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