was never content playing the “basic role” of the instrument that was so popular among the bands that I was growing up playing with. However I will say that these days I definitely respect that style of playing now more than ever, the amount of discipline and dedication that is needed to TRULY fill that role is just as high as any sort of double thumb slapping, 32nd note tapping, 4 finger tremolo type of pyrotechnical display, the only difference of course being the complete lack of spotlight, pretty amazing indeed.

I’ve been lucky enough to play bass professionally for over 15 years now. This has included everything from odd meter fueled prog-rock-fusion to exotic sounding multi-continental world music, laying it down behind female driven power pop, as well as supporting the 2 chord coffee house singer songwriter, at the same time I found myself filling in whatever cracks that were left open with a large roster of private students. I apologize if it sounds like I’m bragging, I promise that this is not my intention, in fact my intention is just the opposite, I believe that any musician can achieve these things (and a lot more) with the correct knowledge of musical fundamentals, which is what this column as well as future columns will be focusing on.

Now that we’ve been properly introduced, I’d like to take this time to address what I believe to be some potential pit falls as well as some common misinterpretations that I’ve noticed while teaching over the years.

First off, musical fundamentals and music theory are NOT the same thing, they do overlap quite often but for the most part the fundamental knowledge that is needed to be a proficient bassist is far different from any theory course that you will go through at the university level. The fundamentals that I’m referring to is information such as scales, arpeggios, harmony, rhythm etc. I refer to this information as “practical application” because if you want to be a professional musician at any level these are things that need to be understood. The word arpeggio is definitely not some fancy theoretical term, it is simply a piece of information that us bassists need to know how to “apply” in order to avoid making mistakes while accompanying any harmonic instrument (an instrument that plays chords).

Secondly, Rhythm is not some magical, mythological concept that you are either “born with”  or “born without”. Rhythm can be learned, honed and perfected if you are willing to put in the time to do so.

Lastly, (this ones a bit controversial) but being a musician and being an artist are 2 different things. Obviously, the two are not mutually exclusive, there are tons of musicians that create some of the most beautiful art that a person could ever hear, however there are also tons of amazing musicians with the skills to get the job done whatever the task maybe. There is no right or wrong path, only the one that you choose to take. “Why am I bringing this up?” you may ask, because no matter what your role in the musical universe may be, having a strong knowledge of fundamentals or “basic information” will get you there, so let’s begin.

Follow me on Bass Musician Magazine bassmusicianmagazine.com/author/kevinfreeby

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Bassist/Music Educator Andreas Farmakalidis Candidate for LAUSD District 3

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Bassist:Music Educator Andreas Farmakalidis Candidate for LAUSD District 3

Bassist/Music Educator Andreas Farmakalidis Candidate for LAUSD District 3: A Champion for Music and Arts in Schools…

Andreas Farmakalidis, a renowned music educator and business owner, will be on the ballot for LAUSD District 3 School Board. As an independent candidate, Farmakalidis brings a fresh perspective and a passionate commitment to revitalizing music and arts programs in schools. With a proven track record of success and a vision for a brighter educational future, Farmakalidis aims to provide every child with a well-rounded education. Andreas Farmakalidis is not just an exceptional educator and business owner; he is also an accomplished movie composer, having contributed music to several renowned films.

His talent and dedication earned him a prestigious Spotify and Hollywood Music Award. Beyond music, Farmakalidis enjoys cooking, specializing in Greek and Cypriot cuisine. He is happily married to Alexis Lopez, a former American Idol finalist, and together they embrace the joy of parenting their two-year-old daughter, Mavis. Known for his unwavering hard work, dedication, and passion, Farmakalidis has always championed causes that are close to his heart, especially education. 

With a diverse and vibrant community in LAUSD District 3, Farmakalidis recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. His commitment to this district is rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves a high-quality education that equips them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life. 

“I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education in the lives of young people and the broader community,” says Farmakalidis. “It is our responsibility to invest in our schools, teachers, and students. By ensuring safe and welcoming learning environments and providing necessary resources and support to our educators, we can achieve equity and inclusivity in our educational system. 

Every child should have a fair shot at achieving their dreams.” Furthermore, Farmakalidis is dedicated to fostering strong partnerships between schools, parents, businesses, and the broader community. Recognizing that collaboration and engagement are essential to address the unique needs of the district, he aims to create opportunities for learning, growth, and success for all. In addition to his commitment to academic excellence, Farmakalidis firmly believes in the importance of the arts in education. 

