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JMJ @ Bass Player LIve

J

jmjbassplayer

Justin Meldal-Johnsen
Gold Supporting Member
Mar 25, 2005
4,014
3,599
#1
Hi All,

Not sure if anyone's going to Bass Player Live in Los Angeles the weekend of Oct 24-25, but it looks like I'll be there on the Saturday. I'm going to do an interview/Q&A/dissertation type thing, probably not dissimilar to what I did in New York a couple of years back. I'm definitely not going to do any shredding because a) I suck at anything resembling virtuosic playing and b) Stu Hamm is going to be working next door I think, and he's super sick so he can take care of anyone hungering for some of that flavor. I haven't come up with an outline yet, but I'm going to be discussing things like, in no particular order:

- The joys of s*%$$y gear
- Effects
- Touring
- Sessions
- Managing one's biz
- Musicianship from my perspective
- 17 string basses and their unassailable role in the current recording scene.

:hiding:

Aw c'mon. I've done enough mea culpa's, haven't I? I have to get some every now and then!

Anyway, does anybody who might be going have a thought of some other areas they would like to discuss? Even if it's something we've gotten into here in this forum? I'll of course be answering questions too, so I'll work on the fly.

Best,
Justin
 
#2
You could do the whole show trotting out s****y gear and I'd be happy. Maybe you could also talk a little about bringing yourself into existing projects and some of the implications of it. I won't be able to be there, but hope you have a good time and teach these kids a little something.
 
#3
Wow that sounds rad as F%#*, almost makes me consider making the trek out to LA.

Other than the areas you mentioned, it might be cool if you talked a little about songwriting too. And you should absolutely do some playing, people will be hungry for some rich 4-string grooves amid the turbulent sea of 17-string behemoths.
 
#4
the whole sh*@&y gear thing is definitely a great topic...for a couple reasons. 1. cool sounds 2. I think it's valuable for guys to hear how they don't necessarily need the boutique to make stuff sound good (or usable). The human interaction with the instrument and electronics is so vital, and you do such a good job of it.

True pros can make almost anything work. And that's a message that gets lost a lot in the land of 3 grand bass-land.

After typing all of that, I'm just realizing that this may not be how you are going to approach it...but whatever. It's what I would be anticipating to hear more about... :D
 
#7
I can't answer whether or not this event will be filmed, but you should totally check out the videos on Link Removed

Click on Artists, and BP events, and you can check out unbelieveable interviews from people like Chirs Chaney, Mike Elizondo, Neil Stubenhaus, Family Man, Flea, Tony Levin, and of course, our Pal in SoCal, JMJ!
 
#11
justin,
i was there both days and had a great time, made the trip form jersey just for BPL! and really enjoyed your clinic as well. your points about taking gigs no mater the compensation were echoed in so many other clinics. as well as your thoughts on just being a "good guy" and playing what's asked of you in a session wether you have creative input or not. being open will get you more call backs.
thanks!!! do wish you played a little though.
 
#12
Hi Mr. Black. Glad you liked. Sorry for the not playing. More I wanted to talk about, and plus I really have no taste (or maybe confidence) for playing in a clinic environment. Maybe if I just did it next time (if there ever is an occasion to do so), I could just dive in and do some fun stuff. Outside of an ensemble scenario, I'm not sure of what I have to offer when I sit there and casually fiddle on the bass. :)

JMJ
 
#15
Justin -
First of all, 90 minutes was not enough time.

You not playing was not a factor at all, as watching videos of you perform will satisfy that need. That said, we can't wait to see the NIN tour video when it is finally released.

What really came across was how genuinely excited you were to talk with everyone, share your passion, experiences and opinions. Personally, I could care less about seeing anyone shred, jam or otherwise for an hour. I want to hear about what drives a musician, what's important to them, what has made them successful (then and now,) info about touring, preparing, pay, how to approach different gigs, to be open to most gigs, etc. - all things that a working musician or a younger musician just starting their career needs to know. Your clinic provided all of this and more. I just wish there was more time.

It was great to see you after so many years, and it's been cool to follow your career for the last 20 years or so. Nick and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

We hope to run into you again sooner than later. Nick has been doing a lot of what you talked about for quite some time (stage presence and all,) so it's cool for me to see the parallels.

Thanks again, and all the best.
Chris
 

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