Bass Player News
You’ve GOT to See BRYAN BELLER’s 5 Characters in the Music Video for ‘A Quickening’ and ‘Steiner In Ellipses’
BRYAN BELLER like you have never seen him in this video for ‘A Quickening’ and ‘Steiner In Ellipses’…
BRYAN BELLER (bassist for The Aristocrats, Joe Satriani, Dethklok) has released a new music video for two songs – ‘A Quickening’ and ‘Steiner In Ellipses’ – from his critically acclaimed 2019 progressive double concept album, Scenes From The Flood.
BRYAN plays five characters (including himself), and features special guests Gene Hoglan, Mike Keneally, Rick Musallam and Kyle Hughes.
Tackling the challenge of creating a unique home-shot video during months of tour-less semi-quarantine, BELLER’s hyper-paced, withering satire tells the story of four characters with musical dreams – a nerdy accountant, a hipster douchebag, a cross-dressing keyboardist, and an aging rocker, all played by BELLER himself – grappling with creating content and the drive-by commentary of social media, all in an age of ever-increasing isolation and primarily digital existence.
“When COVID hit, at first, I really had no idea what to do creatively,” says BELLER, social distancing from the city in his remote north Los Angeles County residence. “It was all such a shock, the sudden cancellation of everything, everyone stuck at home. So I thought, I’ll just wait and observe. Lots and lots of screen time, you know? And then I realized – as musicians, creators, and just as people, we’re all doing the same thing, aren’t we? So let’s tell a story about what humans try and do with that.”
The result is a frenetic and radical deconstruction of a typical play-through video.
BELLER’s four characters play their parts in earnest as a critical chorus of social media commentary appears on-screen with near machine-gun frequency. Eventually, the accountant, the hipster, the cross-dresser and the rocker all check their own social media accounts and read the comments, to their abject horror. The second half of the video then takes a hard metal turn before a plot twist brings the characters together for the grand finale…or does it?
“It occurred to me that we could create a phenomenon where the viewer, in real life, is watching this video, probably on a social media platform with the ability to comment, about characters performing and posting on a social media platform while people comment about them, and then they log on to their own social media accounts and read those typically horrible comments about themselves,” says BELLER. “It’s pretty world-inside-a-world meta, and more than a little absurd. But that’s where we are these days, aren’t we? All of us, spending too much time inside in front of a screen, doomscrolling and re-examining our lives? I figured, let’s at least have a little fun taking the piss out of all of it. And let’s make the video really fast, really crazy, really over the top and totally in your face.”
For that mission, BELLER turned to video editor ZZ Satriani (son of guitarist Joe Satriani, and editor/director of Satch’s 2016 tour documentary Beyond The Supernova).
“I’m 49 years old, and ZZ is 28. The millennial take on video pacing is just completely different than your typical Gen X’er who grew up on old school MTV videos. It’s just so much faster, so much more dense, and I felt this video really needed that. I’d actually been a fan of ZZ’s work for a while. He really got the vibe I was trying to convey.”
The two short, up-tempo songs in segue succession – the breakbeat drum-and-bass-flavoured ‘A Quickening,’ and the throwback thrash metal anthem ‘Steiner In Ellipses’ – proved to be the right tunes for BELLER to exemplify the concept. The actual musicians who played on the album tracks – legendary metal drummer Gene Hoglan (Death, Testament, Strapping Young Lad); eclectic genius guitarist/composer Mike Keneally (Frank Zappa, Joe Satriani), and L.A. session specialist Rick Musallam (Ben Taylor, Carly Simon) – show up in the video as well, playing straight men to BELLER’s esoteric ensemble cast. Additionally, British drummer Kyle Hughes (Bumblefoot, Marco Mendoza) contributes a new drum track layer on top of ‘A Quickening’ that isn’t present on the album version, creating a new arrangement of the song specific to this video.
“In the story of Scenes From The Flood, ’A Quickening’ is about the acceleration of our culture from the social media instant-feedback loop, and ‘Steiner in Ellipses’ is about a powerful force that presents as benevolent, but might be malevolent. Musically they’re two different worlds, but conceptually they’re very connected. They both move really fast, and they eventually build to this dizzying finale. It felt like the correct musical canvas to try something bizarre and left field like this. Hopefully people will get a laugh out of it, and then maybe think a little bit about where we are, how we got here, and where this all leads.
