Bass Videos
Rhonda Smith, the Future is Female: September 2020 Issue
Bassist Rhonda Smith…
It is with great pleasure that I got to interview bassist Rhonda Smith, one of the world’s hottest, most accomplished bass players for this month’s September 2020 cover issue.
She’s so cool that I had to turn her into a cartoon that would represent her personal female power.
In these back-to-back interviews, we cover her journey from her past into the future and where we are today in music. And side-note… she will also be the official First Morley girl icon in over 50 years!
The little girl from Halifax, Canada moved to Montreal in order to conquer her musical desires as a female bass player, which was still pretty rare in those days.
It didn’t take long before she climbed to the top of the Canadian music ladder, working with the top artists that were in the spotlight at the time.
I remember meeting her in her early beginnings and already I could see that she was special, very well-spoken, highly motivated, totally professional, as well as being at the top of her game from the very start.
That attitude, combined with hard work and showing up for her destiny, encountered a meeting with the great Sheila E.
This led to an over ten-year relationship as Prince’s ‘main lady of bass’, where she would get put through the personal boot camp, led by Prince himself.
This was followed by another 10 (and ongoing) years as the bottom-end bass drive of the infamous Jeff Beck.
In this two-part interview, you will really get a deep understanding of all the ins and outs of the beyond-amazing journey of Rhonda Smith. Her advice that comes from decades of persistence and showing up for your true life’s calling, which is exactly what Rhonda is all about – all the time.
In this first part of the interview, we will be discussing what it’s like to be in the veteran camp as well as Rhonda’s early beginnings and her first all-girl band.
We also talk about what it takes to develop trust and loyalty from the world’s most successful artists of all time, followed by a deep dive into what it was like working by Prince’s side for over a decade.
Part 1 of this interview finishes on the note of what is the difference between working with Prince vs Jeff Beck.
This interview has a truly fantastic flow, like two old friends talking that you happen to be able to listen in on. It has some of the most inspiring and unheard stories and advice by the queen of bass herself: Rhonda Smith.
Rhonda Smith | “RS2” : Recommended Listening
Do not forget to watch part 2 as you will be blown away by all that Rhonda Smith has to share with you in this intimate 1-on-1 interview with bass player and artist extraordinaire.
In Part 2 of the interview, we will be discussing how Rhonda’s disciplined approach is very similar to martial arts, as well as adapting to the new world situation as an artist.
We will also find out what Rhonda’s life is all about when she is not playing bass, including embracing technologies within her writing and creative process.
From her love of effects for live and recording, her love of her Prs Private Stock Bass to what she thinks of the power of fashion within her creative expression: it’s all here in glorious detail.
The talk continues with some amazing heartfelt advice for aspiring women and artists alike to live by, in order to achieve their true life’s calling.
The interview concludes with what’s going on with Rhonda Smith right now and moving forward into the future.
I want to thank Rhonda Smith for a beyond-amazing interview and wish her the best on her bass and creative journey in continuing to inspire women and the world with her multiple talents.
Be sure to follow her on all her social media:
Instagram: @rhondasmithbass
Facebook: @Rhonda Smith
rhondasmith.com
Bassist Rhonda Smith Featured Videos:
JEFF BECK FULL CONCERT
JEFF BECK WHITE HOUSE PREFORMANCE
PRINCE TONIGHT SHOW
PRINCE ELLEN
Bass Player Health
Preparing for Performance with Dr. Randy Kertz
Preparing for Performance…
This month we discuss how to prepare for a performance and easy strategies that go a long way.
Dr. Randall Kertz is the author of The Bassist’s Complete Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health. Click here to get your copy today!
View More Bass Health Articles
Bass Videos
Interview With Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes
Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes…
It is always great to meet a super busy bassist who simply exudes a love for music and his instrument. Erick “Jesus” Coomes fits this description exactly. Hailing from Southern California, “Jesus” co-founded and plays bass for Lettuce and has found his groove playing with numerous other musicians.
Join us as we hear of his musical journey, how he gets his sound, his ongoing projects, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Bob Forte
Featured Videos
Visit Online
www.lettucefunk.com
IG @jesuscsuperstar
FB@jesuscoomes
FB @lettucefunk
Bass Videos
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians
“These stories from the front are with real-life, day-to-day musicians who deal with work life and gigging and how they make it work out. Each month, topics may include… the kind of gigs you get, the money, dealing with less-than-ideal rooms, as well as the gear you need to get the job done… and the list goes on from there.” – Steve the Bass Guy and Shawn Cav
Bass Videos
Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison
Ian Allison Bassist extreme…
Most recently Ian has spent the last seven years touring nationally as part of Eric Hutchinson and The Believers, sharing stages with acts like Kelly Clarkson, Pentatonix, Rachel Platten, Matt Nathanson, Phillip Phillips, and Cory Wong playing venues such as Radio City Music Hall, The Staples Center and The Xcel Center in St. Paul, MN.
I had a chance to meet up with him at the Sellersville Theater in Eastern Pennsylvania to catch up on everything bass. Visit online at ianmartinallison.com/
Bass Videos
New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II
Spector Launches Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II…
Spector Musical Instruments expands their celebrated Woodstock Custom Collection with the Volume II series – a breathtaking series of 12 handcrafted, one-of-a-kind bass guitars, each one masterfully designed by members of the Spector team. Crafted in the Spector USA Custom Shop in Woodstock, New York, these works of art go beyond musical instruments and expand the boundaries of Spector Bass design.
Spector’s iconic design lays the foundation for the Volume II collection. Each bass showcases a unique vision, including the selection of tonewoods, electronics, captivating finishes, and intricate design details. The collection highlights Spector’s commitment to craftsmanship and artistry and the individual people and stories that make up the team.
“The Woodstock Custom Collection was such a huge success, and we had so much fun with it that we couldn’t wait to do it again,” said John Stippell, Director – Korg Bass Division. “With Volume II, we’re expanding on everything we learned from the first collection, as well as pushing our design and Custom Shop team even further. These basses are a testament to the inspiring talent, creativity, and skill of every person on the Spector team. I’m excited for all of these basses and love how they tell the unique stories of all involved.”
Visit online at spectorbass.com/