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Getting You Name Out There : Tips for Up-and-Coming Bassists with Carl Dawkins
Meet Carl Dawkins –
So I hope you all enjoyed the last article, I had a lot of positive feedback from it, and seeing as we have now covered some of the more depressing aspects about the career, we can focus on the more uplifting side of getting ahead in the music industry.
I am currently writing this article from a tour bus in Germany next to my good friend/guitarist Steve Collinson, who I met six months ago when working for his now defunct metal band ‘Breedapart’. Now, the interesting thing is that we are both out here in Germany, playing rock/pop music. (The Chilli Fighters). I got this gig because of the work that we had done previously, which, although it was of a totally different genre (metal), they felt as though I would be right to work with him on this venture. A lot of the work most bass players get will be through recommendation.
Now I know a lot of you will be sitting there reading this saying ‘but how do I get people to mention my name’ – There is no definitive answer, but there are some helpful tips I can give to make sure you start getting your name out there.
The first and most important, is that when you’re starting up, let every person you come into contact with know that you’re a bass player and your looking to work with different bands/are available (even if you’re not currently available). I guarantee you will feel silly the first few times, and your mates may even ask you to shut up if you’re on a night out and mentioning to people about your playing, but it’s imperative you let every person you come into contact know what you do, because you never know who someone might know, or who might over hear a conversation and need a bassist.
To aid this, I advise getting a load of business cards printed up, I have put a photo of mine at the bottom, always take a few with you and hand them out everywhere. This does mean that you should keep your phone number/website the same for a few years, as a couple of years down the line you might get a phone call/email from someone who had your details from a year ago. My number is available all over the internet and in magazines, the local directories ect – this does mean you might get the occasional prank call, but I’ve only had three in the last 2 years, and they have all been rather amusing!
Let your parents, your teachers, your friends parents and even your pets know that you’re looking for work, mention it more than once, be persistent, because then people won’t forget and if it ever gets brought up in conversation you will be remembered.
A very important note to remember, is you never know what may come out of a job, for example I never knew working for a metal band would score me some really good gigs in Germany and across the UK! With every job, you should always give it your all, no matter what level it is. Because impressions are everlasting and if you leave a good mark and do your job properly, then it it’ll rub off and could lead you onto more work. If you put no effort in, and do a bad job, you will just remembered as being an unprofessional player and a bad choice. You have then just lost your chance of them ever forwarding your details on and probably ever being called back to work for them. This term is called ‘burning bridges’ and it does happen, but the idea is to keep these to a minimum – we will cover more on this in the next issue.
Now the above points do take a while to sink in, and for the first 3-8 months, it may feel like it’s all been for nothing, but occasionally you will get a phone call/email with someone saying ‘I got your details from…’ and when that comes, you know all the promotion and constant talking to people has paid off, and believe me, if you keep at it, it will eventually!
In the next article we are going to focus on internet promotion and the different sites you should be signed up to, to maximize visibility in the music industry. We will also cover a bit more on minimizing losing contacts.
Gear News
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Spector offers Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses…
Spector, a leading authority in bass guitar design, unveils two new Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses. Synonymous with bass excellence since 1987, Wimbish collaborated with Spector’s USA Custom Shop to create the DW-4 and DW-5 models, echoing the iconic instruments that have been favored heavily throughout his recording and performing career.
These signature basses faithfully replicate Wimbish’s originals, down to the smallest details like neck contours and nut widths. Customized EMG pickups, developed in collaboration with Wimbish, capture the distinctive sound that has shaped his monumental musical impact. These models invite players to explore the feel and response that have defined Wimbish’s signature style over the years.
Available in 4-string and 5-string versions, each model boasts unique features & finish options. The DW-4 comes in Amber Stain Gloss and Black Stain Gloss options, while the DW-5 offers Dark Blue Stain Gloss and Faded Natural Gloss. Every purchase includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Doug Wimbish. Wimbish comments, “Spector took the time to get every little nuance right, and that to me is dedication and being thoughtful enough to know ‘I want to nail it,’ and they did. I’m able to pick these instruments up for the first time and play them like I’ve already had them for years.”
For more information, visit spectorbass.com/doug-wimbish-usa-signature-series/.
Photo: Doug Wimbish, pictured with the new Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses
Bass CDs
New Campaign: Alberto Rigoni, Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings
Italian bass master and composer ALBERTO RIGONI is thrilled to announce his brand new project “Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings”.
Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings features a super talented drummer from Japan (TBA) and tons of female guitarists such as SAKI, Giusy Busetto, Alexandra Zerner (TBC) and many many others (TBA). Furthermore, Alberto has also launched a Fundraising Campaign for the project. 20% of the income will be donated to Lega del Filo d’Oro legadelfilodoro.it/it, an Italian association that helps deaf and blind children!
Alberto shares:
“Hello friends and music lovers! I’m Alberto Rigoni, an Italian composer and.. a BASS GUY! Between 2008 and 2024 I released 13 solo albums, spanning from progressive, rock, ambient to funky and experimental music, which also features contributions from musicians such as keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) drummer Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) and Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), keyboardist Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), singer John Jeff Soto (ex Goran Edman (ex Y. Malmsteen), bassists Nathan East, Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani), Nik West (ex Prince) and many others. I’m also bass player for BAD As, Sunset Groove Society, Kim Bingham, The Italians bands and co-producer of Mistheria’s Vivaldi Metal Project.”
Alberto on the new project Nemesis Call:
“Even if my latest album “Unexpected Lullabies”, dedicated to my newborn Vittoria Parini Rigoni, will be released on June 4th, 2024, when Vittoria came to life I felt the need to compose new music (yes, I really can’t stop!!!!!). This time will be quite challenging because I’m willing to release an instrumental ambient/prog/rock/metal album, that will feature a talented and young drummer (TBA) and tons of female guitarists (that’s why I will call the album “Queens of the Strings”) such as Alexandra Zerner, YOKA and many others (TBA/TBC)). It won’t be easy to manage all such great musicians but I will make it!! Are you ready to face a new prog experience? The album will be released in Digipack CD and in high-quality digital format approximately at the beginning of 2025.”
The Fundraising Campaign:
As an independent artist, Alberto is looking for supporters who can help him reach the budget for the production (recordings, mix, mastering, artwork etc.) of this new album and has started this fundraising campaign that will end successfully on October 15th, 2024.
Get further information about Alberto Rigoni’s new project Nemesis Call Fundraising campaign at albertorigoni.net/nemesiscal
Bass Videos
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
Bassist Derek Frank…
Many of you will remember the last time I chatted with Derek Frank was back in 2017. The main thing that impressed me was how busy Derek was and how he juggled playing with many huge acts.
Now, I am happy to hear that Derek launched a new album last March titled “Origin Story” where he digs deep into his roots and pays homage to Pittsburg.
Join me as we get caught up after all these years and hear the details about the new album, how Derek gets his sound, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Stephen Bradley
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
www.derekfrank.com
www.instagram.com/derekfrankbass
www.youtube.com/derekfrankbass
www.facebook.com/derekfrankbass
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This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
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Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!
The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.
For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