He envisions a District 3 where every child has access to a comprehensive arts education, regardless of their background or neighborhood. By investing in music, visual arts, theater, and dance programs, and providing students with the necessary tools and resources, Farmakalidis aims to inspire creativity, foster innovation, and provide a powerful means of self-expression. The arts play a crucial role in developing critical thinking skills, enhancing cultural awareness, and building empathy by exploring diverse perspectives. “I am running for LAUSD District 3 because I believe that, with the right leadership, we can make our schools even better, provide our children with a brighter future, and strengthen our community as a whole,” says Farmakalidis.

 “Together, we can work towards a brighter, more equitable future for all our students.” In the upcoming election, LAUSD District 3 voters have a choice to make. Farmakalidis stands out as the only candidate who prioritizes bringing music and arts back to schools, recognizing the profound impact they have on students’ development and growth. The stakes are high in this election. The right candidate can shape the future of education in LAUSD District 3, ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to thrive. Andreas Farmakalidis’s proven dedication, commitment, and passion make him the ideal candidate to lead the way.

For more information on Andreas Farmakalidis and his campaign, please visit www.lausd3.com 

Follow him on social media @afarmakalidis.

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Freekbass Crowned TikTok LIVE Fest Finalist

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TikTok LIVE Fest

Hometown bassist and frontman, Freekbass is representing Cincinnati as a Top 30 Award Winner for TikTok LIVE Fest, with a ceremony set to take place in January 2024, in Los Angeles, CA.

TikTok LIVE Fest is a global event across 50+ countries and regions that recognizes and celebrates top creators. The contest took place from December 1st-16th, with each talent accruing points based on support from their communities during their live streams. What began as thousands of streamers competing worldwide, was reduced to a cut of 300, then 150, and ultimately the final Top 30 were crowned as the winners. Freekbass, who just started streaming on TikTok in March of this year, placed as Top 24 creator, globally. To give context, social media influencer and TikTok veteran, Jeffree Star, placed third in the same competition. All Top 30 winners receive airfare, hotel and travel expenses to appear at the TikTok LIVE Fest Awards Ceremony, along with other prizes.

Freekbass performs a one-man show, creating live music with his signature bass-playing, and also plays guitar, percussion, keys and vocoder, using DJ beats and samples, while staying continually engaged with the viewers via chat. He accredits his rapid rise in popularity to his loyal community, lovingly dubbed the “Freek Squad”. To meet them virtually and check out a nightly Freekbass live stream, visit TikTok.com/@freekbass most evening, starting at 10pm ET.

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Immortal Sÿnn Welcomes Former Grim Reaper Bassist Chaz Grimaldi

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Immortal Sÿnn Welcomes Former Grim Reaper Bassist Chaz Grimaldi

Immortal Sÿnn Welcomes Former Grim Reaper Bassist Chaz Grimaldi…

Denver-based heavy metal group, Immortal Sÿnn, proudly announces the inclusion of Chaz Grimaldi, former bass player of Steve Grimmett’s Grim Reaper, as the latest addition to their dynamic lineup. This development follows Sean Ryan’s departure from the band four months ago. With Chaz on board, Immortal Sÿnn is forging ahead, actively resuming live performances in the Denver area and strategically planning a forthcoming United States tour for the summer of 2024.

Chaz Grimaldi, an accomplished bassist originally from Silver Spring, MD, brings an impressive musical history to the fold. With a prolific career that notably includes his role in the 80s NWOBHM legends Grim Reaper, renowned for their iconic “See You In Hell” (2008-2016 & 2019), and Dave Lombardo’s Grip Inc. (1993), Chaz’s journey has been one of remarkable experiences. Reflecting on his global tours with distinguished musicians, he shares, “Having been fortunate to tour the world playing with some of the best musicians has been an incredible blessing in my life. The lifelong friendships of people I’ve met and the incredible places I’ve seen has been truly amazing.” Chaz’s recent endeavors with Tampa-based band Jezabelle garnered significant online attention. Now, as he joins forces with Denver’s Immortal Sÿnn, he eagerly anticipates contributing his prowess to the collective.

Chaz states, “I’m excited about the opportunity to play with Immortal Synn! The song catalog kicks ass and has all of the elements of METAL that I love to play. I look forward to being a part of this incredible band!”

Immortal Sÿnn recently unleashed their latest single, “Lady Nocturna,” on August 4th. Currently collaborating once again with engineer Nick Nodurft at Rusty Sun Audio in Parker, CO, the band is immersed in recording a 5-song EP titled “Hellspawn.” The EP is set to release on September 15th across major streaming platforms and digital stores, with physical CDs to follow.

