Doing a research paper on, well, us. Can I ask YOU a couple questions? Rewards inside

[FleaKatz]

Hello, Talkbass. I have been assigned with the task of writing a research paper on a subculture. Being a member myself, I have picked digital-age bassists, which essentially refer to anyone who plays bass and uses the internet in a way that involves this activity. I need to come up with primary sources, and interviews in the form of responses from members of the community are preferable. Could you help me answer some of these questions? You don't have to respond to each one, just pick your favorites.

1. What threats or challenges do we face as bassists in the digital age?

2. What kind of hierarchies exist within our subculture (is there a defined structure or "class" system?)

3. How do we promote ourselves in the world?

4. What equipment or technology is necessary to be a member of this subculture besides a bass and an internet connection?

5. What common values, beliefs, ideologies, or goals are shared by us in the subculture?

6. How do you think we are received by others in surrounding cultures (like guitar players, audio engineers, etc.)

7. What is the purpose of the things we do in this subculture (in this case, playing bass and somehow relating that to the use of the internet)?

8. Are there any people who are not allowed to participate in this subculture? If so, why?

Thanks! Those are all the questions. If you feel you have earned it, feel free to download this mix of Look Around by The Red Hot Chili Peppers with no bass in it for your covering or jamming pleasure.
https://soundcloud.com/nick-kicknatz...around-no-bass

[Jaco Taco]

2. Classes: pick players, fingerstyle players, slappers. Pick players are, strangely, looked down upon.
4. Recording software.
5. That bass is where it's at. Guitarists are silly and narcissistic.
6. There's always the danger that other musicians see us as occupying a very restrictive role within a band, and if we step outside of that role, we are committing some minor form of musical treason.
7. Gratification from playing an instrument we love and interacting socially via the internet with it.
8. Non-bassists.... for obvious reasons.

[JimmyM]

1. The same as always...making compelling music and finding a gig in which to do so. Also, being able to do other things connected with making music besides playing bass does not hurt. Vocals, knowing how to operate sound and recording gear, knowledge on other instruments...it all helps. I wouldn't get half the gigs I get if I couldn't sing. Not the greatest singer but I'm good at backgrounds and can croak out a decent lead. Plus I can arrange for larger bands, play a few different instruments, and know how to record. It's gotten me work over others.

2. Seems to me it's an open playing field now, even more so with the internet. But there's always going to be judgment based on how successful and in demand you are, and that will naturally keep those kinds of hierarchies going that have always existed...A-list, B-list, etc.

3. There are many free ways to promote yourself, but getting out there and meeting people who can help you is always going to reign supreme.

4. A way to record yourself and/or a vid camera helps. Might want to buy an amp in case you get a gig

5. Probably none But that's OK.

6. That all depends on how well you do in the situation you're in. As we're perceived on the whole as bass players by other subgroups of musicians, who cares? I only worry about being perceived well by those paying me, those I'm working with, and the audience.

7. To make music. Things haven't changed with the rise of the internet. All it's done is given you an easier way to showcase what you can do. Contact with the real world and building friendships and business relationships is still very necessary, and entertaining your audience is still job one.

8. I'd be a little worried about including al-Qaeda operatives. Other than that, why would you want to exclude anyone?