Features
Artist Update with Bassist Justin Emord
Meet the positively magnetic Justin Emord, bassist of LA-based hard rock band, Love and a .38.
An advocate for music education, Emord has dedicated a large portion of his career to fostering creativity and the arts through positive outreach programs like Keep Music Alive and NAMM Foundation. When he’s not providing the low end for Love and a .38, or speaking to other independent artists about how to navigate their careers on their own terms, he also moonlights as a photographer. Read on to find out what makes the instantly likable Emord tick.
You were actually a guitar player first. What prompted you to move to bass?
Back when I was in high school, the bass player in the band (I played guitar and piano back then) would just read the charts and go root note to root note. With 5 years of jazz piano already in my pocket, I started suggesting transition notes and ultimately started crafting bass lines for her on a regular basis.
Because of that, I went out to Guitar Center and bought my first bass during junior year. When senior year rolled around, I was quickly moved by my music teacher to bass in concert band and even filled in for the bassist in jazz band for a few concerts and competitions when he was unavailable.
The learning curve to get up to speed on a somewhat new instrument in a school band setting was very steep and sudden but I still look back on those days very fondly and with a lot of pride. At the time, I was also working on my first solo EP so getting a bass and learning was a crossroad I was very rapidly approaching anyways so it all worked out.
As I got into college and wanted to find a band, the work for guitarists was very slim so I started putting out ads as a bass player and I haven’t looked back since.
Originally, you were a D’Addario guy, but you made the switch to GHS Strings recently. What is it about the GHS product line that made you want to change over?
It’s funny, back when I was a guitar player, my string of choice for YEARS was a standard 10 gauge set of GHS Boomers, so honestly being a GHS artist now is kind of like coming back home.
Throughout my career as a bass player, my desired sound has changed a lot, so my basses and strings have changed along with it. As a Fender artist, I feel like my basses more so now than ever each has a distinct personality and characteristics that make each one unique but still play well with each other.
The thing I like about GHS is the wide range the strings sit on across the tonal spectrum, which allows me to pair each bass with a set that compliments it as opposed to being locked into one or two types of strings to do everything.
Your philanthropic efforts with Keep Music Alive and NAMM Foundation (to name a few) have been so amazing and inspiring, and you have dedicated so many hours to teaching young kids how to play an instrument. What made you want to start doing all this charity work, and how did you get involved?
For me, all the charity work I do is very natural and is somewhat surprising I didn’t fall into it sooner.
When I was very young, my parents put me in private lessons for both piano and guitar at different points in my childhood. To this day, I can remember understanding how to play and be ready but lacked the passion and motivation to practice and get better.
Fast forward to my fourth-grade year and my school finally got a music teacher (a problem I didn’t realize was a problem until I began my advocacy work), so my parents put me back in lessons for the third time. This time, the planets aligned and the passion was there. Practicing my scales and exercises became a daily thing along with my homework and suddenly I possessed a skill I had no idea was locked up inside me this whole time.
From then on, I played in the concert band, jazz band and was involved with everything my school had to offer relating to music. By the time I graduated high school, I had learned piano, bass, guitar, competed in various competitions across southern California and national awards for musical excellence and even received my first sponsorship. All of this led to music being an integral part of my life that I decided a career in music was the only way to go for me.
All of those wonderful experiences in school as well as everything I’ve been able to do as a professional musician is thanks to my music teacher and my education in music. It only made sense I would dedicate part of my life to making sure future generations of students have access to music education so that they have the same opportunities that I did.
My venture into music education started 5 years ago when NAMM began their Day of Service events in Anaheim, which is a day when NAMM members get together to teach kids at a local school in Anaheim how to play guitar, drums, ukulele and chorus and movement.
As I approached high school graduation, I volunteered and gave guitar lessons at my school for community service hours so the idea of teaching again was enticing. As I continued to teach with NAMM through the years, I have had the pleasure to work closely with them on their advocacy efforts both at the state and federal level in Sacramento and Washington D.C. Since then, I’ve been able to work with the Anaheim Elementary School District during Keep Music Alive Week and also mentor young talent on the rise through the House of Blues Music Forward Foundation, which aims to empower young artists through showcases and panels and equip them with the tools needed to sustain a successful career in the music industry.