Reflecting on the addition of Chaz Grimaldi, Tony Z, guitarist of Immortal Sÿnn, affirms, “We all knew Chaz was our guy when he came to the audition and actually knew all of the material and was well-prepared. He didn’t just ‘look at’ the songs we had sent him and fake his way through them like so many people in the local scene do when it comes to auditions.”

For fervent fans of bands such as Grim Reaper, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Megadeth, Immortal Sÿnn’s signature blend of heavy metal elements continues to resonate and excite.

Visit online at immortalsynn.com

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Listen to the First New Recording from The Fusion Syndicate in Over 10 Years!

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Listen to the First New Recording from The Fusion Syndicate in Over 10 Years!

In 2012, the world of fusion rock/jazz was shook by the introduction of a new supergroup of unparalleled musical virtuosos who came together under one umbrella for a blockbuster studio album.

Both the group and its debut album were called simply The Fusion Syndicate, and it featured some of the biggest names in fusion including members of Mahavishnu Orchestra, Yellowjackets, Brand X, Soft Machine, and Spyro Gyra PLUS Yes, Dream Theater, King Crimson, Tool, Porcupine Tree, Hawkwind and more! Now a new single is released today with the first new recording from The Fusion Syndicate in over 10 years!

That new single, “The Bottle,” is unique in several ways. For starters, it is the Fusion Syndicate’s first ever cover song, a trippy, groovy version of jazz poet Gil Scott-Heron’s 1973 dramatic story of alcohol abuse in the inner city. Second, the track is the first to incorporate R&B and soul music flavors into the band’s repertoire driven by a stellar vocal from intergalactic superstar Bootsy Collins. In addition, joining Collins is multi-instrumentalist Brian Jackson, who was a member of Gil Scott-Heron’s band and performed on the original recording of “The Bottle.” Here, Jackson recreates the vibe 1970s soul jazz while bringing a modern flair that perfectly suits The Fusion Syndicate’s style.

Could this be the first song from a forthcoming full-length album from The Fusion Syndicate? Stay tuned in to The Fusion Syndicate revolution to learn more!

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Eduardo Del Signore Calls Attention to Climate and Social Change

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Eduardo Del Signore Calls Attention to Climate and Social Change

Eduardo Del Signore’s A Call 2Peace Foundation Calls Attention to Climate and Social Change, Using Tools from Mojave Audio…

A Grammy-nominated artist with a career spanning over 50 years and numerous collaborations with artists such as Jon Anderson of Yes and Brazilian legend Milton Nascimiento, Eduardo Del Signore has found new inspiration by combining his love of music to support climate and social change. Recently, Signore created a platform for artistic expression called A Call 2Peace foundation, designed to bring awareness to other organizations and the work they’re doing through concerts, events and fundraisers.  

“A Call 2Peace is a reminder that we all possess peace in our hearts, and that it’s our responsibility to visit this each day and enjoy it, embrace it and live by it,” Signore says. At the start of the pandemic, the foundation began a food recovery initiative that collected ½ million pounds of food from supermarkets, which were taken to distribution centers. The foundation also puts on the Tuesday Night Jazz concert Series in Santa Monica where Signore uses the MA-D. “I use the MA-D for all live performances, I compared it against the standard and now I can’t go back. The Mojave is so much better,” he says. 

Signore was interested in adding a Mojave MA-301fet mic into his workflow to be a dependable microphone that captures the true sound to represent his instrument. Since adding the mic to his kit, Signore has recorded an opera singer, violin, Spanish guitar, viola, cello, and more and finds the Mojave microphone to be user-friendly and an ideal solution that works perfectly for his many applications. 

Music to engage climate change 

Signore has an ongoing collaboration with ClimateMusic in San Francisco, an organization that synergizes the talent and expertise of work-class scientists, composers, musicians, artists and technology visionaries focused on engaging audiences on the issue of climate change. The organization commissioned a composition from Signore that focuses on three primary aspects: the effects of the industrial revolution to the present, and then projecting into the future with two different outcomes. “The first scenario looks at the future — if we carry on business as usual. The second looks at if we become active in certain areas, and how that could influence climate change,” Signore says. 

As part of his audio toolkit, Signore deployed the MA-D and other mics from Mojave to record the music. “I look for the instruments and accessories that allow me to express with the utmost clarity what I have to say. Whether it is for singing, or an instrument or recording someone else. For this project, I used the MA-301 fet microphone for all vocals and acoustic instruments. This microphone is so transparent and true to the source. It is the perfect portal for any vocals or instrument that I want to record,” he says. 

For more information and detailed specifications, please visit: mojaveaudio.com

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