Features
Bassist Rob Calder’s Humble Approach to Playing, Recording and Enjoying the Journey
Bassist Rob Calder is the ultimate freelance session player.
His resume includes playing live and recording studio albums with Passenger/Ed Sheeran, Matt Nathanson, Dope Lemon—even Kanye West. He has toured across the globe and spent much of his post-college life, where his love for bass was solidified, playing to huge crowds with Passenger and acts like Angus & Julia Stone and Irish singer/songwriter Declan O’Rourke. I spoke with Rob Calder about humble beginnings, finding joy in the craft of playing bass and the continued journey towards simplicity…
I happened upon you while talking with the guys from the alternative rock band After Planet. They were saying “you have to interview Rob!” So I had to go look up your website and when I realized who else you were playing with, it occurred to me how prominent your playing has been with Passenger as well as other singer/songwriters. My kids were singing “Let Her Go” (from Passenger) on the radio constantly–and here you were playing on it!
So how did you get started?
…How did I get started? I basically picked it up the instrument like at the start of my college career.
I was like every other kid. My story’s not unique at all. I started with piano and I didn’t really like it. And I was in orchestra for a time and I was so uninspired. I hardly practiced and then eventually I gave it up. And then as a goof, I picked up the bass just right before my freshman year started at Indiana University and I loved it immediately. It was, I mean, basically one of the very few moments where I had an epiphany… Oh, I’m going to do this for a long time.
Kind of a late start.
Yeah, a late bloomer, I think. I still feel that way. I don’t know.
So as a goof? That’s funny. Usually people have a hard time explaining this, because a lot of people will ask this question “Why did you pick the bass guitar?” There’s a lot of people who automatically think that guitar is this complex instrument and bass is so easy. And I think that people who are not musician types don’t quite understand how important bass is.
Yeah, people get attached to it quickly. I immediately was. I can say I was a bass player first. I wasn’t one of those people who started out on guitar and then switched because nobody else wanted to play bass. I actually loved it. But the thing is you are right, the bass is easy to play. I feel like it is… I don’t want to mystify it too much.
I think there are a lot of tasteful things you can do, and I hear that in your phrasing and the way you fill in space within the songs, much like Paul McCartney. I know that for me, I didn’t appreciate McCartney as a kid starting out on bass. I couldn’t appreciate him until I got older.
Same, I actually didn’t love Paul McCartney until later and then I became like, obsessed (laughter), I’m sure it’s obvious in my playing.
A lot of people wear their influences on their sleeve. Do you have anybody else who influenced you besides McCartney when you started out?
I tried to learn every lick that Geddy Lee ever played. I tried… and you know, I probably failed (laughs). I think I listen back to it now and I don’t quite hear it as much, but at the time it was pretty new to me and I loved a lot of that prog stuff, like Chris Squire and Tony Levin and anybody that was playing any song in 5/8 or 7/8 time. I was drawn to them initially because I thought that was cool. It is cool.
It’s ok to admit that today.
It’s back! (laughs)
How did you develop your style, sort of on the fly or did you actually start leaning towards something you liked? I noticed some of the live performances you were playing using all your fingers, thumb included on your picking hand. Do use a pick as well when it’s called for?
Yeah I use it as well. I do love playing with a pick too, as it brings out a completely different tone and approach. You know it’s like a different instrument with a pick, and I think that’s really good because otherwise I’ll get completely bored always doing the same thing. One of the great things about being a freelance bass player is you get to try something new every day with a new band. I know the fingers vs. pick debate, but I think that the way that you hit the string with your right hand whether it’s with a pick or with the side of your finger—any kind of different way that you touch those strings is going to have a huge impact on your tone. In fact, I think the entirety of tone comes from that point of impact. I think the more approaches you apply, there’s your pedal board.
And I love effects, but when you talk about style… I just… I don’t know if it’s a style, but it’s a concept that I really decided to focus on.
Seems to be working, you definitely attract a lot of artists just based on just your style of playing.
What do you like in the way of effects, when you do use them?
My favorite effect is an overdriven amp in the studio—that’s my favorite effect, and I know it’s not a pedal board. Underrated. I do like distortion pedals and I’ve got an Electro Harmonix… not sure which make, I’m really bad with models (laughs).
I think you’re right. Very overrated compared with the ability to actually use a solid bass with good pickups and a decent amp.
Yeah, I think that’s the magic. I do think that’s the magic, but I do have a pedal board and occasionally I’ll plug it in. I’m not averse to it, but I’m usually—bass, cable, amp— let’s do this!