You spoke as a panelist during Winter NAMM 2019 about acquiring sponsorships. How many would you say you have now? I’ve lost count! I think it’s safe to say you are the king of endorsements.
Yes, throughout the majority of my career I have had the pleasure of receiving the support and backing of many companies and I am very thankful for all their help. Currently, I endorse (*gasps and takes in an extra long breath*) Fender basses, Taylor Guitars, Get’s Get’m Straps, Loxx USA Strap locks, Hipshot Products, Graphtech Guitar Labs, GHS Strings, Pinstripe Pedals Rocktron USA, Temple Audio pedal Boards, Loknob, Barefoot Buttons, Voodoo Labs, Stage Ninja Cables, Ashdown Engineering, Drklght Clothing, Grover Allman Guitar Picks and Gator Cases.
One thing I’ve always admired about you are your people skills and your ability to connect things together, whether it’s acquiring product from your sponsors to hand out for the charity events you do, or getting your band featured in an unconventional way. Was this a learned skill, or were you always just naturally great with people, and marketing yourself?
My dad was a ghostwriter, so growing up I always had him checking my work when it came to essays, speeches and presentations in school. I think that definitely planted the seeds to having a leg up in those situations.
As I got older and made it known to my family that I wanted to pursue a career in music, the only way I could get their blessing (because Italians ALWAYS need the family blessing) was if I went to college and got a degree so I had something to fall back on should music not work out. I ended up going to Cal State Northridge and majored in Communication Studies because I felt like that would help in the non-music side of music. Through my professors such as Peter Marston and others, I worked on my public speaking skills, reading nonverbal signs and many other aspects of communication that would be invaluable to me in my career. So I would definitely say it was a learned skill once again going back to the classroom. Go Matadors!
You and your mom (who is an accomplished photographer) have a very special relationship. She is your biggest champion and is often seen snapping photos of you and your band at live shows. Do you bring her on the road with you to take shots as well, or would that cramp your style (ha, ha)?
Yeah, she has always been supportive of my career and I always make sure to remind her that her and my dad insisted that I take lessons, so they’re really to blame for this circus of a life, ha-ha! She has always had a camera in hand as long as I can remember, so much so that I joke that I wasn’t really born, I was actually just developed in a really weird dark room.
Being around photography so much has led me to pick up a camera and find my own voice and eye behind the lenses, which has been fun for us. However, she has a pretty busy schedule running around various clubs in southern California shooting bands so she usually just ends up catching us when we play local and then shutterbugs with other bands when we are out on the road.
Love and a .38 recently performed in Tijuana, Mexico. Was that your first time playing out of the country?
This was our first international show, which was pretty exciting because you know… we’re an international big deal now (*cough cough*).
Playing in Mexico was a really cool experience; the other bands were awesome and very supportive, the venue was super hospitable and wanted to make sure we had the best experience we could and put so much work into the show element of the whole night, which was awesome. The people down there are just so passionate and care so much about music, and it showed.
You were solo for quite a long time before finding Love and a .38. What about Love and a .38 made it feel like it was the right fit?
It’s funny actually; I tried to audition for .38 back in the MySpace days because I was really into the vintage DNA that you could hear in the music. Growing up on the Beatles, Aerosmith and AC/DC, the modern twist the guys put on the guitar hero type of bands from yesteryear was something I really liked. I ran into the guys at NAMM 2010 (because of course NAMM, right?) and that’s when I got the audition and ultimately joined the band.
You guys released an EP entitled “7th Street Shuffle” late last year. What’s next? Will you be doing some touring, or are you writing toward another EP?
