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Respect the Stage… Respect the Audience by Igor Saavedra
I’ve addressed this issue briefly in couple old articles. But I think it deserves going a little further with the analysis.
If I would have to choose one of the biggest mistakes that we the instrumentalist’s have the tendency to commit while we play, I would go for the topic of “playing for ourselves”.
I’m not a rock or a pop player myself. In fact quite the contrary. I’m not interested in showbiz at all. I’m that typical idealistic nerd musician that loves instrumental music, fusion and jazz, because we like it, and that’s the way the general audience perceive us. By “general audience” I mean the 90% of the people who turn on the radio and attend to concerts all over the world. We can state that these are not the people we are interested in reaching with our music, so that lives us with just the 10% of the spectrum, or maybe less. So the big question now it would be, are we doing what’s necessary to communicate effectively and be able to at least get the desired attention of this small, specific and “initiated” musical audience?
In my humble opinion the answer is, No!
What I’m saying here comes from a profound self analysis, and from numerous questions I’ve done with musicians and students through the years. In other words my opinion is not just my opinion, it is also what I’ve been hearing from people.
One of the few things I like from the musicians that choose to dedicate their lives to playing commercial music is the huge importance they always assign to the audience and the stage itself. That’s why that audience is usually so unconditional even when many times the musical outcome is quite deficient.
What is music about? Why do we play music? What is our main intention when we go on stage standing in front of an audience instead of having fun at home with our music? There are many questions, and the answers tend to be elusive at best.
In my opinion, the main word here is “Communication”. So we have to choose what we want to communicate, because like it or not, while we are on stage, we’ll be always communicating something even if we communicate that we don’t really care about communicating with the audience, at all. Understand?
We can also communicate that we just care about ourselves and that we love “self-gratification” with our instrument (there’s a better word that starts with an “M”)
We can communicate that we’re good, and expert musicians. We know a lot about music, and we’ve done all our homework in relation to harmony, scales, rhythm, and technique, etc.
We can communicate that we are extremely professional, and we have the best amplifying systems and the best instruments money can buy (or endorse).
We can communicate that we hate the system and that we go against it. We can help ourselves by wearing black leather jackets and pants and singing or screaming with rough voices.
We can communicate that we look well dressed, hot and handsome, and at the same time we are communicating we are available for all the chicks.
Everything I’ve mentioned above is being done right now over thousands of stages and in front of millions of people every day and every night all over the world.
Please note that I mentioned we’re talking about different types of behaviors, some adopted by musicians who play more commercial music like Hip Hop, Rock, or Pop, and other behaviors usually adopted by musicians who play fusion, jazz, and instrumental music in general.
So what’s my point?
First of all, on stage, Be Yourself!! But this common phrase is not as simple as it looks. Let’s say I’m an angry person, and I aspire to “be myself on stage”. Needles to say, this is exactly what I’ll be communicating and “sharing” with the audience. So before we look at the phrase “be yourself” or “express yourself”, which these days is even more “En Vogue” than the other, I think it’s a moral duty to precede that phrase with the following sentence: “Improve yourself as a person, be honest, be a better human being, be generous, be kind, express love through your actions, and after that, PLEASE “Be yourself wherever you are and especially on stage”.
Always remember people pay to see YOU. If you don’t care about them, if you give them something different than what was said they were going to receive, you’ll be literally swindling them. Please don’t confuse what I’m saying here with the fact that the audience can like or dislike your concert.., that’s a completely different matter related with more subjective aspects. But there are certain aspects that are really objective (if objectivism exists), like don’t turn your back to the audience, speak clear and loud enough so they can hear you, don’t be drunk or stoned on stage so you’re barely able to play properly, at least rehearse a little bit and don’t think that because you are a jazz player you are so good or so cool that you and your group can make mistakes and “It’ll always sound cool”, etc.
When you play music on a stage, you don’t need to think about the music, in fact, don’t think, just FEEL and look inside yourself for the best and the most positive aspects of your feelings and pass them on to the audience naturally and unfiltered through your playing. If you are communicating honest and luminous feelings through your music, that’s exactly what you’ll get back from the audience, AMPLIFIED!!
In a concert situation, the audience is the best amplification system ever created!
The Virtuous Cycle begins (or not), and you’ll be responsible for that!
Respect the Stage…Respect the Audience!!
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
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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