You have recorded with a bunch of different producers including Rick Rubin and Mitchell Froom, how adaptable were they to you in the recording process—were they hands-on or did they let you do your thing?
Their recording style, in my opinion, is once you get into the studio with those guys—pretty much all of them—they don’t tell you much. They’re happy that you’re doing what you’re doing; I think getting into the studio once you’re sort of like… trusted. The thought is: “Okay this guy can do what he’s doing”. Mitchell Froom was somebody who was notorious for being sort of hard on musicians that are related or brought in by the artists themselves. He had stories that terrified me (laughs). But the interesting thing is the moment you sat down and you’re sitting there playing with (session drummer) Matt Chamberlain… he totally didn’t tell me anything. He was like, “Yeah, that’s good”. It’s like there was no direction—I didn’t feel like he was micromanaging me at all.
And that was an incredible experience. And for those producers, nobody looks at the bass player anyway— let’s be honest with how it is. (laughter)
Passenger has kept you very busy!
Yeah, we just got done with 2 years of touring and we keep recording records. I’ve done 4 records with him and then the touring. With his current tour, which is winding up, he went back to just him and his acoustic guitar. Then we will be convening again at some point at the end of this year, and he is really prolific—he writes so much music.
It’s interesting how you started out your freshman year at Indiana University and then… to be in front of those crowds. You must be thinking, “I couldn’t have predicted this!”
I certainly didn’t, but I’m definitely happy for the development. It’s been really interesting that with all of these artists I somehow managed to fall into… like connecting with… all these international artists… like the brother/sister Angus & Julia that are Australian, and then also Declan O’Rourke who’s Irish and Mike who’s Passenger and he’s English. It’s been very strange and I often have found that this is mystified much more than any career. How did I end up on this continent over here?
It’s wild. I’m really blessed.
I guess it’d just be something that’s normalized for you and you say “This is great, I get to do this!” whether it’s 500 people 50,000 people.
Yeah it doesn’t matter, at some point the size thing (is there), but much more importantly is the feeling of being blessed, you know? I appreciate it every day…the opportunity to do this for a living, because it does not come to everybody. And there are so many good players out there… great, amazing bass players.
Your bass I mainly see you play with is a P-bass that looks like you added a single coil to it or was it originally designed like that?
Exactly, it’s a P-bass that had a single coil attached to it. It’s a 1968 Precision, so that that would be worth quite a bit more if it didn’t have that pickup in it. So honestly that’s how I could afford it. (laughs)
And do you have other basses in rotation?
I have some backups but (the 68’) is what I use primarily. Yeah, if I have a choice I’m using this one, it’s my main instrument. I can get the most out of it and it’s really sturdy. But I also have a 64’ Hofner Club bass that I use a ton for recording and I’ve got a Harmony from the 60’s. That’s a real interesting one… I sometimes use an NS design upright. Those are kind of a little bit obscure I guess. It bolts on to like a fancy, retrofitted drum-hardware stand. It’s really interesting design and I’ll use that for recordings. If I’m lucky to do a full record with an artist where towards the end whoever’s in charge says, “Let’s make this (track) sound a little different,” that’s when I say, “Hang on, this is a weird one” and everybody’s like, “What the fuck is that?” (laughter)
How did you get hooked up with the guys from After Planet out there in California? Sort of a different style of music compared to what you mostly play.
I love bands like Sunny Day Real Estate and Sugar. Earlier bands I’m way into. That’s the kind of music they do. And they wanted me to play with them. I am super enthusiastic about their style. I think their music is amazing. Yeah, so they’re out in California and LA and I’m based out there.
And you recorded with them on their new EP Prévisionniste?
Yes, depending on what you heard. I began recording with them and we’re slowly working through the tunes. So yeah.
For me, they definitely have a Failure-type vibe, and I always love those guys. After Planet is an extension of Failure’s classic Fantastic Planet for me. I definitely have heard your work in the songs. And I hear overdriven amp or effects—some gnarly stuff, whatever it is!
Depending on what it is, I mean, there could be some plugins going on. But yeah, to me it’s always the amp. If I can drive the amp, that’ll be the coolest.
As for amplification, what do you typically use?
I love the Ampeg B-12, not the usual 15, and I drive the shit out of it and just make it go as hard as it can. And that’s what sounds amazing.
More pronounced?
