“Ten questions” with Jayme Lewis. I constructed these questions to be interesting for other bass players to answer, but to also be instructive, informative and inspirational for other bass players. Jayme is a great bass player, and his website (which is well worth a check) is here:

http://www.jaymelewis.com/

Ok, onto the interview!

1. What are you up to right now, musically?

I’m currently finishing up a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from California State University of Northridge. Beyond that I spend the majority of my time teaching music at my private studio, producing bands out of my recording studio, and I just released a solo album from my record label back in September of 2007. Beyond that I play gigs as often as I can with as many artists as I can and I do whatever session recording gigs come my way because I love being in the studio.

2. Who are your main musical influences and why?

Geez. Tough question, but to name a few I would start with non-bass players. J. S. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms are my main inspirations for composition because they were geniuses in their time (and in ours as well, which is a difficult standard to continue). I’m heavily inspired by Victor Wooten, Steve Bailey, Anthony Wellington, Edgar Meyer, Jaco, and Stanley Clarke. Having attended Vic’s Bass/Nature Camp I’ve had the opportunity to hang with all of these guys (except Jaco) and I could spend hours explaining what a difference they’ve made in my life. But I’d say as far as musical INFLUENCE goes I’d have to say that my family is my influence. I come from a family of musicians and have raised in the field of music for my whole life. I owe all of my talents to them.

3. What made you want to play bass in the first place? What did you dream?

My dad was a bass player, so that was where it started. Then he played me Stanley’s SCHOOL DAYS record and I fell in love. My goal was to be able to play that song one day.

4. What equipment do you use? Is good equipment important to you?

I use way too many instruments than what are good for me. My main axes are a Fodera Monarch Deluxe 4, an M Bass MEJ 5, a few Fender Basses, and about 8 Carvin Basses (4-6). I currently endorse Carvin Basses, Amps, and Strings. For amplification I use a Carvin BRX 212 and an Ampeg SVT4-Pro through BXT 410 and 115 Cabinets. Gear is very important to me because it allows me to forget about how it should sound and feel and lets me focus on the music with no limitations.

5. Have you exceeded what you thought you may become when you first
started to learn the bass?

Absolutely. I never thought I’d make living with music. I never wanted to, actually, because I feared that it would never pay enough or there would be too much competition. I can’t say that I’ve proven myself wrong yet, but I enjoy my life very much so I can’t complain.

6. If you have one, what is your favourite technique?

Thumb technique is my favorite. Double thumpin’ is the baddest thing you can do to get someone up on their feet.

7. Do you have any good practising tips for newer players?

Establish a set routine, like a workout schedule. If you wanna bulk up and lose weight in the gym, you need a plan. And then stick to it. The same is in music; set some goals, construct the stretches, exercises, drills, and repetitions you’ll need on a DAILY basis, and then work them. Stick with it and you’ll see results.

8. Do you ever get stuck in a rut, or get “writers block”? Do you do anything to remedy this horrible dark place?

Yes, too often I’m afraid. When that happens I stop writing. You can’t for inspiration, so when it’s there I try to pay attention.

9. How can you see the bass evolving?

Go check out some of these guys on MySpace or You Tub doing some ridiculous stuff and you’ll get an idea of how rapidly bass is evolving.

10. Any parting words of wisdom?

Follow your heart and don’t give up.

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