Bassist Charlie Roberts – Bass Musician Magazine Q&A

Bassist Charlie Roberts – Bass Musician Magazine Interview… Get to know Bassist Charlie Roberts from The Suburbians in this Bass Musician Magazine Q&A!

Name:
Charlie Roberts

Born In What City:
Chelmsford, England

Current Band(s) I Play With:
The Suburbians (www.thesuburbians.co.uk)

CD’s I’ve Released/ Been a Part Of:
“Follow The Lights” The Suburbians first album.

Describe The Way You Play Bass:
I play mainly using standard finger style; it’s all about using your ears, giving enough and never too much. Understanding that people need to build on top of you always plays on my mind when we are writing, then fitting in some fills and runs where it is appropriate. It’s important to work tight with the drummer, accenting together in the right places to make the music as interesting & dynamic as possible.

What Made Me Decide to Play Bass:
I first started playing when I was about 15 years old; I started to want to play as soon as I had just finished listening to The Red Hot Chili Pepper album “Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magic.” What incredible bass lines! Flea really got to me in that album, he’s an outstanding bassist and he was a big inspiration, as I’m sure he is for many.

Musical Influences:
Where do I begin?! My family were always listening to Funk when I was young, so ‘band’ wise I would say, Sister Sledge, Chic, Fat Back Band etc.

Well, Jerry Barnes definitely… the man is just insane on that Bass! Bernard Edwards too; he was incredible and a great loss to our planet. Ray Brown, Esperanza Spalding, Stewart Zender, Sam Rivers, Bootsy Collins, Marcus Miller, Guy Pratt, Francis Rocco Prestia….

There is a wealth of drummers too… Thomas Pridgen, Steve Smith, Chad Smith, Dave Weckl…

Favorite Musical Styles:
Definitely Funk for starters, I’m a big Jazz lover too. It’s really cliché to say that I like all genres of music, but in my opinion you have to take inspiration & interest from all music genres. It’s no good if you keep your interests narrow.

My Bass(es):
Gibson Thunderbird, 2 x Fender Jazz, 1 American, 1 Mexican

My Amps and Other Gear:
Ashdown MAG 300, TC Electronic tuner (TC electronic are a fantastic company in my opinion), ACS in ear monitors

Endorsed By:
The Suburbians and myself are proud endorsees of Gibson Guitars.

Best Bass Advice You Ever Received:
If you ever mess up at a gig, do not, under any circumstances, stop playing.

One Piece Of Advice For Other Bassists:
Look after your hands! Don’t be playing with blenders! Learn to read notation as early on as you can, it’s crucial to your career!

Favorite Quote or Life Philosophy:
“Why a manager, I don’t need to pay anyone to say how great I am.”  John Pastorius.

Most Amazing Gig so Far:
Definitely The Suburbian’s album-launch party at the massive ‘229 Club’ in London; a phenomenal group of people showing their support, a humbling experience.

Dream Gig:
To play Wembley Arena, no doubt!

Favorite Tip to Share on Traveling With Your Bass:
Don’t skimp on getting a cheap travel case for your instrument, your life is in that box…

What Would You Be Doing If You Weren’t A Musician:
Probably a games tester for some of my favorite companies!

What You Can Look Forward to From Me this Year:
We have since returned from our Canadian and USA tour, playing South by South West (SXSW) in Texas & Canadian Music Week.

I will have a website up and running in a couple of months so you can check up on me and my antics. The Suburbians and myself have a UK tour booked this year, so check out the website for more information!

Find Me Online:
Website : www.thesuburbians.co.uk
Twitter : www.twitter.com/barstoolbear
Facebook : www.facebook.com/charliethesuburbians