Features
Chuck Jones – Dopapod At Aura Fest
Interview with Chuck Jones of Dopapod at Aura Fest 2014…
What is your rig set up?
Amp- Orange AD200MK III, Orange 4X10
Bass – Moollon Classic P
Pedals – Boss TU3, Ernie Ball VP JR, Aguilar TLC Compressor, ElectroHarmonix POG 2(The rest of these i run through a Road Rage true bypass BIG FOOT 8) Aguilar Octamizer, Boss OC2, Zvex Basstortion, Moollon Sol fuzz (I also have a Boss EQ pedal in this chain that i use to boost some lows and roll back some highs), PigTronix Envelope Phaser, Moollon Chorus, Boss DD 7, Moollon Tremolo.
What’s the most innovative thing about your playing? Any different or special techniques?
Nothing that innovative, I suppose. I found things from other players that I liked and adapted some things into my own playing. Technique – I switch a lot between using my fingers and using a pick, depending on the desired sound.
I’m trying to always be conscience of my tone… That’s usually the first thing people notice about my playing.
I get a lot of comments on my use of pedals. It’s a solid blend of subtle tones and over-the-top ethereal whale noises. I’ll sometimes use my phone to loop voicemails I’ve received from Rob (Dopapod guitarist).
Who are your biggest musical influences, including bass players and others?
That’s changed over the years. At this point if I had to list a few (Bass Players)
- Tim Lefebvre
- Pino Paladino
- Paul McCartney
- Paul Jackson
- James Jamerson
I had a teacher at Berklee named Danny Morris. He really inspired me while I was there. Danny was the first one to really get me into Motown, Stax, Muscle Shoals and all that 60’s pop stuff.
How did you start playing bass?
I started in 8th grade. There was this guy in 9th grade named Mark Obayashi (I hope I spelled that right) who played bass, and I just thought it was the coolest thing ever. One day I was walking past a pawn shop with my mom, I saw a bass in the window, looked at her and said “Mom?… Will you buy me that bass?”
She responded with something along the lines of “What?… no.” I then explained to her that I had always wanted to play bass. After a few day of nagging her, I had my first bass and a gorilla amp; that was 15 years ago.
Do you play any other instruments?
Some guitar and drums. I end up sounding like a JDilla album when I play drums… sorta.
How did you become a part of Dopapod?
I’d been playing with Eli (Dopapod-keys) in another band called, The Actual Proof. As that fizzled out he started Dopapod as a duo, Keys and Drums. In 2009 Dopapod was picked to be on Berklee’s Jazz Revelation Records. I think that’s when he asked me to join.
Are you in any other bands or have any current side projects?
I have a side project, Called Mom And Dad. It sounds like Ween, Primus and Black Sabbath… its very strange. The genre we’ve related to is “Awk-Rock”. We just released our first album titled “Nice Missile”.
How has Dopapod helped you grow as a person and as a musician?
It’s helped me figure out what I like and dislike in my playing. I think now I’ve found a place as a back bone, but can also fit in some weird fills and sounds.
What do you feel is the biggest misconception about you as a bass player/bass players in general?
That slapping is the only way. Every time I hear “Slappa da Bass” I add a name to my hit list.
What is the craziest experience you’ve ever had as a bass player at a show or gig?
One time, a while ago, we were playing a house party and during our set a girl came up and put her hand down my pants and grabbed my package. That has not happened since. That’s the first thing that pops into mind…
What are some of your personal philosophies on life, the universe, music and everything?
Take a breath.
Relax.
“Life is a journey, not a destination.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Was this your first Aura Music Festival?
No. This was my third. Second since they moved to Suwannee.
What was your favorite part about Aura?
Really feeling like a part of it. Sometimes at bigger festivals you can feel like you’re lost in the mix a little bit, like a 10th grader a senior party… The staff and the fans at Aura really make you feel welcome.
What was your favorite part about your set at Aura? What are you most proud of?
Personally, I looped a goat sound during our second set that I was really proud of.
What is your favorite Aura memory?
I really enjoyed sitting in with Papadosio. I love sit-ins like that because I get so nervous before them, and after you’re like “Oh yeah! I can still play with other people!”
What are your favorite and least favorite things about the music scene and festival scene?
My favorite is… Fantastic catering
My least Favorite… Drug overdoses
What is your favorite part about interacting with your fans?
I love meeting people who actually LOVE what we do. Hearing nice things about your music or your own playing never gets old to me.
What advice would you give someone who has never heard your music before?
Give it a set… or two.
What advice do you have for someone who has never been to Aura or any music festival before?
Drink water. Make friends. Have fun.
Do you have any other festival plans for this year?
Yeah, we’re on quite a few. Wakarusa, Summer Camp, High Sierra, Blackstock…. Ummm… a few others.
Do you have any advice for aspiring bass players and musicians?
Transcribe and learn your harmony.
Any shout-outs you would like to give?
A bunch. For now it’ll be to Taylor the bass player for Turkuaz and my dog Sandwich.
VIDEO FROM AURA 2014
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoB4rfM0F5w
Picture in Picture – Dopapod @ Aura Music and Arts Festival 2014
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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IG @daniellenicoleband
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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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IG @ moserciara
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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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