Latest
Aika: CD Review by Andreas Farmakalidis
Meet Andreas Farmakalidis –
“Aika… The purpose of Music is to give us a completely different idea of the things we know best.”
A single piano with the backing of strings gives way to one of the most electrifying voices of the current Californian as well as Japanese music scene, singing words of pain, self-knowledge as well as strength. The words work their way to a climax accented by thriving harmonic progressions as well as strong rhythm section, which gently fades away again, leaving the listener in stunned silence from the beauty of the moment, as well as the memories that will be awaken. This is “You told me you loved me”, the first track of aika’s (Aika Hirahara) self titled limited edition single.
“You told me you loved me” originated out of aika’s desire to record a song about relationships. She asked collaborator Nicolas Farmakalidis (NeilaProductions) to help out and the outcome is a tribute to the pair’s symbiotic teamwork. The final touch, was made by Grammy award winning mix engineer Dave Reitzas who gave the song depth that shares similar distinctiveness as the famous “I will always love you” by Whitney Houston, which is also mixed by him.
“You told me you loved me” is the type of big production that does not always fit easily into the typical pop radio play list, however the song is already taking off some airplay in most of the local radio stations and college radios around the country as well as various public and commercial Japanese radio stations. It is a song that is very likely to generate significant listener requests. Don’t be surprised if “You told me you loved me” is near the type of the pop singles chart by the early spring of 2011!
Aika is telling us a story about personal struggles in the second track of the single titled “Sinking – Caress Me”. Here, producer Nicolas Farmakalidis created an admirable stab of a unique retro 40’s circus atmosphere. Despite the fun and engaging feeling that this exceptional track creates, the background vocals and the brilliant use of strings produce certain unhappiness and a feeling of desolation. The producers explained that this song is trying to describe social isolation in the modern society. Nicolas specifically said that “Every true artist- whether it be Mozart, Bob Dylan or El Greco- it doesn’t matter what they do or how they do it. Important is that they understand the human condition better than anyone else. ”
Aika described this work with an Oscar Wilde quote “Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts – and we are never, ever the same.”
For more information about aika and her upcoming tour dates, as well as the album release be sure to check them at:
www.myspace.com/aikahirahara
www.aikahirahara.com
www.neilaproductions.com
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
Bass Videos
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Bassist Graham Stanush…
Return to Dust is keeping Grunge alive and well! They have a new self-titled album that went out on May 3rd, 2024 and will be super busy promoting this project in the near future.
Graham Stanush is the bass powerhouse driving their sound and adding vocals to the mix. Join me as we hear all about Graham’s musical journey, details about the new album, how he gets his sound and their plans for the future.
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
linktr.ee/returntodust
instagram.com/returntodustband/
twitter.com/Returntodustbnd
youtube.com/@returntodustband
tiktok.com/@returntodustband
Bass Videos
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
CrystalBright Rombo Picks
PR SamplePlaying bass with a pick is still a touchy subject in our community. I believe you should be able to use whatever you need to get your sound. Even though I mostly play with my fingers, I like to check out innovative new picks that might have something new to offer, sonically speaking.
Judith and Carlos from Rombo recently contacted me about a new material called CrystalBright that they have been researching for the last 12 months and offered to send some prototype picks. After trying them out, I put together this video with my findings.
For more info check out @rombopicks
Latest
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
Click to follow Bass Musician on Instagram @bassmusicianmag
FEATURED @sireusaofficial @ricardosguitars @gullone.bajos @godin_guitars @sandbergguitars @adamovicbasses @bassbros.uk @baumguitars @harleybentonofficial @dingwallguitars
Gear
New Joe Dart Bass From Sterling By Music Man
Sterling by Music Man introduces the Joe Dart Artist Series Bass (“Joe Dart”), named after and designed in collaboration with the celebrated Vulfpeck bassist.
Above photo credit: JORDAN THIBEAUX
This highly-anticipated model marks the debut of the Dart bass in the Sterling by Music Man lineup, paying homage to the Ernie Ball Music Man original that all funk players know and love. The bass embodies many of the original model’s distinctive features, from its iconic minimalist design to the passive electronics.
The design process prioritized reliability, playability, and accessibility at the forefront. Constructed from the timeless Sterling body, the Dart features a slightly smaller neck profile, offering a clean tone within a comfortable package. The body is crafted from soft maple wood for clarity and warmth while the natural finish emphasizes the simple yet unique look.
Engineered for straightforward performance, this passive bass features a ceramic humbucking bridge pickup and a single ‘toaster’ knob for volume control. Reliable with a classic tone, it’s perfect for playing in the pocket. The Dart is strung with the all-new Ernie Ball Stainless Steel Flatwound Electric Bass Strings for the smoothest feel and a mellow sound.
The Sterling by Music Man Joe Dart Bass is a special “Timed Edition” release, exclusively available for order on the Sterling by Music Man website for just one month. Each bass is made to order, with the window closing on May 31st and shipping starting in November. A dedicated countdown timer will indicate the remaining time for purchase on the product page. Additionally, the back of the headstock will be marked with a “2024 Crop” stamp to commemorate the harvest year for this special, one-of-a-kind release.
The Joe Dart Bass is priced at $399.99 (MAP) and can be ordered globally at https://sterlingbymusicman.com/products/joe-dart.
To learn more about Joe Dart, visit the official Vulfpeck artist site here https://www.vulfpeck.com/.
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
Preparing for Performance with Dr. Randy Kertz
Interview With Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes
