Features
Bass On Broadway: Interview with Michael Pisculli by Ty Campbell
In this first interview, the first of several to come in the series, Bass On Broadway, Nashville, TN, we speak with Michael Pisculli about playing bass on Broadway. Michael has been in Nashville since 2011 and is one of many fine and talented bassists working the scene.
What influenced you to choose bass as your main instrument?
After 3 years of acoustic guitar lessons between ages 12-15 and playing lots of John Denver, I was bored and discouraged. I was, and still am, a huge Beatles and Kiss fan growing up. Now you’d think it was Paul McCartney that was my first main influence but it was actually Gene Simmons but totally by accident. I had thought the main riff in God Of Thunder was the bass. I thought it was so cool and heavy sounding I immediately asked my dad for a bass and lucky for me he got me one, a really cool Jazz Bass copy. My finger style acoustic lessons came in super handy cause I took to bass with ease and LOVED it and haven’t looked back since, except maybe liking Paul’s lines a little more than Gene’s.
Do you play any other instruments?
Besides electric bass (fretted and fretless) and upright bass I dabble in acoustic guitar, ukulele and lead and backing vocals, the latter not nearly as proficiently as bass.
The lower Broadway scene in Nashville is very active. How long have you been performing gigs there?
I moved here on April 1st 2011 and landed my first gig on April 30th so nearly 3 years now.
Are you performing with your own groups, subbing, or both?
Both. I co-run 2 bands in town. 1 is a classic rock band and the other is a bluegrass band. I’m a first call bassist for 2 other cover bands ranging from country to rock to soul/funk as well as being on call for a local new country artist. I also pick up sub work here and there to fill in the gaps. This formula keeps me busy to say the least.
How much do you work on lower Broadway compared to other gigs, sessions, etc.?
Live gigs on lower Broadway makes up 95% or more of my work load and income. The occasional road gig (I only travel if the money is right), off Broadway gigs and recording sessions make up the rest. For example, I played 341 gigs in 2013 (mostly 4hr shifts, no breaks with lots of them being doubles and some triples!) and only 2 were recording sessions and 5 were travel dates. I would LOVE to get more recording sessions which is actually this year’s goal.
Any insight on basic etiquette, what to bring to the table?
Wow, I can write a book just on this one question! Well first thing I’d have to say is ‘know how to play your instrument! Study and take lessons. The better you are at speaking the musical language the easier everything becomes. Also, know what kind of player you are. Example, you need electric bass for rock, pop, country, funk, soul, jam band, fusion? I’m your man! Reggae? Jazz? Afro Cuban? Well I have someone I can refer you too. Same with upright, rock, pop, bluegrass? I’m good to go… Jazz? Rockabilly? I don’t think so! It’s way better to say no to a gig then go in and tank it. You’ll never get called again if you say you can pull something off then not deliver. Always be honest!
Next would be gear. One good sounding bass and one good sounding amp will get you through nearly any situation downtown and lots of times an amp isn’t necessary if the venue is backlined. 4 & 5 string basses are the norm with a 6 string guy/gal thrown in here and there. It’s all good if you play it good!
Now all of this is for nothing if you’re not cool. Leave your ego at the door. We’re all here trying to make a living so be a team player professionally and personally. There are HUNDREDS of bassists in this town waiting to take your gig. If you’re not cool EVERYONE will know about it. A good bassist that’s a great person will work way more than a great bassist no one can stand to be around!
I think I’ll leave it at that for now. 🙂
How do you handle gigs when you are called to fill in on short notice?
First is to know the style of music the band plays and get some type of set list. If I feel confident enough with the set or style I’ll take the gig. I always bring my favorite bass that I feel most comfortable playing. I’ll bring a chart or 2 if I really feel the need but try to keep that to a minimum. In most situations there will be a player on the gig that can throw numbers (the live version of the Nashville number system… Learn it if you don’t know it!). While on the gig I stay alert, eyes and ears wide open and keep my head clear. My first gig in Nashville was on 2 days notice, approximately 40+ songs of which I knew maybe 8! I kept my eyes on the guitarist who threw numbers at me for 4 hours and kept my ears open for cues and kept my bass lines simple and as correct as possible. So after 4 hours of sweating, lol, I got through the gig and was even offered the gig full time (once I actually learned the set..haha) and I’m still with that band till this day. Oh yeah… BE COOL! 🙂
Who are some of you influences?
My top 3 influences are Paul McCartney, Jaco Pastorius and Bruce Thomas from Elvis Costello and the Attractions. I can easily add John Paul Jones and James Jamerson as a close 4 & 5. I’m a classic rock junkie. Anything from the mid 60’s to the late 70’s is my thing and what I feel my playing most resembles. I like to think if Paul, Jaco and Bruce had a baby together it would be me! Lol
Final thoughts?
Nashville is an amazing city… Music City… not country music city but MUSIC City! Country may be prominent and for good reason but there’s tons of diversity here. The caliber of musician here is arguably the best in the world. No matter what bar you walk into here you’re bound to hear an amazing player. Nashville is known as musicians boot camp and rightfully so. Twice the work, half the money and happy to do it. Nashville has a lot to offer musicians not just lower Broadway. I strive to always do my best on my gigs and continuously learn, grow and improve on all aspects that it takes to make a living as a bassist in the most competitive little city in the world! Peace.
Bass Videos
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
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Bass Videos
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.
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Photo, Missy Faulkner
Features
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/
Bass Videos
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.
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Photos by Manuela Haeussler
Bass Videos
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
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