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Interview with Christopher Hargreaves by Allee Futterer

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Interview with Christopher Hargreaves by Allee Futterer

How did the concept for Submotion Orchestra come about?

The band grew from a one-off concert that marked the reopening of York Minster. The arts council in York wanted to fuse live traditional instrumentation with new electronic music. Ranking Records, who was a local Leeds dubstep label, got asked to write and put on this gig, which incorporated a live rhythm section, African choir, horn section, classical pianist, cathedral organist, opera singers and MCS. It was a pretty special night. That got the ball rolling with the main core of the band to carry on this idea of recreating electronic music with real instruments and bridging the gap between genres and instrumentation.

Interview with Christopher Hargreaves by Allee Futterer-1

How did that translate to live band?

The main core of dubstep is the 2-step garage rhythm and lots of sub-bass played at around 140bpm, so we were using live drums and synths and pedals to recreate this alongside our producer Ruckspin, who controlled the desk like an old school dub engineer adding lots of delays and reverbs to the sounds. We then added vocals and trumpet to bring a nice jazz element to the sound, which also gave it more of an organic texture and complemented the heavy nature of the rhythm section really well.

What do you call the bands genre?

We started off playing a lot of dubstep nights, so would always be playing at around 140bpm so I suppose it was dubstep but at the same time we would also try and change other elements of the music so it wasn’t so generic. At the moment we are experimenting with lots of different textures, tempos and experimental ideas, so I would say we are just a band playing electronic music.

How do you approach this with your playing?

I learned all I know from producers mainly and married it with my bass playing and feel. I mainly learned about synthesis and how to create electronic music and how the basslines are constructed within production. I then took this concept and mixed it with my knowledge of pedals and came up with a pedal-board that would allow me to make those sounds via lots of stomp boxes!

Submotion, James Blake and So many others are really making sound the new “British Sound”…. What are your thoughts on this?

I think it’s great, Britain is amazing to grow up in because of its forward thinking notion in music… a lot of the world-look towards London in particular for the next sound or big thing. In terms of dubstep, it grew out of the UK and the scene down south with nights like DMZ and up north with EXODUS, which meant that there was a strong unified sound that was being played in the underground clubs.

How did you meet the rest of the band?

I was on that very first cathedral gig, so was in it from the start but we were all part of the Leeds music scene and were all very much actively gigging around so knew each other really well; it was a very organic process.

What percent of the music do you actually play live?

We play everything live… there is no click and no backing tracks, no syncing and miming. That’s how it should be!

As a bass player what is different from playing this kind of music from something in the pop idiom?

It’s a different kettle of fish, you play a lot differently in terms of the sonics; you are creating textures more than lines within your playing so you usually have a producer’s head on in terms of what you play. You can play one note that can make everyone go nuts. The secret is how you manipulate that one note via waveforms, EQ and modulation.

Obviously this music is hugely jazz influenced but is there any room for improvisation?

Yea… we move the lines and arrangements around when we play, that’s the beauty of doing it all live.

Do you sample or create your own samples?

We do sample yea, but we mainly sample ourselves in terms of synth lines that can be fired off on the MPC.

Where did you study music?

I studied at Leeds College of Music in northern England and did a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Studies, which was a lot of fun and great training in terms of harmony, writing and improvisation.

What’s on the agenda for the rest of your year?

We are about to embark on the summer-run of festivals, but we have just finished recording an EP, which will be released in November and then we go on tour in Britain and within Europe.

Do you find people need to warm up to your music or that it’s more “love at first sight”-ish?

Yea I think most people hear about us from word of mouth and because of the live element, it’s a bit of a talking point about how we create everything.

Interview with Christopher Hargreaves by Allee Futterer-2

Do you see a change in electronic music? Or are you trying to create a change?

Electronic music is always changing whether its for the better or worse. I think you have to keep on making challenging and credible music, and make sure you put out the best you can. Within our writing sessions ideas get moved around so much and scrutinized so heavily so that the material that comes out the other side is the best we can all make it. Unfortunately some music nowadays does not have that much thought and love put into it.