The cool thing about this band is we are ALWAYS writing. Even when one batch of songs is off to mastering to be released, there’s another batch of songs that we are already working on for the next release so yes, there is definitely new music in the pipeline that we will release when we feel the time is right and we’ve let “7th Street Shuffle” run its course. Besides that, there is definitely going to be some extensive touring on the horizon, which we are thrilled about and can’t wait to share with everyone. See you all in 2019!
Follow Justin on IG @justin_emord and the band at loveanda38music.com
Readers have been fans of the composer, bass player, and Bass Musician contributor Alberto Rigoni for some time now.
In this interview, we had the opportunity to hear directly from Alberto about his love of music and a project near and dear to his heart, “Unexpected Lullabies”…
Could you tell our readers what makes your band different from other artists?
In 2005, I felt the urge to write original music. My first track was “Trying to Forget,” an instrumental piece with multiple bass layers (rhythm, solo, and arrangement), similar to the Twin Peaks soundtrack. When I played it for a few people, they really liked it, and I decided to continue composing based on my instinct and ear without adhering to any specific genre. In 2007, I released “Something Different” with Lion Music. The title says it all! Since then, I’ve released many solo albums, each different from the others, ranging from ambient to prog, fusion, jazz, and new age. I am very eclectic!
How did you get involved in this crazy world of music?
As a child, I listened to the music my parents enjoyed: my dad loved classical music, while my mom was into Pink Floyd, Genesis, Duran Duran, etc. These influences left a significant mark on my life. However, the turning point came at 15 when a drummer friend played me “A Change of Seasons” by Dream Theater, which was a shock! From that moment, I decided to play bass and cover Dream Theater songs, which I did for many years with my cover band, Ascra, until it disbanded in 2004. After that, I joined TwinSpirits (prog rock) led by multi-instrumentalist Daniele Liverani. Since then, I haven’t played any more covers!
Who are your musical inspirations, and what inspired the album and the songs?
My roots are in progressive rock metal, with influences from bands like Dream Theater, Symphony X, and many others. However, I listen to all genres and try to keep an open mind, which helps me compose original music. On bass, I was significantly inspired by Michael Manring and Randy Coven (bassist of Ark, Steve Vai, etc.). But I don’t have a real idol; I just follow my own path without compromise.
What are your interests outside of music?
Living in Italy, I love good food and wine! Beyond that, I have a deep interest in art in general and history, not just of my country. I enjoy spending time with friends, skiing, biking, and walking in nature. This is how I spend my free time. The rest of my time is devoted to music and my family!
Tell us about the new album.
It is definitely an out-of-the-box album. When I found out last year that I was going to have a baby girl, I decided to compose a sort of lullaby album, but I didn’t want to cover already famous lullabies. So, I started composing new tunes with the goal of creating an album that was half-sweet and half-hard rock. I did include some covers like “Strangers in the Night” by Frank Sinatra, sung by Goran Edman, former lead singer of Malmsteen. It’s not exactly a lullaby, but I felt the lyrics fit the album, as does the instrumental version of “Fly Me to The Moon.” There are also tracks with just bass and piano (Nenia) or two basses (Vicky). It was definitely an interesting creative process!
What is the difference between the new album and your previous releases, and will there be any new material from your other outfit called BAD AS?
BAD AS is essentially a metal band with several influences including prog. My solo genre is quite different, although there are some metal songs on a few albums. It’s always difficult for me to categorize my music… let’s say it’s a mix of prog, ambient, fusion, and new age.
Where was the album recorded, who produced it, and how long did the process take?
I produced my last album entirely by myself, including mixing and mastering. Unlike other albums I’ve produced within a few months, this one took much longer, perhaps because I was very busy or maybe because I wanted it to be perfect for my daughter, who is now three months old. In any case, I am satisfied. Once again, I did something different from my previous albums.
What is the highlight of the album for you and why?
My favorite song is the first track titled “Vittoria,” named after my daughter. It’s the intro to the record and isn’t very long, but the melody stuck in my head. Another standout track is the instrumental version of “Fly Me to The Moon” by Frank Sinatra, where I used fretless bass. The first part is sweet, the second part definitely rocks!
