Bassist Danny Kolliner, Bass Musician Magazine Q&A

Name:
Danny Kolliner

Born In What City:
Akron, OH

Current Band(s) I Play With:
Winslow – www.winslowsoul.com

Former Bands I Have Played With:
Eclyptic, Derik Kroeze (Solo), Goodnight, Red Five Standing By, Desiree Boardwine

CD’s I’ve Released/ Been a Part Of:
Left of The Right Direction (Winslow – out March 21st), World Unknown (Derik Kroeze), Just The Beginning Subterranean Edition (Eclyptic), When the Night Calls It Quits (Eclyptic), In Your Mind (Eclyptic), Introducing (Eclyptic)

Describe The Way You Play Bass:
I would call it groove based rock. I like to do a lot octave work to try and keep things dancing. But the groove is the most important thing, people gotta dance.

What Made Me Decide to Play Bass:
In 7th grade, me and my buddies were pretty lame. So we sat at lunch table and came up with this fake band to try and win over girls. Eventually everyone started actually getting instruments, bass was the last one left. But I wanted girls, and I already knew bass clef from middle school band, so it was a natural fit. It turned out to be awesome, and way cooler than those mini 6-string basses out there.

Musical Influences:
Where to start… For Winslow I try and incorporate as much Jamiriquai as possible. Pino Palladino is full of tasty pieces scattered throughout so many genres and bands. I’ve been listening to a lot of The Appleseed Cast recently. There’s just something about them, mixing experimental rock with  poppy hooks.

Favorite Musical Styles:
I don’t even know how to describe this. I really like TV On the Radio – I’ve heard people call that art rock. I like mostly rock influenced music that blends another genre. Rock/Funk, Post Rock, Art Rock. Lets just leave out that 2000s Rap Rock.

My Bass(es):
Too many. I currently play a Prat Singlecut 4-string that I customized with Oscar Prat out of Canton, OH. I also have a 1976 Ibanez Musician and a Lecompte ST-5 for when I feel like pretending I can play a 5-string.

My Amps and Other Gear:
I am eligible for bass gear hoarders probably. I get something and then I find one use that I love it for, but then need other stuff for that other “one moment.” Depending on the gig I either play a ’76 Fender Bassman 410 or I’ll bust out my Euphonic Audio iAMP 500 and Schroeder 1212 and 115. I have tons of pedals, but my main pieces are Source Audio Bass Envelope Filter Pro, Multiwave Distortion Pro as well as a Boss OC-3.

Best Bass Advice You Ever Received:
Play what your fingers feel. They’re usually right.

One Piece Of Advice For Other Bassists:
Sometimes. Just sometimes… One note is better than 16.

Favorite Quote or Life Philosophy:
“The first thing you have to know is yourself. A man who knows himself can step outside himself and watch his own reactions like an observer.” A guy who penned himself ‘Adam Smith’ (in order to be confused with the famous economist)

Most Amazing Gig so Far:
Winslow’s release party for Left of the Right Direction. However, of shows that I’ve played it’s a tie between This is Akron! – which was my first show with Winslow. My other favorite show was Eclyptic’s farewell show; the emotions of a new beginning and an ending were very powerful.

Dream Gig:
Being the opening act for any form of a Rob Thomas tour. For real.

Best NAMM Moment:
The Prat bass booth.

Most Embarrassing Moment on Stage:
When you start gigging at the age of 13 there are plenty. I’d say doing the Chuck Berry walk (See Back to the Future) at age 14 is right up there. As is going on tour without my bass head last year.

Favorite Tip to Share on Traveling With Your Bass:
Bring all parts of your amp. Lock your van. Make sure whoever is supposed to lock your van locks the van. And get homeowners/renters insurance for when people forget to lock the van.

What Would You Be Doing If You Weren’t A Musician:
Consulting work. Preferably high up enough in the company so I mostly just play golf and drink expensive whiskey. That’s how it works, right?

The Question No One Ever Asks Me, But I Have Been Dying to Share:
I consume upwards of 8 pounds of peanut butter a month. I also name every fantasy sports team after Carl Landry, the best forward in the NBA.

What You Can Look Forward to From Me This Year:
Playing across the US with Winslow! Bringing groove to a city near you.