Where is the bass player in the Yeah Yeah Yeahs?

[crow01]

So I just discovered this band. Never heard of them until yesterday, from which I have to say it sounds really cool.

In many songs I hear a guitar, a bass player and a keyboard.

At many of those youtube videos I only see one guitar, one drummer, no bass player no keys.

How does he do it?

I think he has a looper and then he plays over a very bassy guitar?

[SuperSnake2012]

I'm not super familiar with this band, but what's very likely is that someone in the band (or a session player) records bass in the studio.

[Rudreax]

Either session people, or production work. They don't have a bass player.

[shaolinwhat]

They now have a touring member who switches between bass, keyboards, and acoustic guitar

[Godbody]

I enjoy their albums to a degree, but I saw them live some time ago when it was just the three actual members. It kinda sucked. I'm glad to hear they have a touring member now; I'd consider seeing them again on the right bill.

[etherealme]

They do have a touring member as of their last album that plays keys and bass. The new albums have a session bassist I believe.

They were originally (fever to tell album) just a three piece (drums vox guitar). So, some of the footage you may be seeing is of this earlier incantation. IMO Fever to Tell is their best album to date.

[Nedmundo]

Originally Posted by shaolinwhat

They now have a touring member who switches between bass, keyboards, and acoustic guitar

That's right, but he's not on stage for every song. For a few, they revert to drums, guitar, and vocals.

I saw them last night in Philly, and it was a great show, despite the minimal bass, and a few backing synth tracks that seem inconsistent with their art-punk roots. Karen O is one of the most charismatic, inspiring performers I've ever seen, and most of the material is great. I dig all three albums, and some of it was better live than recorded.

They really could use more bass though, and I would love to supply it myself!