Here’s an interview with a bass player!
For our interview, the spotlight goes to Dave Klein. Dave hails from Edmond, Oklahoma and has played for bands such as Wretch Like Me, Screeching Weasel and Black Flag, among many others.
What first got you interesting in playing music?
Music. I found it to be interesting.
So why bass? Why not guitar or drums?
The middle-school gang had all the other bases covered. Keith Kostura laid out my future for me. He was my first band mate. This is really all his fault… that dick. I do enjoy writing on Guitar and I’m a hell-of-an air drummer. But bass is the place for me.
Who are your major influences?
Watt is always number one. From there, I lump bassists into groups, which I rob from at-will. I’ve got all early Wrecking Crew through Motown folks in a group. I put the metal guys together; the CRUZ Dudes; the Prog Heroes. Those are my favorites.
What sort of practice agenda do you follow?
I do sets of muscle-building exercises to keep my right hand in shape. Downstrokes for days if I’ve got a Ramonesesque gig coming up – Diggin’ into 8ths or 16ths if I have to REALLY play. Left hand is mostly patterns. I don’t work my scales or arpeggios as much as my go-to riffs and patterns that keep me in the game. I would prefer to get in the room with other musicians every day, but they tend to like days off. So, I play with myself.
What type of gear are you currently using?
My favorite bass right now is a 1985 Japanese Fender Precision. It’s mostly stock with a couple of bells and whistles added. I’m pushing it through a Gallien-Krueger 2001RB with RBH series cabs or the 2×15 I built.
Do you prefer recording or playing live?
Neither, really… I like to get off when I play, and it takes some time to get me there. My most memorable times playing are those long, open, creative jams with real artists – not rippers – people with passion and feel. Magicians. Live shows are rarely long enough to explore the music and recording lately has been limited to someone else’s vision. My fault, for sure…
What do you think the role of a bass player in a band is?
To show up on time, dance with that kick, and serve the song. Do that while honoring the legends who have already played every note you could possibly throw at the wall.
What advice would you give novice bass players?
Don’t start a YooToob page; start a band, start it NOW! I don’t want to see you jammin’ fake funk with your looper. I want to see you gettin’ down with your crew. Start now, and don’t stop. Unless you hate it… then stop.
What are your five favorite albums?
My five favorite albums I’ve played bass on…in a personally-particular order:
They Stay Dead – S/T EP
Wretch Like Me – I Am Become Death
Jettison – The Original Jettison Tapes
Screeching Weasel – Baby Fact; Act 1
Euclid Crash – Girl Talk
What’s in store for you in the future?
Eventual death, but hopefully that’s a ways off. Until then, I’m gonna keep playing. I have a new heavy band of rippers in the early stages, a little TSD popping up this summer, and my dream jam band down the pipe. See ya soon, Fuckers!
For more information about Dave, check out the following website/social media sites:
Dave’s Facebook page
Dave’s Twitter page
Dave on Wikipedia
Dave’s artist page on Gallien Krueger
Dave’s artist page on Daddario
Interview with Dave on Oklahomarock.com
Interview with Dave on OklahomaLefty.com
Otter Limits 