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Evan Brewer, Into The New Light Of Bass – Bass Musician Magazine, October 2016 Issue
Evan Brewer has been a strong presence in the bass community ever since his remarkable approach to slap bass landed him in the spotlight in 2010.
He has a career that spans the gamut of genres with acts as diverse as The Faceless, Reflux, Chris Letchford, Animosity, as well as his own solo bass and band leader based releases. With a sound and attack that makes him stand out from the crowd, Evan has solidified his place as one of the most remarkable young players on the scene today.
Shortly following his departure from The Faceless, Evan joined up with long-time friend Navene Koperweis (formerly of Animals as Leaders) and vocalist Chaney Crabb to form a new super-group call Entheos. A fierce mix of technical death metal, searing bass, and intense virtuosity, the band released their new LP The Infinite Nothing in May of 2016. We sat down with Evan for a bit to have him answer some questions regarding the direction of Entheos and his approach to bass, touring, and what the future holds.
Entheos is a collaborative effort that stems from a long friendship. Could you give a bit of the history of the members and what inspired its inception?
When we started the band it was 3 of 5 members of Animosity, with a new vocalist. We liked the idea of working together again but bringing in all the new skills we had each refined over the years since Animosity. We each looked at it as a chance to build something that we could call our own from the ground up.
What inspires the Entheos sound? How did you guys end up with the sound you now have?
Well a big part of it was taking influence from what we did in Animosity, but updating that sound to fit where we were currently as artists. We put out an EP called “Primal,” that was the template to build from, but then the album writing took some turns no one really expected. So as we start making album two, after a change at the guitar position, we aren’t really sure where the evolution will go. I think that’s a good thing though. Keeps it exciting.
You have been touring almost non-stop in 2016. What do you feel is the state of current metal and the scene in general?
I’d say it’s pretty strong as always. I’m amazed that the underground metal scene continues to twist and turn through the sub genre trends but remains strong regardless. I can’t say that I always agree with the shifts in style that are at the forefront of metal but it’s cool to me that underground metal still has a DIY kind of support network that allows me to make weird music and play all over the world to great crowds of people. I feel fortunate to be involved in that for so many years.
What advantages do you feel you get out of primarily utilizing thumping techniques in a heavy music setting such as Entheos?
For me it starts with the tone. I want an aggressive heavy tone and that type of right hand attack is about as aggressive as it gets. The way I use my right hand to get an economy of motion means I can match speed-picking on the guitar or navigate speedy passages without much physical effort, so it helps a ton with stamina. I also think that it’s unique to apply that sound to technical metal and I like the idea of going down the road less travelled.
How was the recording process like for the Infinite Nothing LP? How did you approach writing and recording your parts?
We lay out demos that define song structure, usually just with programmed drums and scratch guitar, then I just experiment with different ideas so that I have some options when we hit the studio. From there I just start recording and see what works riff by riff. Some parts evolve a lot from what I think I’ll do initially.
Is there a piece of advice you would give touring musicians for road maintenance with gear?
Anything you bring on tour is going to get beat up or stolen so make sure you bring stuff that is replaceable to some extent. Try your best to maintain your gear using good cases and care but don’t get too upset when the airline dings your bass or looses your pedals. It is going to happen all the time. I’m thankful to have a great relationship with Gator Cases and that has been very helpful. Also, I pretty much always bring my main bass into the hotel or wherever we are staying because I don’t want to deal with having a bass stolen on tour. You can get by borrowing an amp or pedals but it’s tough to play someone else’s bass.
You had two solo releases that were really chock full of really original solo bass pieces and group compositions. Any plans to maybe release another solo record in the semi distant future?
Yeah, I have some ideas floating around. I make no promises on time frames for the solo stuff. I like to do them at my own leisure with no pressure or deadlines. I get great enjoyment out of those records so I want to make sure to keep the process as fun and stress free as possible. I plan to do solo albums as long as I can still make music.
Any advice for young touring bass players for road life?
Being away from your loved ones and your home can be tough. It can be easy to loose yourself in the lifestyle. Being in a band on tour, receiving praise and being pardoned for bad behavior, can make people behave very poorly. Try to remain humble, gracious and kind.
What are some of the plans for Entheos leading into 2017 and beyond?
We are writing the second album now. Our goal is to record that early next year and then continue to tour in support of The Infinite Nothing until the release of the new record, then we will see.
Visit online:
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Leland Sklar, Over Half a Century of Bass, March 2024
We all have enjoyed Leland Sklar’s Bass lines for over half a century.
You might remember that we had him on our cover back in 2017 and did an update when he launched his book “Everybody Loves Me” in 2020. It was exciting to hear that The Immediate Family had got back together in the studio to work on their own music in 2019 and are now up to two albums.
Just last December, Magnolia Pictures released a documentary titled “Immediate Family” where we got a behind-the-scenes look at the massive contributions Danny Kortchmar, Waddy Wachtel, Ross Kunckle, Leland Sklar and Steve Postell have made in countless songs that are the very essence of our daily personal musical soundtracks. Seeing the astronomical roster of performers they have supported over many years is very eye-opening. It is a must-see for any music lover!
Now, I am thrilled to bring you a special chat with Leland Sklar where we go more in-depth into the bass side of his musical journey.