Yeah, but you have to put it in a padded room because it’s just gonna wail… nothing that you can do in the basement of your mom’s house! (laughs)
That’s when we have to remind the bass player that nobody needs to hear the bass player! (laughter)
Your band Schmetterling was probably the coolest of all the stuff I listened to on your webpage robcalder.com… It seems very indulgent. What started that and what’s the direction you’re taking?
Awesome. I’m glad that you’re into it.
It is totally indulgent. It started off with me just trying to familiarize myself with logic and I had been collecting these basslines and I dropped them in and just started creating these super-whack beats,. After that I tapped in some keyboard parts and next thing you know, I was making these “answer to no one” songs that weren’t destined for any like singer/songwriter anything, which I do so much… this will just be for me.
Then I started jamming with my friends, Steve Elliot (guitar player) and Brian Griffin (drums) and they were like, “What are we gonna play? We actually could do some gigs.” And very sheepishly, I got some of these demos and they’re really kind of crazy. I wasn’t gonna show them to anybody, but those guys interpreted my whack beats and my weird melodies and they made it super cool—made me realize this actually could be something. So as we speak it’s being mastered right now as a record for release!
Looking forward to it. It’s super cool. I love to put stuff in a category but I have no idea how to categorize it!
Awesome, I’m tickled you like it. I’m really stoked about it!
Check out Rob’s hefty volume of work @ robcalder.com/ including his hard to define, but exceptional band Schmetterling. And look for him playing live, coming soon to a continent near you!
Also, check out Rob driving his Ampeg B-12 hard with After Planet: IG @afterplanet on their upcoming EP Prévisionniste.
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
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/
Features
Interview With Audic Empire Bassist James Tobias
Checking in with Bergantino Artist James Tobias
James Tobias, Bassist for psychedelic, Reggae-Rock titans Audic Empire shares his history as a musician and how he came to find Bergantino…
Interview by Holly Bergantino
James Tobias, a multi-talented musician and jack-of-all-trades shares his story of coming up as a musician in Texas, his journey with his band Audic Empire, and his approach to life and music. With a busy tour schedule each year, we were fortunate to catch up with him while he was out and about touring the US.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Dallas, Texas and lived in the Dallas area most of my life with the exception of 1 year in Colorado. I moved to the Austin area at age 18.
What makes the bass so special to you particularly, and how did you gravitate to it?
I honestly started playing bass because we needed a bass player and I was the one with access to a bass amp and bass. I played rhythm guitar and sang up until I met Ronnie, who I would later start “Audic Empire” with. He also played rhythm guitar and sang and we didn’t know any bass players, so we had to figure something out. I still write most of my songs on guitar, but I’ve grown to love playing the bass.
How did you learn to play, James?
I took guitar lessons growing up and spent a lot of time just learning tabs or playing by ear and kicked around as a frontman in a handful of bands playing at the local coffee shops or rec centers. Once I transitioned to bass, I really just tried to apply what I knew about guitar and stumbled through it till it sounded right. I’m still learning every time I pick it up, honestly.
You are also a songwriter, recording engineer, and a fantastic singer, did you get formal training for this?
Thank you, that means a lot! I had a couple of voice lessons when I was in my early teens, but didn’t really like the instructor. I did however take a few lessons recently through ACC that I enjoyed and think really helped my technique (Shout out to Adam Roberts!) I was not a naturally gifted singer, which is a nice way of saying I was pretty awful, but I just kept at it.
As far as recording and producing, I just watched a lot of YouTube videos and asked people who know more than me when I had a question. Whenever I feel like I’m not progressing, I just pull up tracks from a couple of years ago, cringe, and feel better about where I’m at but I’ve got a long way to go. Fortunately, we’ve got some amazing producers I can pass everything over to once I get the songs as close to finalized as I can.
Describe your playing style(s), tone, strengths and/or areas that can be improved on the bass.
I honestly don’t know what my style would be considered. We’ve got so many styles that we play and fuse together that I just try to do what works song by song. I don’t have too many tricks in the bag and just keep it simple and focus on what’s going to sound good in the overall mix. I think my strength lies in thinking about the song as a whole and what each instrument is doing, so I can compliment everything else that’s going on. What could be improved is absolutely everything, but that’s the great thing about music (and kind of anything really).
Who were your influencers in terms of other musicians earlier on or now that have made a difference and inspired you?
