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The Memorials – Inside of Delirium, Interview by Tim Risser

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The Memorials current pic courtesy of Team Hans managementEvery band needs a nucleus- a center of gravity- that one component to propel the music to a new level. For most bands it falls on the singer to be that key cog in the machine spinning the gears and pulling you towards them. Other bands in the world of rock, blues or alternative rely heavily on the guitarist to consume the listener with highly combustible (and hopefully) unforgettable hooks.
… And then there’s the drummer. While most bassists are wondering why the diss- why the blow off, I will tell you that we simply need that deep pocket and groove to thrive, and without it we are tapping our foot, counting to ourselves and generally looking awkward.

The drums give us life and that’s a simple fact.

Enter a band where that essential meter and rhythm comes from a guy who has played with some of the best. Thomas Pidgen has played with a veritable “who’s who?” of the most identifiable bass groove masters in the business. Eric Avery of Janes Addiction, Norwood Fisher of Fishbone, Juan Alderete of Racer X and Mars Volta and the always potent dUg Pinnick of King’s X.

So when he formed his own band, The Memorials, it was time to take notice- his own seismic drums relying on jazz, hip-hop and progressive beats unlike most bands could even contemplate. Thomas provides a backdrop for Viveca Hawkins own vocal depth and ballsy delivery, and alongside guitarist Nick Brewer; they provide their own nucleus of a solid groove where anything can happen musically.
The band weighs heavily on influences from rock/jazz/hip-hop/funk/blues– the kitchen sink variety that belies the current scene of musical fluff. Thomas decidedly lays out the origins of the band: “I wanted to play technically challenging music, but I also wanted to show the soul, the funk, the gospel, the hip hop influences- the real.”

The Memorials new release Delirium is for an audience of music savvy listeners, especially bassists who rely on that rhythmic foundation to get our foot tapping again.

Here’s my interview with Thomas and bassist Chris Matthews as they begin their West Coast tour:

TheMemorials afropunk.comThe new record Delirium is pretty fierce, not a stretch from the first album but it does seem you have a very cohesive vision, like a comfort level that bands acquire after a time together. Do you feel like there was less pressure to sound a certain way, given there were so many different soundscapes and styles on your debut.

We just wanted to make a record that was a better record than the debut. We also wrote songs with our live show in mind… We want our records to represent where we are at that moment, somewhat like a chapter in a book.

Finding fellow like-minded musicians to play with is often as difficult as it sounds—like-minded implies you should all think the same and have the same influences, which probably wouldn’t work anyway! What is it about you, Viveca (Hawkins- vocalist) and Nick (Brewer- guitarist) that works?

Love and appreciation.

The track “Fluorescents Unforgiving” is a pretty good representation of you guys. It has a very aggressive metal riff and then sort of relaxes towards the end into a jazz-like horn solo, only to further mellow with a Middle Eastern flavor. But the song actually comes roaring back in with the heavy guitar riff and a fusion tinged guitar solo! Talk about not allowing the listener to become passive about the music experience!?

I don’t think we’re thinking about the listener that much while making music. It’s just musically how we’re feeling. I guess to the listener they come up with their own interpolations.

I find it’s also true with a lot of your songs: I’m immediately tapping my feet and bobbing my head, although it is hard to follow you on the snare drum!? What drummers did you want to emulate as a kid?

Dennis Chambers, Vinnie Couliauta, Billy Cobham, Tony Williams, etc… Pretty much everyone.

Was a lot of the music on Delirium improvised during the songwriting process, or are you guys more meticulous with the writing?

Both. We improvise while writing.

Memorials black and white credited to their site

When do the vocals come in to play? Is Viveca singing during the writing sessions, or are they added in later?

She’s usually there while we do the music…. So she’s writing and getting stuff together but I would think it’s easier to write after the music’s done and edited.

And what about the bass parts- do you think in terms of “what is the bassist doing… or going to do here?”

I record with just Nick and usually I hear everything: vocals, keyboard parts, bass riffs, guitar solos…
So when tracking I want the bass going crazy, but I also have some thought out parts.

