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Who has NOBODY as an influence?

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#121
The definition does not change, in my opinion. Those who are saying that an influence has to be someone that you try to sound like are changing the definition. By the definition, anyone who has had any sort of effect is an influence. That's my point. Even if you don't sound like them or play like them or try to sound or play like them, if your playing would be different without them, they've had an effect and are an influence.
 
#122
Context does not change the DEFINITION of a word, not when you want to be taken seriously. It can add to it; it can suggest or imply things that would not be stated by the definition alone. But if context actually changes the meaning of the word, you're using the wrong word. The musical context simply adds that we're talking about things that have influenced your MUSIC... Some might even take it as MUSICIANS that have influenced you. But it does actually change the meaning of influence to "people you sound like" or something like that.
 
#124
I'm not trying to invalidate someone's opinion. What I originally said when I referenced popular opinion here:

Evidenced by the opinion of an overwhelming majority on this thread, I would say that is NOT what is meant by most (at least on Talkbass) when that question is asked.
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I didn't say that because most people here take the question to mean a certain thing, that that is what it means. I said that because most people here take it mean something, it is likely (albeit allowing for the small sample size and fact that Talkbass may not, in fact, be representative of the masses) and reasonable (at least in the context of this casual, non-scientific discussion) to assume that that is what many or most people will think it means. You're welcome to take the question any way you like, but most people here (and probably most in general IMO) would not understand the question to mean what you think it does... Which I say simply to explain why people here are so strongly disagreeing with you and a few others. Simply put, if you interpret a question differently than the majority AND change the definition of a word, don't be surprised when many people disagree with you. And if your opinion/point/argument when analyzed against the majority's interpretation and dictionary definition makes you seem arrogant (i.e. I have no influences), don't be surprised if people tell you as much.
 
#125
OriginalCrash said:
I'm not trying to invalidate someone's opinion. What I originally said when I referenced popular opinion here:



I didn't say that because most people here take the question to mean a certain thing, that that is what it means. I said that because most people here take it mean something, it is likely (albeit allowing for the small sample size and fact that Talkbass may not, in fact, be representative of the masses) and reasonable (at least in the context of this casual, non-scientific discussion) to assume that that is what many or most people will think it means. You're welcome to take the question any way you like, but most people here (and probably most in general IMO) would not understand the question to mean what you think it does... Which I say simply to explain why people here are so strongly disagreeing with you and a few others. Simply put, if you interpret a question differently than the majority AND change the definition of a word, don't be surprised when many people disagree with you. And if your opinion/point/argument when analyzed against the majority's interpretation and dictionary definition makes you seem arrogant (i.e. I have no influences), don't be surprised if people tell you as much.
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I never said 'I have no influences'.
 
#126
NickInMesa:

Perhaps you should consider thinking about all the people you've played with, read interviews of, seen movies about, heard stories of, or in any other way has been an influence on your approach to music.

Emulation isn't your thing but that's not necessarily 'influence' - as redundant as it is for me to bring up - but that doesn't mean that you aren't influenced by anybody (redundant i know)

'NOBODY' is the kind of answer that really proves you don't care about answering the question and having to say 'I don't emulate anybody' will certainly get old after you say it over and over and over.

As I have a very similar position, now I find myself telling stories about the times I'd listen to an album again and be reminded of music I've played and jams from the past that stuck out, or saying something like 'that isn't really a very fair question because I prefer to appreciate the feeling I get rather than the techniques I've learned' and then talk about, say, watching Tony Levin on stage with Peter Gabriel and remembering why I got into bass to begin with - not because of a musician in particular but because music moves people intangibly.

pre-interviews are the best way to improve interviews and enjoy your time with the press. Lame questions about who your influences are pale in comparison to great conversation that is both enjoyable and flattering to your personality.
 
#127
True, and I apologize; I did not mean you personally when I said "you." At that point, I had switched over to "making the argument" mode and was directing it to a combination of you personally (as I was responding to your point), the original poster (who did say his answer to the question of who his influences are was nobody), and others who agree with you (again, making a point, discussion, and all that). You did not say it... But the OP did. And as such, that is why many here have reacted/responded like they have and that is also why they have so strongly disagreed with you personally when you shared your opinion in defense of (perhaps not so much in defense of as in agreement with...?) the original poster.
 
#129
afromoose said:
IMO that's the difference between influence and inspiration. Two different things, in my opinion.
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YEAH MAN!

And you might be able to suggest that inspiration comes from only you OR you might be able to say that inspiration comes from a universal intelligence or source.

What I, and only I know, is that when I play a trick and pretend not to be me, I play better. In locking my ego down in a bullet/EMP proof box, is it then the case that I let Mother Music and all her band members into my head, and let them play through me.

Yet I've been told I have a very unique and distinct style.

What about when a bassline starts a-pulsing through your head, your line, your own tracks. IS it you, or is it a shared experience.

Or put another way, if you try and swallow your ego, forget about what you look like playing to others, to wit, declining influence from any other presence but the music itself, does it make you a better player?

Can you feel that?

Don't think about what it might be, it may blow your mind. And it may not matter why indeed. Just run with it; the way its meant to be. We are all here, in the present, for each other to use, if you believe it to be.

PEACE> out./
 
#130
everyone is influenced daily unless they are living in a box. just living and doing anything constantly draws subconcious influences to your psyche. if you look into it deeply, you could even say the first **** you took of the day played an influence in your life :rolleyes:

:scowl: sometimes he just doesn't wanna come out

:hiding: sometimes he'll just peek in-and-out and eventually just pinch a tiny loaf

:eyebrow: sometimes he'll keep ya wondering if it was just a wet fart

:eek: sometimes you won't even make it to the toilet

:crying: and sometimes his density may leave you hurting


now that can leave an influence on you :D
 
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