”Scenes From The Flood is out now, stream and purchase at bryanbeller.com
Bryan Beller, The Bass Player for Our Times – Bass Musician Magazine, October 2015 Issue
Bass Player News
Blues Traveler Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Grammy Award-Winning Album four with Fall Tour
The Iconic Band Blues Traveler Will Perform the Deeper Cuts from the Six-Time Platinum Record as well as Greatest Hits…
Blues Traveler has announced that they will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of their seminal, six-time platinum album four with a cross-country tour this fall. Kicking off September 13 in Spencer, IA and hitting such legendary venues as The Fillmore and The Graceland Soundstage along the way, the routing will culminate November 17 in St. Petersburg, FL.
Tickets for the “Blues Traveler – 30 Years Of Four Tour” will be available starting Friday, June 28 at bluestraveler.com/tour/.
Regarded as the album that catapulted Blues Traveler into the mainstream, four was the band’s fourth and most commercially successful release to date. The record peaked at #8 on the Billboard 200 charts and generated two Top 40 hits including “Run-Around” and “Hook,” which charted at #8 and #23 respectively on the Billboard Hot 100. “Run-Around” also earned the band their first Grammy® Award in 1996 for “Best Rock Vocal Performance By A Duo Or Group” and set a record upon its release as the longest-charting radio single in Billboard history.
Perhaps more impressive than its accolades, though, is the indelible impression that four made on the Americana music landscape as a whole. Weaving a unique blend of blues, rock, folk, and roots with catchy choruses and bold rhythms that could only be defined as transformative, the record was hailed as one of the most genre-defining albums of its time. It is also one of the most enduring.
Fans can catch the “Blues Traveler – 30 Years Of Four Tour” at one of the following tour dates.
*Note: Dates and venues are subject to change.
Sept. 13 Clay County Fair Spencer, IA
Sept. 14 Val Air Ballroom Des Moines, IA
Sept. 15 Steelhouse Omaha Omaha, NE
Sept. 17 First Avenue Minneapolis, MN
Sept. 20 St. Louis Music Park St. Louis, MO
Sept. 21 The Riviera Theatre Chicago, IL
Sept. 24 Citizens House of Blues Boston, MA
Sept. 26 The Rooftop at Pier 17 New York, NY
Sept. 27 Lebanon Opera House Lebanon, NH
Sept. 29 Oceans Calling Festival Ocean City, MD
Oct. 17 The Fillmore Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA
Oct. 18 Struthers Library Theatre Warren, PA
Oct. 19 Community Arts Center Williamsport, PA
Oct. 22 The Fillmore Detroit Detroit, MI
Oct. 24 Murat Theatre at Old National Centre Indianapolis, IN
Oct. 26 Turfway Park Event Center Florence, KY
Nov. 2 Graceland Soundstage Memphis, TN
Nov. 3 The Signal Chattanooga, TN
Nov. 6 The Ritz Raleigh, NC
Nov. 8 Tabernacle Atlanta, GA
Nov. 10 Charleston Music Hall Charleston, SC
Nov. 12 Florida Theatre Jacksonville, FL
Nov. 15 House of Blues Orlando Orlando, FL
Nov. 16 Revolution Live Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Nov. 17 Jannus Live St. Petersburg, FL
For more information, visit bluestraveler.com and follow @bluestraveler
Photo courtesy DMK Publicity | Photographer, Graham Fielder
Bass Player News
Steve Di Giorgio’s & Jeroen Paul Thesseling’s Prog Metal-Fusion Quartet QUADVIUM Signs With Agonia Records
Agonia Records proudly announces the highly anticipated release of the debut instrumental album by QUADVIUM, a formidable progressive metal-fusion quartet founded by legendary bassists Steve Di Giorgio and Jeroen Paul Thesseling. This album is a masterclass in musical innovation, showcasing the unparalleled talents of these iconic artists, along with drummer Yuma van Eekelen and guitarist Jennings Smith.