And a lot of bassists (well, all bassists) obsess over the drummer- especially the placement of the kick drum and where the fills are! You’d think we can’t keep time or have never used a click track or metronome!?
Chris, do you think that’s true of bass players in most styles of music, but especially in rock music?

Chris: A lot of thought about the fills and the placement is what will mess u up. And I definitely don’t think about Rock when I’m playing with Thomas- it’s much more than Rock.

Thomas, when you first formed The Memorials, were you looking for a more visceral experience, as opposed to something cerebral… something that could be complex, but was ultimately very straight forward??

I don’t know man, I wanted to play technically challenging music, but I also wanted to show the soul, the funk, the gospel, the hip hop influences- the real.

Chris, did you have to modify your playing style, or more importantly- update your gear to tour with the band?

Chris: I’m constantly modifying my playing style night after night. It’s a new experience w/the Memorials. We take you through the depths of who you are, not just as a musician; but as a person socially let down… And not having gear falling apart in the airport when security has gone on strike is clutch. Or when you land and your tour manager is 4 days late! Extra padded gig bags serve as an airport or hotel lobby’s best friend.

And what kind of basses do you use with The Memorials live?

Chris: Free ones- you got any?!
79′ P-Bass, 75′ Jazz… found them both in Japan on my B-Day

Both of you, what were some of your earlier influences… was there one band or musician that you guys specifically gravitated toward, and still listen to on a regular basis?

Thomas: I don’t listen to anyone on a regular basis… I got Spotify I just load it up with people I never heard of… Earlier I listened to anything I could. I still do but I don’t stay on many things too long.

Chris: I like anything that makes me feel better than what I did before I listened to it.

Thomas, you’ve also have jammed or recorded with so many current artists, including dUg Pinnick of King’s X, who is easily one of my bass idols (and a ton of other bassists!). How was it working with him?

He’s a good dude. I love being around him.

You also worked with bassist Eric Avery, from Jane’s Addiction and Norwood Fisher of Fishbone??? What were those experience’s like?
Norwood is my god father and doesn’t even know it! He’s full of knowledge.

Is there any other bassist or artist you would like to work with that you haven’t?

I wanna work with everyone!

Chris, what kind of bass cabinet are you using? Do you have a preference in speaker size (10,12 or 15’s) and tube/solid state amps? What works the best alongside Thomas and Nick?

Chris: I like 12’s cause of the booty and 15’s for even more bottom end. Although the response of the 10’s to like “We Go to War” or “So Anti Me” never lets me down.

And Chris, is there any indispensable advice you can give to a bassist who is just starting out?

Learn, although you’re not gonna live forever. Live everyday like your last, there’s no box, there’s no box there’s no box… Oh, make sure the check don’t bounce, pack a lunch; be in it for the right reason. Your fingers are stronger than u think.

This question is for both of you, as I know artists/musicians have a very strong opinion on it…
How do you think bands separate themselves from everybody else?

Thomas: By being original and unique. The industry is so over saturated with cornball shit. That’s my only advice.

Chris: Be true to the identity that you see best for yourself and never limit the possibilities. Is corn ball a genre now?!

And I saw an interview with Ben Folds recently where he said that bands “release” a record so they can tour and build a following. There’s actually no $$ made with regards to a compact disc, because no one is buying and the majority of record companies are now defunct- or bankrupt! The Memorials seem to have a good following- so what’s the next step?

Our next step is to hit up more countries. We wanna be the band that’s played our music all over the world.

Memorials pic from facebookHow important is YouTube and Facebook/Twitter to the success of an artist??

Thomas: I dunno?

Chris: It’s free, can’t really complain about things that are free. At least that’s how I was raised.

And the DIY approach has its advantages too, yeah?
Yeah, it’s cool to be able to know who your friends and fans are. I think the DIY approach keeps you grounded and keeps your ear to the street, as far as what people want.

Will you guys be touring the remainder of the year?
Yes- in spring we’re working on doing a lot more touring. Right now we’re just doing regional shows.

Thank you both for taking time out of your busy schedules and good luck with the record and the tour!

www.thememorialsmusic.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
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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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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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