How are the live shows going, and what are you and the band hoping to achieve?
With BAD AS, this year we shared the stage with David Ellefson’s (former Megadeth bassist) band and talented young singer Dino Jelusik (White Snake). We plan to continue performing all over Europe!
What’s in store for the future?
I am working on an instrumental project called Nemesis Call, a progressive shred prog metal album with various influences. It will feature guest appearances from famous musicians like drummers Mike Terrana and Thomas Lang, as well as young talents like Japanese guitarist Keiji from Zero (19), 14-year-old Indian drummer Sajan Young, and guitarists Alexandra Zerner and Alexandra Lioness, Hellena Pandora. It’s scheduled for release at the end of the year or early 2025. As an independent artist, I have launched a fundraising campaign with exclusive pledges at www.albertorigoni.net/nemesiscall. And no, I am not begging; the album will be released anyway!
What formats is the release available in?
Unexpected Lullabies is available both as a Digipack CD and on streaming platforms.
What is the official album release date?
June 4th, 2024.
Thanks for this interview Bass Musician Magazine and for the continued support to my career!
Visit Online:
www.albertorigoni.net
www.youtube.com/albertorigoni
albertorigoni.bandcamp.com
www.instagram.com/albertorigonibassplayer
www.facebook.com/albertorigonimusic
www.tiktok.com/@albertorigonibassist
CD Track Listing:
1. Vittoria
2. Fly Me to the Moon
3. Azzurra
4. Dancing with Tears in My Eyes (feat. John Jeff Touch)
5. Out of Fear
6. Veni Laeatitia (feat. Alexandra Zerner)
7. Nenia
8. Slap Lullaby (feat. Karl Clews)
9. Saga
10. Vicky (feat. Michael Manring)
11. Ocean Travelers (feat. Vitalij Kuprij)
12. Strangers in the Night (feat. Göran Edman)
13. Peaceful
14. Un uomo che voga (feat. Eleonora Damiano)
Band Line-Up:
- Tommaso Ermolli arrangements on “Vittoria”
- Sefi Carmel on “Fly Me to the Moon” (Cover) (except for the keyboard solo by Alessandro Bertoni)
- Piano and keyboards by Alessandro Bertoni on “Azzurra”
- Leonardo Caverzan, guitars, and John Jeff Touch, vocals on “Dancing with Tears in my Eyes” (Cover)
- T. Ermolli keys on “Out of Fear”
- Alexandra Zerner everything on “Veni Laetitia”
- Daniele Bof piano on “Nenia”
- Karl Clews, piccolo bass on “Slap Lullaby”
- Jonas Erixon vocals and guitars on “Saga”
- Michael Manring bass on “Vicky”
- Vitalij Kuprij, keyboards and piano, and Josh Sapna, guitars, on “Ocean Traveler”
- Göran Edman, vocals, Emiliano Tessitore, guitars, Emiliano Bonini, drums, on “Strangers in the Night” (Cover) everything by Alberto Rigoni and vocals by Federica “Faith”
- Sciamanna on “Peaceful”
- T. Ermolli, guitars, and Eleonora Damiano, vocals, on “Un uomo che voga All drums programmed by Alberto Rigoni
If you are an electric bass player, this is an exciting time to be alive as this relatively new instrument evolves around us. Some creative individuals have taken an active role in this evolution and made giant leaps in their own direction. Lee Barker is one of these inventive people having created the Barker Bass.
Fortunately, Lee is also an excellent writer (among so many talents) and has recently released his book “Plausible Gumption, The Road Between a Christmas Toolbox and The Barker Bass”. This book is a very fun read for everyone and shares a ton of details about Lee’s life in general, his experiences as a musician, a radio host, and a luthier. Now I am fortunate to have the great opportunity to gain even more insights into this renaissance man with this video interview.