In 1982 the UK Musicians Union attempted to ban the synthesizer and drum machines use of any kind in fear that it would take away work from musicians… 31 years later how does that make you feel? Since you are in the 1% of musicians that can actually say they play electronic music, do you have an insiders view?

Wow that’s a great fact. I’m glad they didn’t ban them. It’s such a massive part of modern music and you can’t stop change, you need to learn how to get along with it and use it for what you need. I think learning about synths waveforms and modulation is just as important as learning your modes if you want to make interesting music in the electronic genre.

In order to recreate the sound of a modern record live it takes a ton of manpower that most acts can’t afford. For instance, I saw Kendrick Lamar a few months ago and he had a bassist playing bass, synth bass, a synth player playing bass and then three keyboardists on the opposite side of the stage. Is this the case with Submotion? Do you find that you actually need more members to make it sound sonically like your record?

I don’t think that’s a problem with Submotion as we play everything live on record, so when we play gigs it’s exactly the same, but with more improvisation and spontaneity, which is what makes live shows so exciting

Are you involved with any other projects?

Yea… I play with Alex Clare and tour regularly out in the US with him and I also have a lot of small up and coming projects that are more niche and weird. I try to cover a lot of different ground within the electronic music spectrum, as there is so much good bass music around to take influence on.

Have you always wanted to be in a band or were you aiming to be more of a session player?

A mixture really, and I’m covering most bases at the moment, variety is the spice of life so I’m always playing lots of different gigs with different people.

Do you play any other instruments?

Well a bit of keys guitar and drums, could possibly get my grade-one in those but that’s about it… ha-ha.

How do you find the local music scene?

London music is scene is amazing, so much going on, and so extensive within most genres as well.

Do you go to any jams? If so which ones do you recommend?

I don’t go to jams no, not really my vibe… ha-ha.

If you could be anyone and in any band EVER who would you be and what band would you be in?

I would be in RATM, that’s my favourite all time band, in terms of power, meaning, forward thought, concept, and sound. They were and still are top of their game. Their self-titled album and Evil Empire still sound as fresh as the day they were made, not many albums or bands achieve that!

Visit online at submotion.co.uk and fattybassman.com

Bass Videos

Interview With K3 Sisters Band

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Interview With K3 Sisters Band

K3 Sisters Band Interview…

It is very rare when I talk to a band where all the members play bass. The K3 Sisters Band is a perfect example of a group where Kaylen, Kelsey and Kristen Kassab are all multi-instrumentalists and take turns playing bass.

Hailing from Texas, these three sisters have been playing music since they were very young and have amassed an amazing amount of original music,  music videos, streaming concerts, podcasts, and content that has taken numerous social media platforms by storm. On TikTok alone, they have over 2.5 million followers and more than a billion views.

Join me as we hear the story of their musical journey, how they get their sound, and the fundamental principles behind these prolific musicians.

Here is the K3 Sisters Band!

Photo, Bruce Ray Productions

Follow Online:

k3sistersband.com/
TikTok
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook 

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Bass Videos

Interview With Bassist Danielle Nicole

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Interview With Bassist Danielle Nicole

Bassist Danielle Nicole…

Blues music has universal appeal. We all have our ups and downs and this particular musical genre often fits our reality. Just hearing that we are not alone makes us feel a bit better. 

Danielle Nicole writes and sings the Blues. She does an amazing job at delivering both exquisite smoky vocals but plays just the right bass line to drive the tune home. Danielle recently released “The Love You Bleed” last January and will be touring the album this upcoming year.

Join me as we learn about Danielle’s musical journey, how she gets her sound, her plans for the future and more.

Follow Online

daniellenicolemusic.com/
IG @daniellenicoleband
youtube.com/daniellenicoleband

Photo, Missy Faulkner

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Features

Bergantino Welcomes Karina Rykman to Their Family of Artists

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Bergantino Welcomes Karina Rykman to Their Family of Artists

Interview with Karina Rykman…

Karina Rykman…The high-energy bassist discusses her path on bass, her upcoming tour, how she came to find Bergantino through another Bergantino artist, and more!

