Bergantino Artist Eric Wilson
Location: Long Beach, CA
Bergantino equipment used: B|Amp, NV610
Associated Band: Sublime with Rome
Band Website: Sublime with Rome
Bergantino is proud to welcome Johnny Lee Middleton to our family of artists
Originally hailing from St. Petersburg, FL, Johnny Lee Middleton comes to us by way of world-renowned bassist and entrepreneur, Beaver Felton, CEO of Florida’s Bass Central. Beaver, being an ultra-talented, professional player, knew that Johnny would be a great fit for Team Bergantino. We had a chance to sit down with Johnny to chat about all things bass and his journey through the bass universe.
– Johnny, you’ve known Beaver Felton for over 40 years. How did you two come to meet?
When I first started playing, I would sneak into clubs to see bands play, and Beaver was in one of the best bands in the Tampa Bay area at the time. He was the best bass player around, so I was a fan of his band called Hoochie. When I started gigging out, we would run into each other and he was always nice to me, which was cool because he was the baddest guy in town. We have stayed in touch over the years, and he is my go-to guy if I have any questions about gear.
– Tell us how you started on your bass journey?
I started on trumpet, and in the ninth grade, I joined the jazz band and they set the bass rig behind me. After the first class, I asked the teacher if I could try the bass, and he said yes. He gave me a printout of the notes on the neck of the bass guitar and let me take the jazz bass home. The bass player was a trumpet player as well, so we would switch during the performances. I formed a band called Mariah with the drummer and guitar player from the jazz band and have been in a band in some shape or form since 1978.
– Who are your biggest musical influences?
When I was starting to play, my sister’s boyfriend left some Black Sabbath records at my house, and when I played them, it was life-changing as I had grown up on country music and pop radio. Geezer was my first as well as Phil Lynott and Geddy Lee. I grew up on 70’s music, so all the music of that era influenced my life as a musician.
– Tell us about your band, Savatage, and how it came to be?
I joined Savatage in 1985 when I was 22 years old. They were already signed to Atlantic, so I replaced the original bassist. I rehearsed with the guys for four weeks, and we were off to London to record my first record with the band. It was quite an experience as we were in Trident Studios in the heart of London hanging with the guys from Iron Maiden, Lemmy, and the crew at the St. Moritz, which was a hangout across from the studio.
– How did Trans-Siberian Orchestra emerge?
In 1995, Savatage released an album entitled Dead Winter Dead, which is a rock opera about the war in Bosnia. On that record, we recorded a song called “12/24 Sarajevo,” which is an instrumental track consisting of our version of “Carol Of The Bells,” which our producer Paul O’Neill wanted on the recording but the band did not. After some heated debate, Paul won and a DJ in Tampa Bay picked it up and started playing the song, and it just exploded from there. We really couldn’t do a holiday recording under the name Savatage so Paul started TSO and the rest is history.
– How does the music writing process work in TSO, and will you tour this year?
I am not involved in the writing process when it comes to TSO. Paul O’neill and Jon Oliva, Bob Kinkle, and Al Pitrelli are the guys that are behind the writing process with TSO. We have two TSO touring groups, so when it comes to recording, everybody pitches in so there is not a bass player or a guitar player; it is a combination of players with Al Pitrelli being the MD when it comes to guitar/bass parts.
– Tell us about some of your favorite basses.
As far as basses go, my all-time favorite, and the bass that has recorded every Savatage and TSO note, is my Brooklyn Spector Serial # 511. It is on its third set of frets, third bridge, and second set of machine heads. The pickups have grooves in them from wear and tear, and the mojo is off the chain. Paul O’neill loved it so much he actually located the guy who made the bass and had a replica made. It took some time, but Paul actually had the guitar replicated. Since it is a studio-only bass, I tour with a few Fender Jazz and P Basses and a new Spector X bass I recently received from Spector. It looks like I may be bringing a Spector or two out this year with TSO, so I am excited about that. I also have a Lakland, which was owned by Duck Dunn as it was the prototype for his Lakland model. It had super dead Labella flats on it and smelled like a pipe when I opened the case for the first time. It plays and records like a dream. That would be at the top of the list as well.
– What tone do you strive for in live performances, and how does it fit in the mix?