My dad exposed me to a lot of music early. I was playing a toy guitar while watching a VHS of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble live at SXSW on repeat at 4 years old saying I wanted to “do that” when I grew up. I was the only kid in daycare that had his own CDs that weren’t kid’s songs. I was listening to Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, and The Doors when I could barely talk. I would make up songs and sing them into my Panasonic slimline tape recorder and take it to my preschool to show my friends. As I got older went through a bunch of music phases. Metal, grunge, rock, punk, hip hop, reggae, ska, etc. Whatever I heard that I connected to I’d dive in and learn as much as I could about it. I was always in bands and I think I kept picking up different styles along the way and kept combining my different elements and I think that’s evident in Audic’s diverse sound.
Tell me about Audic Empire and your new release Take Over! Can you share some of the highlights you and the band are most proud of?
Takeover was an interesting one. I basically built that song on keyboard and drum loops and wrote and tracked all my vocals in one long session in my bedroom studio kind of in a stream-of-consciousness type of approach. I kind of thought nothing would come of it and I’d toss it out, but we slowly went back and tracked over everything with instruments and made it our own sound. I got it as far as I could with production and handed it off to Chad Wrong to work his magic and really bring it to life. Once I got Snow Owl Media involved and we started brainstorming about a music video, it quickly turned into a considerably larger production than anything we’ve done before and it was such a cool experience. I’m really excited about the final product, especially considering I initially thought it was a throwaway track.
Describe the music style of Audic Empire for us.
It’s all over the place… we advertise it as “blues, rock, reggae.” Blues because of our lead guitarist, Travis Brown’s playing style, rock because I think at the heart we’re a rock band, and reggae because we flavor everything with a little (or a lot) of reggae or ska.
How did you find Bergantino Audio Systems?
Well, my Ampeg SVT7 caught fire at a show… We were playing Stubbs in Austin and everyone kept saying they smelled something burning, and I looked back in time to see my head, perched on top of its 8×10 cab, begin billowing smoke. We had a tour coming up, so I started researching and pricing everything to try and find a new amp. I was also fronting a metal band at the time, and my bass player’s dad was a big-time country bass player and said he had this really high-end bass amp just sitting in a closet he’d sell me. I was apprehensive since I really didn’t know much about it and “just a little 4×10” probably wasn’t going to cut it compared to my previous setup. He said I could come over and give it a test drive, but he said he knew I was going to buy it. He was right. I immediately fell in love. I couldn’t believe the power it put out compared to this heavy head and cumbersome cab I had been breaking my back hauling all over the country and up countless staircases.
Tell us about your experience with the forte D amp and the AE 410 Speaker cabinet.
It’s been a game-changer in every sense. It’s lightweight and compact. Amazing tone. And LOUD. It’s just a fantastic amp. Not to mention the customer service being top-notch! You’ll be hard-pressed to find another product that, if you have an issue, you can get in touch with the owner, himself. How cool is that?
Tell us about some of your favorite basses.
I was always broke and usually working part-time delivering pizzas, so I just played what I could get my hands on. I went through a few pawn shop basses, swapped in new pickups, and fought with the action on them constantly. I played them through an Ampeg be115 combo amp. All the electronics in it had fried at some point, so I gutted it out and turned it into a cab that I powered with a rusted-up little head I bought off someone for a hundred bucks. My gear was often DIY’d and held together by electrical tape and usually had a few coats of spray paint to attempt to hide the wear and tear. I never really fell in love with any piece of gear I had till I had a supporter of our band give me an Ibanez Premium Series SDGR. I absolutely love that bass and still travel with it. I’ve since gotten another Ibanez Premium Series, but went with the 5-string BTB. It’s a fantastic-sounding bass, my only complaint is it’s pretty heavy.
Love your new video Take Over! Let us know what you’re currently working on (studio, tour, side projects, etc.)
Thank you!! We’ve got a LOT of stuff we’re working on right now actually. Having 2 writers in the band means we never have a shortage of material. It’s more about getting everything tracked and ready for release and all that goes into that. We just got through filming videos for 2 new unreleased tracks with Snow Owl Media, who did the videos for both Love Hate and Pain and Takeover. Both of these songs have surprise features which I’m really excited about since these will be the first singles since our last album we have other artists on. We’ve also got a lot of shows coming up and I’ve also just launched my solo project as well. The debut single, “Raisin’ Hell” is available now everywhere. You can go here to find all the links distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jamestobias/raisin-hell
What else do you do besides music?
For work, I own a handyman service here in Austin doing a lot of drywall, painting, etc. I have a lot of hobbies and side hustles as well. I make custom guitar straps and other leather work. I do a lot of artwork and have done most of our merch designs and a lot of our cover art. I’m really into (and borderline obsessed) with health, fitness, and sober living. I have a hard time sitting still, but fortunately, there’s always a lot to do when you’re self-employed and running a band!