Plausible Gumption, The Road Between a Christmas Toolbox and The Barker Bass is available online at Amazon.com
Interview and photo courtesy of Holly Bergantino of Bergantino Audio Systems
With an expansive live show and touring, Mt. Joy bassist Michael Byrnes shares his experiences with the joyful, high-energy band!
Michael Byrnes has kept quite a busy touring schedule for the past few years with his band, Mt. Joy. With a philosophy of trial and error, he’s developed quite the routines for touring, learning musical instruments, and finding the right sound. While on the road, we were fortunate to have him share his thoughts on his music, history, and path as a musician/composer.
Let’s start from the very beginning, like all good stories. What first drew
you to music as well as the bass?
My parents required my sister and I to play an instrument. I started on piano and really didn’t like it so when I wanted to quit my parents made me switch to another instrument and I chose drums. Then as I got older and started forming bands there were never any bass players. When I turned 17 I bought a bass and started getting lessons. I think with drums I loved music and I loved the idea of playing music but when I started playing bass I really got lost in it. I was completely hooked.
Can you tell us where you learned about music, singing, and composing?
A bit from teachers and school but honestly I learned the most from just going out and trying it. I still feel like most of the time I don’t know what I am doing but I do know that if I try things I will learn.
What other instruments do you play?
A bit of drums but that’s it. For composing I play a lot of things but I fake it till I make and what I can’t fake I will ask a friend!
I know you are also a composer for film and video. Can you share more
about this with us?
Pretty new to it at the moment. It is weirdly similar to the role of a bass player in the band. You are using music to emphasize and lift up the storyline. Which I feel I do with the bass in a band setting. Kind of putting my efforts into lifting the song and the other musicians on it.
Everybody loves talking about gear. How do you achieve your “fat” sound?
I just tinker till it’s fat lol. Right now solid-state amps have been helping me get there a little quicker than tube amps. That’s why I have been using the Bergantino Forté HP2 – Otherwise I have to say the cliche because it is true…. It’s in the hands.
Describe your playing style(s), tone, strengths and/or areas that you’d like
to explore on the bass.
I like to think of myself as a pretty catchy bass player. I need to ask my bandmates to confirm! But I think when improvising and writing bass parts I always am trying to sneak little earworms into the music. I want to explore 5-string more!
Who are your influences?
I can’t not mention James Jamerson. Where would any of us be if it wasn’t for him? A lesser-known bassist who had a huge effect on me is Ben Kenney. He is the second bassist in the band Incubus and his playing on the Crow Left the Murder album completely opened me up to the type of bass playing I aspire towards. When I first started playing I was really just listening to a lot of virtuosic bassists. I was loving that but I couldn’t see myself realistically playing like that. It wasn’t from a place of self-doubt I just deep down knew that wasn’t me. Ben has no problem shredding but I was struck by how much he would influence the song through smaller movements and reharmonizing underneath the band. His playing isn’t really in your face but from within the music, he could move mountains. That’s how I want to play.
What was the first bass you had? Do you still have it?
A MIM Fender Jazz and I do still have it. It’s in my studio as we speak. I rarely use it these days but I would never get rid of it.
(Every bass player’s favorite part of an interview and a read!) Tell us about
your favorite bass or basses. 🙂
I guess I would need to say that MIM Jazz bass even though I don’t play it much. I feel connected to that one. Otherwise, I have been playing lots of great amazing basses through the years. I have a Serek that I always have with me on the road (shout out Jake). Also have a 70’s Mustang that 8 times out of 10 times is what I use on recordings. Otherwise, I am always switching it up. I find that after a while the road I just cycle basses in and out. Even if I cycle out a P bass for another P bass.
What led you to Bergantino Audio Systems?
My friend and former roommate Edison is a monster bassist and he would gig with a cab of yours all the time years ago. Then when I was shopping for a solid state amp the Bergantino Forté HP2 kept popping up. Then I saw Justin Meldal Johnsen using it on tour with St. Vincent and I thought alright I’ll give it a try!
Can you share a little bit with us about your experience with the Bergantino
forte HP amplifier? I know you had this out on tour in 2023 and I am pretty
certain the forte HP has been to more countries than I have.