A lifelong Manhattanite diehard New Yorker, Bergantino welcomes new Artist Karina Rykman. Jim and Holly had the privilege of meeting Karina and her band in Boston to see her perform. She lights up a stage with her charismatic passion as a bass player and singer – a true powerhouse of joy and energy. On stage, she smiles from ear to ear, hopping, jumping, and dancing; the entire room overflowing with positivity! If you don’t know this titan of bass yet, you will soon enough. Karina’s JOYRIDE 2024 tour picks up this month with the debut of her new album. We had the opportunity to ask Karina some questions about her career so far. 

You have quite the career that began at a very young age. You have so much going on!! Can you share some of your musical path highlights you are most proud of?

Oh man, thank you! What a long, strange trip it’s been. I’m proud of still being so absolutely enthralled by music after playing in a million bands and finally ending up at this current juncture: being able to make my own music and tour under my own name. It just seems completely surreal – every gig, every recording…I’m on cloud 9 being able to continue to do this, and we’re just getting started. I’m extremely proud of being so young and being able to learn so much from Marco Benevento, without whom I’d be absolutely nowhere. Being put up to a large task with enormous shoes to fill, and stepping in even though I barely knew what I was doing at the time. Every gig with Marco is extremely special to me. 

Tell us about your new album release Joyride and your 2024 tour.

Joyride is my debut record! It came out in August 2023, and we’ve been touring behind it nonstop ever since. You only make your first record once, and I’m so proud of this one – it’s fun, searing, lush, with chantable choruses and, of course, incredibly thick bass and infectious grooves. It was produced by Phish’s Trey Anastasio, who also contributes guitar parts to 5 of the 9 tunes. 

What makes the bass so special to you particularly, and how did you gravitate towards it?

There’s nothing quite like feeling the subs rumbling under your feet in a venue and being responsible for those sounds is thrilling. I played guitar first, at age 12, but essentially completely switched over to bass when I was 22 and got the gig playing bass with Marco Benevento. I haven’t looked back since, except for a few gigs on guitar here and there (notably in the house band on Late Night with Seth Meyers and on The Today Show backing up Julia Michaels). 

People hate this question, but: If you were constructing your personal Bass Mt. Rushmore, who are the four players that would make the cut and why?

Geddy Lee, Cliff Burton, Bootsy Collins, Les Claypool. The list goes on and on, of course, but those four have imprinted their unique styles upon my brain since I was so young, and I’m perpetually learning from them – even in the case of the deceased Cliff (RIP), going back and watching Cliff ‘Em All videos is something I do all the time. Endlessly compelled by these four players and their original takes on the instrument.

How did you learn to play?

I never took lessons, but in middle school and high school, I just surrounded myself with equally music-obsessed people. All we did was play music and go and see live music, which is wildly accessible when you grow up in New York City. I had a really tight-knit crew of amazing players as my friends, and everyone would teach each other riffs and licks. I was fearless – playing with people much better than me and saying “yes” to every cool opportunity that came my way. I essentially learned from playing in a million bands and playing along to Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin records. 

Are there any other instruments you play?

I started on guitar, and still love to write on guitar. I can get around on keyboards a bit, but you’d never hire me as a keyboardist. The same goes for drums – I LOVE playing drums but you’d never hire me as a drummer. 

Describe your playing style(s), tone, strengths and/or areas that can be improved on the bass.

I play both with a pick and my fingers, depending on the specific needs of / vibe of the tune. I love playing fuzz bass and writing bombastic “lead bass” moments, which are a staple of my live show. I’d say I’m about the least “traditional” bassist in just about every way – which is both a strength and a weakness depending on how you frame it. I play what I hear, what I like, and I adhere to very few rules. I’ve always hated rules, and I didn’t start playing rock n roll to follow them. 

How did you find Bergantino Audio Systems?

I’m pals with Mike Gordon, bassist of Phish, and his tech is named Ed Grasmeyer. Ed suggested he bring Mike’s Bergantino for me to try out at a show I was playing in Vermont, and I fell instantly in love. 

You have been using the Bergantino Forté HP2 head. How have you been setting the controls on this and what changes to those settings might you make as you plug into your other individual instruments?