Follow James Tobias:
jamestobiasmusic.com
Facebook.com/james.tobias1
Instagram.com/ru4badfish2
TikTok.com/@jamestobiasmusic
audicempire.com
Bass Videos
Interview With Bassist Edmond Gilmore
Interview With Bassist Edmond Gilmore…
I am always impressed by the few members of our bass family who are equally proficient on upright as well as electric bass… Edmond Gilmore is one of those special individuals.
While he compartmentalizes his upright playing for mostly classical music and his electric for all the rest, Edmond has a diverse musical background and life experiences that have given him a unique perspective.
Join me as we hear about Edmond’s musical journey, how he gets his sound and his plans for the future.
Photo, Sandrice Lee
Featured Videos
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facebook.com/EdmondGilmoreBass
instagram.com/edmond_gilmore/
youtube.com/channel/UCCYoVZBLXL5nnaKS7XXivCQ
Bass Videos
Checking in with Bergantino Artist Ricky Bonazza
Holly Bergantino talks with LA-based bassist/producer Ricky Bonazza about his path from Vicenza to Los Angeles to keep the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll alive!
Photo provided by Bergantino Audio Systems.
Ricky Bonazza has been chasing his dream from a young age. Growing up in Vicenza, Italy and now living in Los Angeles, he’s the embodiment of the hard-working, never-say-die rock and roll spirit. Ricky relocated to Los Angeles to pursue his dream as a professional musician and artist and he’s been going strong ever since!
You have been touring like a madman, playing arenas and some of the biggest music festivals in rock and metal. Tell us about this experience and how it feels going from small clubs onto the big stage.
It‘s surreal! Wacken is one! I have never seen a festival of that size holding like 70,000 people. My first tour with the Butcher Babies, we played Rocklahoma and due to a storm, the band got moved to play as the closing act right after “Slipknot”. Both stages were right across from each other so when Slipknot finished, the crowd basically just turned around and watched our set. It was a big party and people as far as the eye could see. I will say this about clubs though, there is just an unbelievable energy playing smaller venues. A packed club with 200 people can be just as crazy and energetic as a crowd of 20,000 in my opinion. So I really enjoy both.
Would you share some of the highlights of your career over the past four years that you are most proud of?
I am really proud to have this great opportunity to tour the world as a professional musician. It’s surreal sometimes the places music and tours are taking me. I think to myself that so many people are actually paying a lot of money to see the world. I get to travel as part of my job and in doing so I get to explore and see many different countries and cultures. It’s something I am extremely proud of. Playing these massive festivals all over the world such as Graspop, Aftershock and obviously Wacken, which is every rock and metal musician’s dream to play, is huge for me.
Becoming a voting member of the recording academy and with that helping to shape the future of music is also a big achievement for me.
You are also deeply involved behind the scenes in the music industry, especially as a voting member of the Grammys Recording Academy. Could you share a particularly memorable moment where you felt your contributions had a significant impact on an artist’s career or on the broader music community?”
Yes, this year a fairly newer metal band called “Spiritbox” got nominated for a Grammy. They competed against titans like Metallica and Disturbed. The fact that a new band like that made it to the final nomination, and the fact that new generations bands like “Architects”, “Sleep Token” etc. were in the run too, I feel like we were instrumental and shaped the pavement for new bands in rock to have a shot at the Grammys.
Throughout your career, you have earned the respect and endorsement of prominent guitar and accessory companies like Bergantino, EMG Pickups and D’Addario strings. Could you tell us more about these partnerships and how they came about?
Yeah for sure. I was introduced to Jim Bergantino by my good friend Matthew Denis who also uses Bergantino gear at a NAMM show. We have accomplished a lot in spreading the word and showcasing what the Bergantino Forte HP amp can do in various styles of music. All of us complimented and supported each other. With EMG my friend Jason Klein and Luis Kalil put me in touch with Tommy from EMG Pickups. We produced a series of videos together highlighting some of their signature pickups, we have an amazing relationship and they have been great to me. I am stoked to have earned this kind of respect and trust from these companies.
How has your playing evolved over the years, and have you made changes from your start until now? If so, can you describe the changes?
