Features
Jarred Irby, Bass Musician Magazine Q&A
Bass Musician Magazine Q&A with Bassist Jarred Irby
Name:
Jarred Irby
Born In What City:
St. Louis, MO (well, technically Scott Air Force Base, IL)
Current Band(s) I Play With:
The Skies Revolt
Former Bands I Have Played With:
I was supposed to be the “Black” Backstreet Boy, but it did not work out as I expected.
CD’s I’ve Released/ Been a Part Of:
Most Recently, Some Kind of Cosmonaut by The Skies Revolt. I also have some various rap tracks floating around online somewhere.
Describe The Way You Play Bass:
I use my pinky a lot so I tend to keep my action low. I usually try and not overplay, and just complement the other instruments/musicians. However, if I’m playing with a sweet drummer, like Eli (TSR’s drummer), I can sometimes overplay a lil’ if the dynamics are fitting. I also usually hold my bass kinda high up, I’m not that tall, and I don’t need to look that cool with the bass at my ankles. I’ll let my abs do that job.
What Made Me Decide to Play Bass:
I had a friend when I was about 11 who played guitar, and his brother played drums. So it only made sense that I would be the one to play bass.
Musical Influences:
A lot of 90’s rock and modern jazz. And pretty much anything Earth, Wind, and Fire ever made.
Favorite Musical Styles:
Hip Hop, R&B, 90’s Rock, Synthpop
My Bass(es):
My current live Bass is a Fernandez model I swooped up from Bobby, another guy in TSR. I also play various Fender and Ibanez models.
My Amps and Other Gear:
My Line6 M13 Stompbox is key to my sound/sounds. It’s a lil’ toy that has more than enough capabilities, but I use to get some pretty cool sounds out of my bass.
Best Bass Advice You Ever Received:
The most basic advice I received when I was young was to tap my foot while I practiced/played. That has helped me out more than I could have ever imagined.
One Piece Of Advice For Other Bassists:
Try and learn any song you really enjoy. And try and play not only the bass line, but maybe learn the melody; it will help out in creating your own unique style.
Favorite Quote or Life Philosophy:
“…Just ’cause somethin’ ain’t been done
Don’t mean it can’t be did…” -Shel Silverstein
Most Amazing Gig so Far:
I played at the Sheldon Concert Hall in Saint Louis when I was in High School. The acoustics were so amazing. I only played one song, but everything sounded so good there!
Dream Gig:
It would be really sweet to play for a Presidential Gala or something of that sort. Although I would be sure to not say something to the First Lady in the same way Miles Davis approached Nancy Reagan…
Best NAMM Moment:
Watching Victor Wooten play, MULTIPLE TIMES! It never gets old… never, ever.
Most Embarrassing Moment on Stage:
I have hit myself in the face with my guitar/bass multiple times. Once I drew a bit of blood. It’s pretty embarrassing to get all teary-eyed on stage at the least emotional parts of a show.
Favorite Tip to Share on Traveling With Your Bass:
People steal stuff all the time! Don’t get jacked on the road!
What Would You Be Doing If You Weren’t A Musician:
If I weren’t a musician, I would probably read and write a lot more, and try my hand at stand-up comedy. Also, I would probably own some exotic animals.
The Question No One Ever Asks Me, But I Have Been Dying to Share:
No one ever asks me if I have seen the Village People in Concert. And yes, I have. It was great!
What You Can Look Forward to From Me this Year:
A new digital and vinyl release is coming out next month from TSR. Also, some new music videos and a tour are happening this fall with TSR. I’m also trying to see how bad I can be at stand-up comedy.
Find Me Online:
Website www.theskiesrevolt.com
Twitter @mrjirby
Facebook facebook.com/jarred.irby