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
Bassist/Music Educator Andreas Farmakalidis Candidate for LAUSD District 3
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.
Bass Player News
Freekbass Crowned TikTok LIVE Fest Finalist
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.
Bass Player News
Immortal Sÿnn Welcomes Former Grim Reaper Bassist Chaz Grimaldi
Immortal Sÿnn Welcomes Former Grim Reaper Bassist Chaz Grimaldi…
Denver-based heavy metal group, Immortal Sÿnn, proudly announces the inclusion of Chaz Grimaldi, former bass player of Steve Grimmett’s Grim Reaper, as the latest addition to their dynamic lineup. This development follows Sean Ryan’s departure from the band four months ago. With Chaz on board, Immortal Sÿnn is forging ahead, actively resuming live performances in the Denver area and strategically planning a forthcoming United States tour for the summer of 2024.
Chaz Grimaldi, an accomplished bassist originally from Silver Spring, MD, brings an impressive musical history to the fold. With a prolific career that notably includes his role in the 80s NWOBHM legends Grim Reaper, renowned for their iconic “See You In Hell” (2008-2016 & 2019), and Dave Lombardo’s Grip Inc. (1993), Chaz’s journey has been one of remarkable experiences. Reflecting on his global tours with distinguished musicians, he shares, “Having been fortunate to tour the world playing with some of the best musicians has been an incredible blessing in my life. The lifelong friendships of people I’ve met and the incredible places I’ve seen has been truly amazing.” Chaz’s recent endeavors with Tampa-based band Jezabelle garnered significant online attention. Now, as he joins forces with Denver’s Immortal Sÿnn, he eagerly anticipates contributing his prowess to the collective.
Chaz states, “I’m excited about the opportunity to play with Immortal Synn! The song catalog kicks ass and has all of the elements of METAL that I love to play. I look forward to being a part of this incredible band!”
Immortal Sÿnn recently unleashed their latest single, “Lady Nocturna,” on August 4th. Currently collaborating once again with engineer Nick Nodurft at Rusty Sun Audio in Parker, CO, the band is immersed in recording a 5-song EP titled “Hellspawn.” The EP is set to release on September 15th across major streaming platforms and digital stores, with physical CDs to follow.
Reflecting on the addition of Chaz Grimaldi, Tony Z, guitarist of Immortal Sÿnn, affirms, “We all knew Chaz was our guy when he came to the audition and actually knew all of the material and was well-prepared. He didn’t just ‘look at’ the songs we had sent him and fake his way through them like so many people in the local scene do when it comes to auditions.”
For fervent fans of bands such as Grim Reaper, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Megadeth, Immortal Sÿnn’s signature blend of heavy metal elements continues to resonate and excite.
Visit online at immortalsynn.com
Bass Player News
Listen to the First New Recording from The Fusion Syndicate in Over 10 Years!
In 2012, the world of fusion rock/jazz was shook by the introduction of a new supergroup of unparalleled musical virtuosos who came together under one umbrella for a blockbuster studio album.
Both the group and its debut album were called simply The Fusion Syndicate, and it featured some of the biggest names in fusion including members of Mahavishnu Orchestra, Yellowjackets, Brand X, Soft Machine, and Spyro Gyra PLUS Yes, Dream Theater, King Crimson, Tool, Porcupine Tree, Hawkwind and more! Now a new single is released today with the first new recording from The Fusion Syndicate in over 10 years!
That new single, “The Bottle,” is unique in several ways. For starters, it is the Fusion Syndicate’s first ever cover song, a trippy, groovy version of jazz poet Gil Scott-Heron’s 1973 dramatic story of alcohol abuse in the inner city. Second, the track is the first to incorporate R&B and soul music flavors into the band’s repertoire driven by a stellar vocal from intergalactic superstar Bootsy Collins. In addition, joining Collins is multi-instrumentalist Brian Jackson, who was a member of Gil Scott-Heron’s band and performed on the original recording of “The Bottle.” Here, Jackson recreates the vibe 1970s soul jazz while bringing a modern flair that perfectly suits The Fusion Syndicate’s style.
Could this be the first song from a forthcoming full-length album from The Fusion Syndicate? Stay tuned in to The Fusion Syndicate revolution to learn more!
Bass Player News
Eduardo Del Signore Calls Attention to Climate and Social Change
Eduardo Del Signore’s A Call 2Peace Foundation Calls Attention to Climate and Social Change, Using Tools from Mojave Audio…
A Grammy-nominated artist with a career spanning over 50 years and numerous collaborations with artists such as Jon Anderson of Yes and Brazilian legend Milton Nascimiento, Eduardo Del Signore has found new inspiration by combining his love of music to support climate and social change. Recently, Signore created a platform for artistic expression called A Call 2Peace foundation, designed to bring awareness to other organizations and the work they’re doing through concerts, events and fundraisers.
“A Call 2Peace is a reminder that we all possess peace in our hearts, and that it’s our responsibility to visit this each day and enjoy it, embrace it and live by it,” Signore says. At the start of the pandemic, the foundation began a food recovery initiative that collected ½ million pounds of food from supermarkets, which were taken to distribution centers. The foundation also puts on the Tuesday Night Jazz concert Series in Santa Monica where Signore uses the MA-D. “I use the MA-D for all live performances, I compared it against the standard and now I can’t go back. The Mojave is so much better,” he says.
Signore was interested in adding a Mojave MA-301fet mic into his workflow to be a dependable microphone that captures the true sound to represent his instrument. Since adding the mic to his kit, Signore has recorded an opera singer, violin, Spanish guitar, viola, cello, and more and finds the Mojave microphone to be user-friendly and an ideal solution that works perfectly for his many applications.
Music to engage climate change
Signore has an ongoing collaboration with ClimateMusic in San Francisco, an organization that synergizes the talent and expertise of work-class scientists, composers, musicians, artists and technology visionaries focused on engaging audiences on the issue of climate change. The organization commissioned a composition from Signore that focuses on three primary aspects: the effects of the industrial revolution to the present, and then projecting into the future with two different outcomes. “The first scenario looks at the future — if we carry on business as usual. The second looks at if we become active in certain areas, and how that could influence climate change,” Signore says.
As part of his audio toolkit, Signore deployed the MA-D and other mics from Mojave to record the music. “I look for the instruments and accessories that allow me to express with the utmost clarity what I have to say. Whether it is for singing, or an instrument or recording someone else. For this project, I used the MA-301 fet microphone for all vocals and acoustic instruments. This microphone is so transparent and true to the source. It is the perfect portal for any vocals or instrument that I want to record,” he says.
For more information and detailed specifications, please visit: mojaveaudio.com