Why do you play bass?
Although I’ve also played drums all my life, bass seems like the best of both worlds to me. I get to lie in the pocket and support the rhythmic side of things while interacting harmonically.
Do you practice? If so, how?
These days, most of my ’shedding is specific for a gig, but when I’m just practicing to practice, I spend most of my time setting up simple loops and experimenting with different ways to approach harmony.
How do you stay focused on a gig?
Every time I play, I feel internal pressure to always give my “A” game. If I lose focus or can’t pull it together, I’m pretty hard on myself, so I tend to bring everything I’ve got to a gig.
What musical concept have you had to learn the hard way?
Aside from learning how to relax and not psych myself out, the most useful thing I’ve learned is how to play appropriately for the gig. So many guys can blow well, but can you lay some deep pocket the other 99 percent of the time?
What non-musical thing inspires you the most?
Not to sound cliché, but everything for me relates back to music. I dig observing the interrelationships between all things and the way our preconceived notions of the world can alter our perception of it. I try to be aware of how that affects the way I hear music. In short, I guess awareness inspires me.