QUADVIUM’s debut album is a sonic journey that transcends traditional genre boundaries, blending technical precision with profound musicality. The album is an exploration of the rich textures and intricate compositions that only these two multi-string fretless bass virtuosos can deliver. Steve Di Giorgio and Jeroen Paul Thesseling, both renowned for their groundbreaking contributions to metal, bring their unique styles together in a way that redefines the instrumental metal genre.
Steve Di Giorgio, hailed as one of the most proficient and prolific bass players in extreme music, wields his 5-string custom shop fretless Ibanez SDG-B1 signature bass, delivering a powerful and dynamic performance. Jeroen Paul Thesseling, known for his signature fretless playing in death metal and world fusion, commands his 7-string fretless Warwick Thumb NT bass, providing a deep, resonant foundation. Their synergy creates a mesmerizing bass-driven soundscape that is both technically astounding and sonically captivating. Set for release in Autumn 2024 via Agonia Records, the album features stunning artwork by Travis Smith (Amorphis, King Diamond, Cynic), adding a visual dimension to the album’s intricate soundscapes.
Prepare for an unprecedented metal experience as QUADVIUM sets a new quality in instrumental music. This album is not just a collection of tracks but a declaration of musical mastery and innovation. Join us on this epic journey and witness the birth of a new era in metal.
The group comments: “We are looking very much forward to this long-term collaboration with Agonia Records. As instrumental progressive metal-fusion group we appreciate the opportunity and support from label manager Filip Jesion, which enables us to reach out with this unique musical concept.”
Photo, Judit Petrás, courtesy Agonia Records
Follow QUADVIUM:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quadviumofficial/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/quadviumofficial/
Steve Di Giorgio:
Website: https://www.stevedigiorgio.com
Press inquiries: lowend@stevedigiorgio.com
Jeroen Paul Thesseling:
Website: https://www.jeroenpaulthesseling.com
Press inquiries: contact@jeroenpaulthesseling.com
Band photo 2024 courtesy of ABC Public Relations. Photographer, Jason Powell. Left to right: Todd Sucherman, Lawrence Gowan, Chuck Panozzo, James “JY” Young, Tommy Shaw, Terry Gowan, Will Evankovich
STYX Announces Terry Gowan As New Bass Player…
Terry Gowan declares, “It is within an honor and somewhere beyond a dream come true to be joining JY, Tommy, Chuck, Will, and my brother Lawrence – and to be reacquainted with decade long Gowan bandmate Todd — in taking on the mantle as the new bassist of the legendary STYX. Here’s to many years ahead on the Styx adventure!”
“I’m very pleased and proud to have my brother, Terry, join Styx,” says Lawrence Gowan. “Terry played on four of my six solo Gowan albums. He’s on records that include some of the world’s most renowned musicians: Tony Levin, Jerry Marotta, Jon Anderson, and Alex Lifeson, as well as touring with Gowan from 1985 to 1990 and again 2010 to this year of 2024. It’s really great to have him aboard!”
As Tommy Shaw exclaims, “We’re all looking forward to the Canadian shows that are coming up soon and introducing Terry Gowan on bass guitar and vocals as the newest Styx member!!! Are you ready to rock? We are too! See you soon!”
Drummer Todd Sucherman adds, “I’ve had the pleasure of being a rhythm section partner with Terry Gowan for several years in Gowan’s band, and I look forward to welcoming this talented multi-instrumentalist into the fold.”
STYX has five decades of hits and immortal rock songs. Like a symphony reaching a crescendo, a STYX show covers a wide range of styles. From “Suite Madame Blue” to “The Grand Illusion”, including “Lady”, “Blue Collar Man”, “Renegade”, “Miss America”, “Lorelei”, “Crystal Ball” and obviously “Come Sail Away,” the band has a virtually limitless supply of classics.
CRASH OF THE CROWN, STYX’s most recent album released in 2021, reached #1 on the Billboard Rock chart after its release.