It has been great! I had been touring with a 70’s SVT which was great but from room to room, it was a little inconsistent. I really was picky with the type of power that we had on stage. After a while, I thought maybe it is time to just retire this to the studio. So I got that Forte because I had heard that it isn’t too far of a leap from a tube amp tone-wise. Plus I knew our crew would be much happier loading a small solid state amp over against the 60 lbs of SVT. It has sounded great and has really remained pretty much the same from night to night. Sometimes I catch myself hitting the bright switch depending on the room and occasionally I will use the drive on it.
You have recently added the new Berg NXT410-C speaker cabinet to your
arsenal. Thoughts so far?
It has sounded great in the studio. I haven’t gotten a chance to take it on the road with us but I am excited to put it through the paces!
You have been touring like a madman all over the world for the past few
years. Any touring advice for other musicians/bass players? And can I go to Dublin, Ireland with you all??
Exercise! That’s probably the number one thing I can say. Exercise is what keeps me sane on the road and helps me regulate the ups and downs of it. Please come to Dublin! I can put you on the guest list!
It’s a cool story on how the Mt. Joy band has grown so quickly! Tell us
more about Mt. Joy, how it started, where the name comes from, who the
members are and a little bit about this great group?
Our singer and guitarist knew each other in high school and have made music together off and on since. Once they both found themselves living in LA they decided to record a couple songs and put out a Craigslist ad looking for a bassist. At the time I had just moved to LA and was looking for anyone to play with. We linked up and we recorded what would become the first Mt. Joy songs in my house with my friend Caleb producing. Caleb has since produced our third album and is working on our fourth with us now. Once those songs came out we needed to form a full band to be able to do live shows. I knew our drummer from gigging around LA and a mutual friend of all of us recommended Jackie. From then on we’ve been on the road and in the studio. Even through Covid.
Describe the music style of Mt. Joy for me.
Folk Rock with Jam influences
What are your favorite songs to perform?
Always changing but right now it is ‘Let Loose’
What else do you love to do besides bass?
Exercise!
I always throw in a question about food. What is your favorite food?
I love a good chocolate croissant.
Follow Michael Byrnes:
Instagram: @mikeyblaster
Follow Mt. Joy Band:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtjoyband
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtjoyband
I am sure many of you are very familiar with Mark Egan as we have been following him and his music for many years now. The last time we chatted was in 2020.
Mark teamed up with drummer Shawn Pelton and guitarist Shane Theriot to produce a new album, “Cross Currents” released on March 8th, 2024. I have been listening to this album in its entirety and it is simply superb (See my review).
Now, I am excited to hear about this project from Mark himself and share this conversation with our bass community in Bass Musician Magazine.
Photo courtesy of Mark Egan
Visit Online:
markegan.com
markegan.bandcamp.com
Apple Music
Amazon Music
Bassist Adam Sullivan…
Hailing from Minnesota since 2012, By the Thousands has produced some serious Technical Metal/Deathcore music. Following their recent EP “The Decent”s release, I have the great opportunity to chat with bassist Adam Sullivan.
Join me as we hear about Adam’s musical Journey, his Influences, how he gets his sound, and the band’s plans for the future
Photo, Laura Baker
Featured Videos:
Follow On Social
IG &FB @bythethousands
YTB @BytheThousands
Gear News: Future Impact V4 Guitar & Bass Synth Now Available in the U.S.
Interview With Barker Bass’s Inventor and Writer Lee Barker
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #4 – Boutique and Vintage Basses, Dress Code for Summer Gigs
Gear News: Ibanez & Graph Tech Launch Multi-Scale Bass with Cutting-Edge Tuning
Album: John Entwistle, Rarities Oxhumed – Volume Two
July 22 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Gear News: Positive Grid Launches Spark 2
Gear Review: Exploring the Joyo Gloam – Sub Octave Fuzz Pedal for Bass
Alberto Rigoni On Unexpected Lullabies
