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Bringing More to Your Music – The Live Show by Carl Dawkins
Being aware that your movements on stage can add an extra area to consider (especially if it is a particularly demanding gig), as this is essential to come across in the best light. Anyone can listen to your music and enjoy it at home, but you need to give them something to get out of the house for.
The main thing to remember is to not jeopardize your playing because you’re thinking about moving while on stage, but at the same time you don’t want to be one of these players that are glued to their instrument and never look up. I’ve met players that focus purely on the image (and they have the mirrors in their respective studios to watch themselves) but forget about practicing the songs/specific fills/licks – which means yes they look good, but the playing could be a lot tighter. We have already talked about the other end of the spectrum where people spend so much time on their playing and nothing on the live show – which sounds great, and looks boring, and with the music scene in London just picking up, you want to give the people something to look at and something to remember you by. This gives you another connection besides your music that people can latch onto. It’s all about finding the balance between the two.
For example, this might not be to everyone’s musical taste, but whenever this band is in the UK, I HAVE to see them just for the live show. It adds a whole new meaning to the songs when you see them played live… Anyone into Metal/hardcore/alternative –take notes.
Granted, it is on the extreme side of the scale. Here is another example… I am biased however; everyone should love something about this next band, Pink Floyd. This is a band who have become so renowned for their live shows, that if you ever want to think about doing a Pink Floyd cover band, you best make sure you can back it up with an impressive live show; anything from images on a projector screen, to an incredible light show. To make a point, I have taken this video from The Australian Pink Floyd, an amazing tribute to Pink Floyd:
Focus on the sax player, he absolutely owns the stage, a great performance while executing the parts he needs to play too. His charisma comes across and his presence glows without upstaging anyone else– it all fits together… he found the balance. Observe how the choreography allows for him to have his solo slot, having this in place gives him less to worry about while performing, allowing him to just enjoy what he is doing.
Now, what the two bands above have in common, is they both create an atmosphere from the word go. They both use their music to inspire their live show (or sometimes even the live show to inspire the music). It’s important to think of these things when putting your live show together, you just need to make sure you’re not doing anything live that is out of your comfort zone or that you have not practiced. Don’t get me wrong, we all take risks, and if they come off then fair play, but also, we all have interesting stories about when things go the other way!
If in doubt, just always remember the 5 P’s … Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. In the next article we will be looking at how artists draw inspiration and use skills from other areas and incorporate them into their live show.
Carl Dawkins
Follow me on twitter @carldawkinsbass
www.carldawkins.co.uk
Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!
The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.
For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier
Bass Videos
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Bassist Graham Stanush…
Return to Dust is keeping Grunge alive and well! They have a new self-titled album that went out on May 3rd, 2024 and will be super busy promoting this project in the near future.
Graham Stanush is the bass powerhouse driving their sound and adding vocals to the mix. Join me as we hear all about Graham’s musical journey, details about the new album, how he gets his sound and their plans for the future.
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
linktr.ee/returntodust
instagram.com/returntodustband/
twitter.com/Returntodustbnd
youtube.com/@returntodustband
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Bass Videos
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
CrystalBright Rombo Picks
PR SamplePlaying bass with a pick is still a touchy subject in our community. I believe you should be able to use whatever you need to get your sound. Even though I mostly play with my fingers, I like to check out innovative new picks that might have something new to offer, sonically speaking.
Judith and Carlos from Rombo recently contacted me about a new material called CrystalBright that they have been researching for the last 12 months and offered to send some prototype picks. After trying them out, I put together this video with my findings.
For more info check out @rombopicks
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This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
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Gear
New Joe Dart Bass From Sterling By Music Man
Sterling by Music Man introduces the Joe Dart Artist Series Bass (“Joe Dart”), named after and designed in collaboration with the celebrated Vulfpeck bassist.
Above photo credit: JORDAN THIBEAUX
This highly-anticipated model marks the debut of the Dart bass in the Sterling by Music Man lineup, paying homage to the Ernie Ball Music Man original that all funk players know and love. The bass embodies many of the original model’s distinctive features, from its iconic minimalist design to the passive electronics.
The design process prioritized reliability, playability, and accessibility at the forefront. Constructed from the timeless Sterling body, the Dart features a slightly smaller neck profile, offering a clean tone within a comfortable package. The body is crafted from soft maple wood for clarity and warmth while the natural finish emphasizes the simple yet unique look.
Engineered for straightforward performance, this passive bass features a ceramic humbucking bridge pickup and a single ‘toaster’ knob for volume control. Reliable with a classic tone, it’s perfect for playing in the pocket. The Dart is strung with the all-new Ernie Ball Stainless Steel Flatwound Electric Bass Strings for the smoothest feel and a mellow sound.
The Sterling by Music Man Joe Dart Bass is a special “Timed Edition” release, exclusively available for order on the Sterling by Music Man website for just one month. Each bass is made to order, with the window closing on May 31st and shipping starting in November. A dedicated countdown timer will indicate the remaining time for purchase on the product page. Additionally, the back of the headstock will be marked with a “2024 Crop” stamp to commemorate the harvest year for this special, one-of-a-kind release.
The Joe Dart Bass is priced at $399.99 (MAP) and can be ordered globally at https://sterlingbymusicman.com/products/joe-dart.
To learn more about Joe Dart, visit the official Vulfpeck artist site here https://www.vulfpeck.com/.
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
Preparing for Performance with Dr. Randy Kertz
Interview With Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
New Joe Dart Bass From Sterling By Music Man
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
