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.
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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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Bracketologist
Why have there been so many 15-2 upsets, but no 16-1's?
SWAT Team Commander (Retired)
How much protection do those bomb disposal suits really provide?
Programmer
What lessons can you share about past and present start-ups you've worked with?
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.
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Fortunately for me, I have a very good memory and pretty start focus while performing. That's not to say I don't ever slip up, though! If I do start to blank, my best resort is to just NOT think about it, and let my muscle memory take over. Usually my fingers know what to do.
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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!
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