For millions of viewers this summer and fall, the CBS hit Rock Star: INXS was one of television’s irresistible guilty pleasures. The program revolved around INXS, whose intoxicating hits include “Need You Tonight,” “Never Tear Us Apart,” and “Devil Inside,” and its search for a new lead vocalist. After weeks of auditions, the band settled on JD Fortune, who headed into the studio to record vocals for the band’s new record. Garry Beers, who’s been with INXS since its formation in 1977, has stepped up his role to include songwriter.
What’s different about your recent sessions?
We have a huge backlog of songs because we have been writing for this project for over a year. We must have 100 songs and we have to narrow it down to 12. It’s overwhelming, but exciting.
With the show, one thing we had to plan for was putting each song in different keys for male or female singers with different ranges and vocal styles. Now that we have JD, we’ll have to figure out which songs translate best for him.
What was the challenge of your studio experience this time?
Recording many of my parts without having settled on a singer. We had the singers come down a couple of times because we wanted to jam and to get to know them. Hearing them audition with another band didn’t really show us how they’ll work with INXS.
How have your recent sessions changed your bass lines?"
[Drummer] Jon Farriss and I have played together forever, so when we play, it’s almost like putting on my favorite pair of jeans. That’s dangerous in a way, but we love working together.
The biggest change is that I’ve starting writing songs for the band in the past few years. Now I’m trying to look at the music as a songwriter and not just a bass player working on someone else’s song. I usually write songs on guitar, and when I pick up the bass, a line pops out right away. But, when I’m coming up with a bass line to someone else’s song, I think of different ways to approach it—until I end up playing what the songwriter wanted me to play in the first place.
What kind of bass sound are you trying to get?
I’m a P-Bass guy, and my ’58 Precision is the bass I’ve used on all of our records. I retired it for a while because it had gotten beaten up from touring. I’ve also been using a couple of new G&L LB100s and a MusicMan S.U.B. 5-string.
As much as possible, we try to play together when we’re recording. We all have amps in the same room so that we can hear each other, and we also use amps tucked away so that there is less bleed through the mics. I’m a valve [tube] amp guy—I don’t like an amp unless it’s heavy! [Laughs.] I always record a direct signal, but just putting an Electro-Voice RE20 in front of an Ampeg B-15 will give you the most incredible sound.