I love my Forté HP2! The versatility and headroom are incredible, and I’ve been having a lot of fun dialing it in at home. The real fun will begin this weekend when I take it out for 2.5 weeks of tour – dialing something in an apartment just isn’t the same as on a big stage with a PA and subs and all that good stuff. I like to roll my highs a bit and I keep “punch” on all the time. So far, it’s been a dream.

You are the inspiration behind Bergantino cab the new NXT410-C. Can you tell us more about this cab and your experience so far?

Firstly, I’m beyond touched to be the inspiration behind, well…anything! But this is truly insane, and such an honor. I love this cab. Not only is it light and extremely good-looking, it can handle all my loudest, most abrasive and obnoxious effects. My old amp didn’t come close, and could just fart out or I’d have to turn down to appease it. I’m a big fan of playing at earth-shattering volumes, so this is going to be a match made in heaven. 

We all love your custom-made Goldie Hawn bass guitar! Can you share more with us about this bass design and why it is so special to you?

Thanks! That’s made by “Zeke Guitars” – it’s the second custom bass he’s made for me! He reached out in the summer of 2019 and asked what my dream bass would be, and I said it was basically my 1978 Fender P-Bass, but lighter, whiter, with Lindy Fralins, gold hardware, and shorter scale. And, well..he did exactly that! I love that bass so much. And the gold, which is referred to as Goldie Hawn, was born in December of 2022, and has the same specs. I just love it, it sounds amazing and looks, arguably, even better. 

Jim and I were lucky to get to meet you in person when you came to Boston with the band. The members of the band are such a great group of people! Can you share more with all about the band and crew. 

I’m so lucky to keep such incredible company. My bandmates, Adam November and Chris Corsico, are not only unbelievable musicians but also incredible humans. We just laugh and laugh, and we’re there for each other when the road gets tough or we’re exhausted or whatever life throws at us. It’s the joy of my life to get to tour the world with these guys. And the crew! That night was Connor Milton on sound and Nick Koski on lights – we have a rotating cast of people who play those roles based on availability, and everyone who works for us are absolute consummate professionals and the sweetest humans. They are my team of experts and I just adore them so much. Shout out to Zach Rosenberg, Jeff Volckhausen, Dylan Hinds, Dom Chang, for being the best rotating crew a gal could ask for!  

What else do you do besides music? 

Not much! I love going to the beach! I love eating dinner! 

Because I am a foodie, I always ask people what their favorite food is!

Oysters, caviar, sushi. I’m a raw bar fanatic. 

At a very young age, Karina is a diligent hard worker. She juggles many balls managing her business and is savvy beyond her years. We are very happy to be working with Karina and are excited for her continued success!

Follow Karina Rykman:

Instagram: @karinarykman
X (formerly Twitter): @KarinaRykman
Facebook @karinarykman/

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Bass Videos

Interview With Bassist Ciara Moser

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Interview With Bassist Ciara Moser

Bassist Ciara Moser…

Ciara and I sat down for this interview a few months after the launch of her debut album, “Blind. So what?”

Blind since birth, she is a powerhouse of talent; she is not only a professional bassist, but also composes music, and is a producer and educator. I am just blown away by her talent and perseverance.

Join me as we hear about Ciara’s musical journey, the details of her album, how she gets her sound, and her plans for the future.

Visit online:

www.ciara-moser.com 
IG @ moserciara
FB @ ciara.moser

Photos by Manuela Haeussler

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Bass Videos

Interview With Bassist Travis Book

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Interview With Bassist Travis Book

Interview With Bassist Travis Book…

Bluegrass music has had a very solid following over many years and I am always happy to hear from one of the pioneers in that genre.

Travis Book plays bass for the Grammy award-winning band “The Infamous Stringdusters” and has recently released his first solo album “Love and Other Strange Emotions”. As if he wasn’t busy enough, Travis also hosts a podcast, Plays a Jerry Garcia music show with Guitarist Andy Falco, and is constantly gigging locally in his neck of the woods.

Photo, Seyl Park

Visit Online:

www.thetravisbook.com
www.thestringdusters.com
FB @ TheTravisBook
IG @ travisbook

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