The lesson of the day is stepping out of your comfort zone and to keep on practicing. The key to the real progress of music (or anything for that matter) is pushing the limits of what already exists, putting your own spin on it, and taking it to the next level. Indaba member, David Pastorius, says “Indaba Music is an awesome place to hone your skills and work alongside of world-class artists.”
David Pastorius put his money where his mouth is when he decided to take Tech N9ne’s “Questions” with his Artisan Bass Works bass. He crushes the track with a bass line that has melted faces. In the 20 days since it has been released, this video has received upwards of 27,000 views, and is continuing to grow in popularity.
We here at Indaba are ecstatic to have members who are so dedicated to their craft, and love to take on the “proud parent” role when we see members not only succeed within our community, but outside of it as well.
Southern twang, punk, and funk: David Pastorius, the bass player from Elephant Gun, talks about why music collaboration is so important to them. They’re diverse, open-minded, talented, and they could be on their way to the 2011 NAMM conference! Want to here what these Florida boys had to say?
Hi David, Thanks for taking the time to chat with us today. I know you and your band have been very busy lately, can you describe your sound for our readers?
As our music is fairly diverse, we consistently hear different opinions on our sound. It really depends on the song the listener is hearing. I’ve always thought of it as a mix of southern, punk, funk but, that’s just my take on it. What would you call it?
Our users are constantly collaborating and giving each other feedback. How has music collaboration played a roll in the music creation process for Elephant Gun?
Most of our songs are written by our guitarist Trevor. But, at the same time all three of us put our own musical spin on it. We are all very open to different musical ideas. Each of the band members listen to a very wide-range of musical styles and collectively, what influences us personally has an overall effect on what our combined sound has become.
We hear that you’re involved with an Ampeg contest. Can you tell us a little about that experience? Is there somewhere that fans can vote?
This is really crazy. I didn’t even know about the contest until I learned we were a top five finalist. Trevor signed us up for it. We were all really surprised. This could be a really good opportunity for us if we win. The winner of this competition wins an all expenses paid trip to Nashville to perform live at the Guitar Players Superstar event at the Summer NAMM 2011 Conference. We can also win an Ampeg bass rig and guitar stack. So, please vote for ElephantGun! CLICK HERE
Before joining (or creating?) Elephant Gun, when and why did you pick up the bass?
When I was fifteen a buddy of mine happened to be a bass player. I was at his house and he was playing the Chili Peppers’ version of “Higher Ground” and I thought it sounded cool. I actually asked him what instrument was he playing. He said “It’s a bass you idiot, your Uncle played one!” Soon after I got my own bass and I have not stopped since. It is a great instrument and I am very happy that I not only keep the low end tight and solid for the band, I am also allowed to stretch and get melodic with my lines. Each member of the band likes to groove so, we do!
Do you have any technique tips or recommendations for our bass players on Indaba?
Keep an open mind when it comes to music. It might be the music that you had stayed away from in the past that lifts your playing to a completely new level. Like all musicians, we continue to learn and accepting new music is key to that growth. Always stay humble. And, don’t forget to vote for ElephantGun!
Well, we wish you the best of luck getting to NAMM! You know, we have several songwriting contests these days. Do you think Elephant Gun is going to step up to the competition on Indaba Music?
Sure! Indaba Music provides outstanding opportunities for musicians around the world. With today’s technology, it is now possible to work with world-class artists of today; and, make money from it! How great is that?! Today you can be a basement musician and actually make a living with it. Music AND money? Now, that sounds like fun.
