Bass Guitarist

Bass Guitarist

Janis

Chicago, IL

Female, 0

I’m a bass player in an independent Chicago-based band called Family Groove Company. We’ve released 4 full-length albums and have played over 800 shows in 34 states, all with no record label or big-name booking agency. My favorite part about being a musician are the connections I make, whether it be in writing sessions with my longtime bandmates, improvisational performances with musicians I’ve never played with before, or interactions with fans at live shows.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

32 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on May 17, 2012

Best Rated

What's been the highlight of your musical career to date?

Asked by SQUIRREL over 13 years ago

It’s hard to pick just one! Some of my most memorable musical moments have been when I’ve had the privilege of performing with famous musicians that I’ve grown up listening to and admiring, then years later surreally finding myself on stage collaborating with them!

It seems like most guitar players are men -- why do you think that is?

Asked by DaBEARS over 13 years ago

This is very true, and I come across this all the time when performing at shows or festivals where there are other bands on the bill. With few exceptions, I find that I am the only woman amongst the musicians. I am sometimes assumed to be just a band member’s girlfriend who happens to be tagging along! I think guitars and rock-and-roll is generally perceived as a more masculine area of expertise so less women venture into it out of convention. I actually don’t mind the male-dominated aspect at all, because I feel that it gives me a little edge and a way to stand out.

Do you map out a show's setlist prior to going on stage, or will you change things around on the fly?

Asked by kind240 over 13 years ago

We’ll always map out a setlist, taking into consideration things like songs fans have requested for that show, what we played the last time we were in that town/venue, and having a nice ebb and flow to the set. Nothing is completely set in stone, however, so it’s not uncommon to change things up in the middle of the set.

As the creator of one the fattest tones in funk, I think many of us gearheads would be interested in a run down of your signal chain. Follow up question: Does Gatorade play a part in said signal chain?

Asked by BigRiverMusic over 13 years ago

I'm pretty sure my tone is all luck. My signal chain couldn't be more minimalist. I plug my Musicman bass directly into an Ampeg SVT4-Pro head and BSE-HLF 4x10 cabinet. No pedals, no fuss, and I keep the EQ pretty flat. Lemon-lime Gatorade adds an extra boost!

Do you ever feel a little *too* out of the spotlight as the bass player? Seems like all the glory goes to the leader singers and guitarists.

Asked by Redbeezy over 13 years ago

Actually, one of the reasons I was particularly drawn to the bass was because it was slightly out of the spotlight. I had previously played guitar and would always get nervous when I had to take a solo. When I discovered the bass, I remember thinking to myself, "It's like one big solo, but no one's looking at me!" Despite it being out of the spotlight, the bass actually has some of the strongest control musically in the band. As a control freak who's shy, I kinda like that.

Of your 800+ shows, does one stand above the rest for you and why?

Asked by Barler over 13 years ago

It's hard to pick just one, but every year since 2004, we've played a festival in Illinois called Summer Camp Music Festival, and our sets here have always been the highlight of my year. Each year, we've moved up to bigger stages and played in front of bigger crowds, and we get to see our entire Midwest fanbase all in one spot.

How good are you at Guitar Hero?

Asked by fretfire over 13 years ago

I’ve only played it once, actually, and I wasn’t very good! I didn’t find it to be much like a real guitar at all!