ClipBandits became instant YouTube sensations as the world’s first web band with the release of their first video, “Internet Killed the Video Star”. ClipBandits videos have been viewed 6 million times on YouTube. ClipBandits had never met each other, didn’t know each other’s names or where each other lived. They only knew one another’s YouTube user names and created their original music by syncing each other’s YouTube videos. Valerie Lee is the bass player for the band…

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

Right now I am taking a break from playing my bass. I do that from time to time. I am listening now and I sing along to the cds I listen to and also study the bass lines. Right now I am hooked on the new Alterbridge cd. I am still the bassist for the Clipbandits and we will be making a new video soon.

2. Who are your main musical influences and why?

Led Zeppelin- Rush- The Cars-STP-Eric Johnson- 3lb Universe and King’s X. All of these bands made me want to play music because I loved the way their music made me feel and I wanted to have that same effect on someone else.

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

GEDDY LEE! I saw Rush when I was in high school and it was that night that I said to myself that I wanted to play bass. I have always dreamed of being in a great rock band…singing and playing bass.

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

Equipment is important. AS a beginner I started off with great instruments…a PRS 5 string with a low B through a GK 400 rb amp and a GK cabinet. Even though I wasn’t very good…the bass sounded so good that it made me want to practice just so I could hear the sound of it.

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

Big time. Even though I dreamed of being in a great rock band I knew the chances were slim I would ever really achieve that dream. After I turned forty I joked to my add that I don’t have anything to lose- now I can go out and be a rock star. That same year I recorded in Nashville, was in a Hollywood band rubbing elbows with some serious studio musicians, and then achieved web celeb status on the internet in The Clipbandits- the world’s first web band. Who would imagine an old mommy like me could do that?

6. If you have one, what is your favorite technique? No favorites, although I would love to play slap bass better.

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

My only tip is to play something over and over till you know it by heart…then you will play it automatically without even having to think about it.

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

ALWAYS. I get distracted from playing bass alot! That is why I am not a better bassist. I could have been so much better had I practiced daily!!!

9. How can you see the bass evolving?

Hopefully it will not evolve…I always tell people to stick with 5 strings or less…Tired of all those extra strings. I do like the idea of a band with 3 bassists- drummer- and keyboardist. That would be awesome.

10. Any parting words of wisdom for other bass players? And especially female bass players?

Yes- don’t be like me- PRACTICE OFTEN! Do not let the people making negative comments get you down!

Thanks Valerie, Clipbandits bassist

And a vid:

  • Share/Bookmark