Year end roundup

[JimmyM]

Since your first year here is coincidentally a year that has had so many left turns at Albuquerque (old Bugs Bunny reference for the kids out there), I thought I'd ask you a few questions about it:

1. What's the most important thing you've gotten from your NIN experience (aside from the steady paycheck)?

2. Without saying anything that might ruin his image, what's one thing about Trent that would amaze his fans that they may not know?

3. What recordings did you do this year that fans of yours will be most surprised and delighted by when they come out?

4. What are the two coolest new pieces of gear you've picked up this year?

5. What would you do for a living if you couldn't play music?

6. I have never heard anyone speak your name, so how do you pronounce "Meldal?" Is it "MEL-dal" or "mel-DAL"? Is the A pronounced more like "ant" or "ball"? I'm assuming you're of Dutch ancestry, no?

7. What's the biggest musical lesson you've learned this year that you didn't already know?

Sorry I went a little long with the questions...didn't mean to make it a test. Just some things I'm curious about.

Anyway, I hope your first year here has been a good one and I hope you enjoy it well enough to stick around a while longer. You're a true innovator and one of the top guys in popular music that's still keeping it interesting. If more people in the industry were like you, the record business wouldn't be nearly as far in the toilet as they are. Have a great holiday sesaon, dude!

[rosstanium]

I concur with everything Jimmy said at the end. Thanks for sharing Justin. Hope you stick around a bit longer...

[jmjbassplayer]

Well Jimmy thank you very much for the sentiments. My replies:

1. A new perspective on performing, and a broader musical sensibility. Meaning, my taste has been expanded, as well as my ability, by joining this camp.

2. Trent has a white t-shirt.

3. Ladytron's new record, Dido's new record.

4. Depth Charge pedal, Palmer speaker simulator, Jaguar bass, Aurora Audio GT2Q stereo pre.

5. I would make ice cream.

6. MEL-dahl. It's Norwegian.

7. "musical lesson", hmm. Probably just being better in tune on the upright, that's been great.

Best,
JMJ

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Since your first year here is coincidentally a year that has had so many left turns at Albuquerque (old Bugs Bunny reference for the kids out there), I thought I'd ask you a few questions about it:

1. What's the most important thing you've gotten from your NIN experience (aside from the steady paycheck)?

2. Without saying anything that might ruin his image, what's one thing about Trent that would amaze his fans that they may not know?

3. What recordings did you do this year that fans of yours will be most surprised and delighted by when they come out?

4. What are the two coolest new pieces of gear you've picked up this year?

5. What would you do for a living if you couldn't play music?

6. I have never heard anyone speak your name, so how do you pronounce "Meldal?" Is it "MEL-dal" or "mel-DAL"? Is the A pronounced more like "ant" or "ball"? I'm assuming you're of Dutch ancestry, no?

7. What's the biggest musical lesson you've learned this year that you didn't already know?

Sorry I went a little long with the questions...didn't mean to make it a test. Just some things I'm curious about.

Anyway, I hope your first year here has been a good one and I hope you enjoy it well enough to stick around a while longer. You're a true innovator and one of the top guys in popular music that's still keeping it interesting. If more people in the industry were like you, the record business wouldn't be nearly as far in the toilet as they are. Have a great holiday sesaon, dude!

[JimmyM]

Upright, huh? Man, intonation is a real struggle sometimes. Did you do anything special to get your intonation together?

BTW, what are you using for a pickup on your upright?

[jmjbassplayer]

To get my intonation together, I play a lot and listen really hard. I have no other strategy. :-)

Upright pickup is a K & K Bass Master Pro.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by jmjbassplayer

To get my intonation together, I play a lot and listen really hard. I have no other strategy. :-)

I used to practice in a dark room so I would be forced not to look at the neck and rely totally on my ear. Worked great too, until I tripped over a mic stand and dropped the bass on the bridge, which collapsed, of course. Could have been worse, but ever since then, I just turn my head. I cannot play in tune to save my life if I look at the neck. How about you?

[Fetzu]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

2. Without saying anything that might ruin his image, what's one thing about Trent that would amaze his fans that they may not know?

Originally Posted by jmjbassplayer

2. Trent has a white t-shirt.

Classic. LOL

[jmjbassplayer]

I try to not look at the neck, it helps me train, for sure.

[Malpractice]

welcome to the depth charge club sir.

[mattq]

Originally Posted by jmjbassplayer

I play a lot and listen really hard. I have no other strategy. :-)

hmm, maybe that's where i've been going wrong. i play really hard and listen a lot.

[TaySte_2000]

Originally Posted by jmjbassplayer

2. Trent has a white t-shirt.

YOU LIE!!!!!!!!!

I am so not a fan of Trent now pffffft.

Is it at least a dark white?

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by TaySte_2000

YOU LIE!!!!!!!!!

I am so not a fan of Trent now pffffft.

Is it at least a dark white?

I guess that all depends on what kind of bleach Trent uses. Personally, I was disappointed by this revelation. I was hoping for something REALLY out of character, like he collects paintings of big eyed kitties or something equally heinous. I should have left out the "without ruining his image" thing.

[jimmy rocket]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I guess that all depends on what kind of bleach Trent uses. Personally, I was disappointed by this revelation. I was hoping for something REALLY out of character, like he collects paintings of big eyed kitties or something equally heinous. I should have left out the "without ruining his image" thing.

Perhaps he only wears the white t-shirts when scouring garage sales for velvet paintings of big-eyed kitties. I could get on board with a revelation like that.


Seriously though, Justin, thanks for taking the time to chat with the rest of the TB family. In a world where everyone seems to be out for #1 it's nice to find camaraderie somewhere.

[jmjbassplayer]

:-))))))

I'm out for #1 too, but in all seriousness, that gets boring after a while. It becomes more satisfying to open up oneself to the world a bit.

Best,
JMJ

[kyral210]

Hey JMJ!

Thanks for your massive input over the past year! I think I speak for everyone when I say having the input of a pro who is really down to earth and open to talking about the world. Hope 2009 is great for you, look forward to whatever discussions may come. Oh yeah, and may Santa bring you something nice tonight.

[jmjbassplayer]

THANK YOU!

Santa brought me something very nice: a new Specialized road bike.

STOKED!!!!!!!!

JMJ