Visit online:
www.styxworld.com
www.crashofthecrown.com
www.facebook.com/styxtheband
www.x.com/styxtheband
www.instagram.com/styxtheband
www.youtube.com/styxtheband
Bassist/Music Educator Andreas Farmakalidis Candidate for LAUSD District 3: A Champion for Music and Arts in Schools…
Andreas Farmakalidis, a renowned music educator and business owner, will be on the ballot for LAUSD District 3 School Board. As an independent candidate, Farmakalidis brings a fresh perspective and a passionate commitment to revitalizing music and arts programs in schools. With a proven track record of success and a vision for a brighter educational future, Farmakalidis aims to provide every child with a well-rounded education. Andreas Farmakalidis is not just an exceptional educator and business owner; he is also an accomplished movie composer, having contributed music to several renowned films.
His talent and dedication earned him a prestigious Spotify and Hollywood Music Award. Beyond music, Farmakalidis enjoys cooking, specializing in Greek and Cypriot cuisine. He is happily married to Alexis Lopez, a former American Idol finalist, and together they embrace the joy of parenting their two-year-old daughter, Mavis. Known for his unwavering hard work, dedication, and passion, Farmakalidis has always championed causes that are close to his heart, especially education.
With a diverse and vibrant community in LAUSD District 3, Farmakalidis recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. His commitment to this district is rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves a high-quality education that equips them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life.
“I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education in the lives of young people and the broader community,” says Farmakalidis. “It is our responsibility to invest in our schools, teachers, and students. By ensuring safe and welcoming learning environments and providing necessary resources and support to our educators, we can achieve equity and inclusivity in our educational system.
Every child should have a fair shot at achieving their dreams.” Furthermore, Farmakalidis is dedicated to fostering strong partnerships between schools, parents, businesses, and the broader community. Recognizing that collaboration and engagement are essential to address the unique needs of the district, he aims to create opportunities for learning, growth, and success for all. In addition to his commitment to academic excellence, Farmakalidis firmly believes in the importance of the arts in education.
He envisions a District 3 where every child has access to a comprehensive arts education, regardless of their background or neighborhood. By investing in music, visual arts, theater, and dance programs, and providing students with the necessary tools and resources, Farmakalidis aims to inspire creativity, foster innovation, and provide a powerful means of self-expression. The arts play a crucial role in developing critical thinking skills, enhancing cultural awareness, and building empathy by exploring diverse perspectives. “I am running for LAUSD District 3 because I believe that, with the right leadership, we can make our schools even better, provide our children with a brighter future, and strengthen our community as a whole,” says Farmakalidis.
“Together, we can work towards a brighter, more equitable future for all our students.” In the upcoming election, LAUSD District 3 voters have a choice to make. Farmakalidis stands out as the only candidate who prioritizes bringing music and arts back to schools, recognizing the profound impact they have on students’ development and growth. The stakes are high in this election. The right candidate can shape the future of education in LAUSD District 3, ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to thrive. Andreas Farmakalidis’s proven dedication, commitment, and passion make him the ideal candidate to lead the way.
For more information on Andreas Farmakalidis and his campaign, please visit www.lausd3.com
Follow him on social media @afarmakalidis.
Hometown bassist and frontman, Freekbass is representing Cincinnati as a Top 30 Award Winner for TikTok LIVE Fest, with a ceremony set to take place in January 2024, in Los Angeles, CA.
TikTok LIVE Fest is a global event across 50+ countries and regions that recognizes and celebrates top creators. The contest took place from December 1st-16th, with each talent accruing points based on support from their communities during their live streams. What began as thousands of streamers competing worldwide, was reduced to a cut of 300, then 150, and ultimately the final Top 30 were crowned as the winners. Freekbass, who just started streaming on TikTok in March of this year, placed as Top 24 creator, globally. To give context, social media influencer and TikTok veteran, Jeffree Star, placed third in the same competition. All Top 30 winners receive airfare, hotel and travel expenses to appear at the TikTok LIVE Fest Awards Ceremony, along with other prizes.
Freekbass performs a one-man show, creating live music with his signature bass-playing, and also plays guitar, percussion, keys and vocoder, using DJ beats and samples, while staying continually engaged with the viewers via chat. He accredits his rapid rise in popularity to his loyal community, lovingly dubbed the “Freek Squad”. To meet them virtually and check out a nightly Freekbass live stream, visit TikTok.com/@freekbass most evening, starting at 10pm ET.