Yes, I started incorporating a lot of slap. I honestly couldn’t really slap before the pandemic haha. When I started doing a lot of video covers during covid, I studied bass players like Les Claypool, Marcus Miller and Flea. Also in the very beginning, I was mainly a finger player. Over the last years I really developed my picking technique and love to incorporate that way more in my playing, especially if the song dictates it.
What are you working on now?
I am working on my solo project, where I am planning to release music very soon. I have a single ready to go, featuring some incredible guests and just recently signed a distribution deal with Bloodblast. I am also writing new stuff with the Butcher Babies and that’s pretty exciting too.
When you are not playing shows around the world you are very active in the studio as a producer and writer, can you tell us about some of the collaborations and projects you have been involved in?
Yes, one thing I am really proud of is the recent Butcher Babies albums, which I had the pleasure to help write and record. Songs like “Red Thunder” had an amazing response and actually even made it into rotation at Sirius XM Liquid Metal” and peaked at number 10 of the iTunes Metal charts. I wrote a lot for music libraries here in Los Angeles and recently got a song placement with NBC Sports, which was for the 2022 “Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship”. So that was a cool collaboration I did with “Megatrax”.
Tell us about the Butcher Babies, Lots of good things have happened here.
Yeah totally! It’s been quite busy over the last 2 years. Lots of writing and even more shows. I think last year we did close to 90 shows. We toured with some incredible bands like Fear Factory, Amaranthe, Lacuna Coil, Mudvayne and Coal Chamber. We also did all of these awesome festivals in Europe and the US like Wacken, Graspop all that fun stuff haha. We released 2 albums “Eye For An Eye” and “Til The World Is Blind” which I am really proud of. This year it’s gonna be more or less the same show-wise.
Tell us about the Bergantino Forte HP bass amplifier.
I have had this amp for four years now and was just blown away by it. The sound, the features, everything. It has pretty much has all of the components I want from a bass amp. It is very versatile, clean, thick and powerful. It really just sounds so organic and real. I use it for everything from Metal to Funk and Pop.
What settings do you use the most on the forte HP? What are your favorites and why?
Honestly, all the EQ’s are on 5 o’clock, punch mode enabled, and a bit of compression.
On the drives there are different firmware downloads Bergantino offers. I use Matts tube screamer and another one called the MF360 fuzz that Jim sent me back in the day, it sounds sick.
Tell us about your favorite bass or basses.
Fender and Fender. I have been playing Fender all my life! At the moment, there’s really nothing else for me. I have tried all kinds of basses. I dig the Dingwall stuff a lot, but at the end of the day, Fender just does it for me. I just wished they did long or multi-scale basses! Haha
How did you learn to play the bass guitar, Ricky?
I honestly just started by playing along to Iron Maiden songs. I would also put on the metronome and just start playing the parts and then unintentionally developed a technique. I remember one person telling me that Steve Harris was playing with 3 fingers, so I started practicing with 3 fingers only to find out years later that Steve only plays with two haha.
Are there any other instruments you play?
Yes, the drums. I never gave up on my dream of playing drums haha, so I learned that a little bit along the way. I also play guitar. I play both of those instruments well enough to write and record my own songs, but not sure if I would ever dare to go out and do it live.
Who are your influencers?
Steve Harris is definitely my biggest influence. Duff McKagan has always been one of my favorites. Jason Newsted, Rob Trujillo, Geezer Butler, Frank Bello, Geddy Lee and many more.
Favorite thing to do besides play bass?
It’s honestly writing and producing music. The studio is my happy place when not on the road. It’s definitely a dream to do that full time at some point. We’ll see what happens.
We see Instagram stories of you when you visit your grandmother in Italy cooking up a storm for you. What is your favorite dish that she makes for you?
Haha, that’s amazing you ask this question! Yeah she’s 86 and kick butts like it’s no big deal. Her Spaghetti’s are definitely my favorite, followed by her homemade (obviously) Ravioli. The funniest thing is every time I post her on my IG stories. she gets the most views of all, I could post me playing the craziest shred video of all time and she would still get more views!
Your story and dedication to your craft inspires a lot of people, especially the younger generation of musicians. Do you have any words of advice for them?
As Arnie would say, don’t listen to the naysayers. If you are serious about becoming a professional musician you should pursue it. It’s not going to be the easiest route but it’s going to be the one that fulfills you, and something that always helped me out was a quote from Denzel Washington saying, without commitment, you’ll never start and without consistency, you’ll never finish.
Follow Ricky Bonazza:
Instagram: @rickybonazza
Facebook: /ricky.bonazza
YouTube: @rickybonazza8011
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