Photos: Header, Rob Shanahan – Cover Photo, Jay Gilbert/Chris Schmitt
Featured Videos:
Skin In the Game – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhbnzIrdjJ8
from new album Skin In The Game
The Toughest Girl In Town – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVQLZIRfLjU
from new album Skin In The Game
Fair Warning – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DN18DYwLsU –
from the self-titled album The Immediate Family
Visit Online
www.immediatefamilyband.com/
www.facebook.com/TheImmedFamily
www.instagram.com/theimmedfamily/
Bass Videos
Ricky Phillips, STYX Bass And More – February 2024
Ricky Phillips, STYX Bass And More…
I have always been a huge Styx fan. Their music kept me awake during countless nights studying and gave my imagination a place to escape when I had a moment to take a break.
I had the immense opportunity to chat with STYX bassist Ricky Phillips for our August Cover in 2017 and follow his projects as time passed. Now, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to catch up with Ricky as he has been super-busy over the past six years.
Join me as we take a deep dive into the band’s most recent album “Crash the Crown” and EP “The Same Stardust”. Ricky shares some insights into the herculean team effort behind the scenes and the musical process that keeps them ever so busy and how he has updated his sound.
Without further ado… Here is Ricky Phillips!
Photo: Jason Powell
Featured Videos:
“Crash of the Crown” lyric video
“Reveries” lyric video
“Save Us From Ourselves” lyric video
“Sound the Alarm” lyric video
“Too Much Time On My Hands” Zoom video 2020
Visit online:
www.Styxworld.com
FB & IG @styxtheband
Bass Videos
Jeff Pilson, Foreigner Low End – January 2024
Jeff Pilson, Foreigner Low End – January 2024…
Those of us who were around back in the 70’s remember how certain songs on the radio resonated with us. It turns out that many of these iconic melodies came from Foreigner and they were part of our personal soundtracks!
After all these years, the band is going as strong as ever with Jeff Pilson firing away on bass midstream into a 2-year farewell tour.
I am excited to be able to bring you all the details about Jeff’s musical Journey, the farewell tour in progress, how he gets his sound and his plans for the future.
Cover Photo: Krishta Abruzziini / Video Photos: Krishta Abruzzini, Karsten Staiger, Gina Hyams
Featured Videos
For more news on FOREIGNER and upcoming Farewell Tour dates, fans can visit:
foreigneronline.com
facebook.com/Foreigner
twitter.com/ForeignerMusic
instagram.com/foreignerlive
youtube.com/user/FWebTeam
Also on FB @officialjeffpilson
Bass Videos
Rodney O’Quinn, Rockin’ Hard Through the Years – December 2023
Interview With Foghat Bassist Rodney O’Quinn…
Many rock fans have enjoyed music by Foghat, who originally formed in London back in 1971.
Over the many decades of playing, the band members have changed, leaving behind only Roger Earl as the only original member. Bassist Rodney O’Quinn left the Pat Travers Band and joined the group in 2015 and has been laying down the low end for this iconic quartet keeping the Foghat legacy alive. With a new album titled “Sonic Mojo” which dropped on November 10th, the band is as busy as ever and there is lots of very tasty music to come.
Join me as we learn of Rodney O’Quinn’s musical journey, how he gets his sound, and his plans for the future.
Photos:
Cover, Jake Coughlin
Video Thumbnail, Tom Apathy
Photos used in the video: Kerry Quinn, Chuck Lanza, Kim Granger, Kenneth Strohm, Jake Coughlin, Jay Jylika
Featured Videos:
1st Single from Sonic Mojo – Official “Drivin’ On”
2nd Single from Sonic Mojo – “She’s a Little Bit of Everything Official Video
“Road Fever”- California Mid State Fair – Paso Robles, CA – 7-27-22
“Stone Blue” – Rodney O’Quinn Bass/Lead Vocals – Don Odell’s Legends – Woonsocket, R.I – 10/15/22 – The Stadium Theater
The Earl’s Court – Season 2, Episode 7: Funny Guys
“I Just Want to Make Love to You” – CasinoRama – 6-9-23
FOGHAT “Somebody’s Been Sleepin’ in My Bed” – Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT – 1/28/22
“I Just Want to Make Love to You” – California Mid State Fair – Paso Robles, CA – 7-27-22
Visit Online:
www.foghat.com
www.facebook.com/Foghat
www.twitter.com/FOGHAT
www.instagram.com/foghat_official
www.youtube.com/user/FOGHATMUSIC
Bass Videos
Suzi Quatro, Eternal Powerhouse – November 2023
Interview With Bassist Suzi Quatro…
It is always exciting to have the opportunity to talk to an artist who has been prolific for decades.
Suzi Quatro has been rocking our world since the sixties and has been super-creative as a bassist, musician, actress, singer, songwriter, author, radio show host and so much more. Most recently, Suzi released a new album titled “Face to Face” where she joined forces with KT Tunstall and together they are a force of nature. (See our video with Suzi about the album release)
Join me as we hear about Suzi’s musical journey, her many projects, how she gets her sound and her plans for the future.
Here is Suzi Quatro…
Featured Videos:
Suzi Quatro & KT Tunstall – “Truth As My Weapon” (Official Music Video)
“Shine A Light” music video (from the upcoming album)
“Bad Moon Rising” music video (from 2022):
Bass-Solo / Live in Prah? 1979
Glyserine Queen / Bass solo – Tampere Finland
Follow Online:
suziquatro.com
IG @suziquatroreal
FB @Suziquatrorocks
TW @Suzi_Quatro
Photos:
Video – Andrew Whitton
Cover and Header Photo – Courtesy of Suzi Quatro
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