With TSO, I use the D’Addario flat wound chromes on all my Jazz and P basses as the tone sits better in the mix and flats seem to almost act as a compressor in arenas by tightening up the low end boom I was getting with round wounds, not to mention the fret wear I was getting on my vintage guitars. When you have two keyboard players, you need to stay out of the way or it turns into a mudfest, so flats work great for that gig. When it comes to Savatage, it is a completely opposite set up with round wounds and active pickups for more of a punchy tone with the majority of the songs recorded with a pick on the Spector. I learned how to play as a finger player and never played guitar before playing the bass, so I hate playing with a pick. I had two acrylic finger nails put on my picking hand to get the attack of the pick with the punch of the finger to avoid playing with a pick, and it worked really well on the last two Savatage recordings.
– What are you working on now?
Right now, I am working with Whiskey Stills and Mash out of Hiawasse, Georgia, when I am not touring with TSO. We are a power trio that is a regional band playing originals and covers in the North Atlanta /North Georgia area. We released a CD last year that did well, and we are working on another one now. I really love this band because it is back to where you started and everything is raw. With TSO, everything is perfect, and when you dig it out in the clubs and opening slots for national acts, nothing is perfect. The guys in the band are great players, and we really have a great time. Our new CD will be out around Nov. 1st.
– Tell us about your experience with Bergantino.
I was looking for a rig that I could use in my studio as well as to gig with that is easy to transport and loud enough to use in a live setting. I called my guys at Bass Central, and Bergantino was first on the list so I started my research. After hours of browsing the internet, I chose Bergantino, and I’m glad I did as this rig has everything I need. It works great as a studio rig and can handle volumes needed for live gigs.
– What settings do you use with the Bergantino Forté HP, and how do they benefit your tone?
My settings on my Forte’ HP vary depending on the guitar and the tone needed to fit the song/project I am playing. I am a big fan of the VRC compression and hi and low pass filters as well as the overdrive. I love the Bluetooth pedal option, and the stock firmware works great for me for what I am doing at this time. It sounds great in a live situation at a louder volumeas there is clarity and thump with no break up at volume, which is what I was looking for. I like the grit of the overdrive and the ease of using a Bluetooth connection from the pedal board to amp.
– You are also using the NXT112 and NXT 210, which we commonly refer to as the “322.” How does that setup compliment what you’re trying to project on stage?
I think the 322 is a very versatile rig as it gives you the option of running a small rig to a full-on rock and roll rig that is easy to transport. I have the option of running a 12″ speaker or two 10″ speakers or both! What more could a working bass player want? It works really well in a live rock band setting as every note seems to be audible and nothing is lost in the mix. I have had quite a few house engineers ask me about the rig as they were impressed with the tone out of the DI but not familiar with Bergantino. I have just scratched the surface with this gear and can’t wait to add different firmware and see where it goes.
Please share with us what you do with your off time.
As far as my time off the road goes, I am a fulltime beekeeper and own an apiary in the Smoky Mountains. I raise honey bees from my locally bred stock, and I catch wild honeybee swarms as well as sell honey, queen bees, etc., online and locally. I run about thirty hives, so it keeps me busy when I am not on tour, and I really love working honeybees as it is complicated and physically demanding, which is a lot like being a pro musician. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to be successful, and that is what life is all about.
Follow Johnny Lee Middleton:
https://www.facebook.com/johnnylee.middleton
https://www.facebook.com/savatage
Bass Central: https://basscentral.com/
Bergantino Artist Dan Veall
Dan Veall aka known as “DOOD” is a man with a myriad of talents- not only does he get the vote for the best hair but he is an artist with so many dimensions and a true blue bass geek! Dan is a UK based professional bass player, bass gear video reviewer, remote session artist and bassist for EON, Ostura and Iconic bands. One of Dan’s reviews was for the worldwide Guitar Interactive Magazine where he reviewed the Bergantino Audio Systems B|AMP and actually ended up purchasing the B|AMP.
Pro Bassist, Guitarist, Tutor, Media Project Leader, Workshops and Clinics, Magazine Columnist/Reviewer. International Recording Artist.
Location: England, UK
Bergantino Equipment Used: Super-Pre, B|Amp, HD112, CN212, HDN212
Associated Bands: Ostura: https://www.facebook.com/osturaband/ (Amadeus Awad’s) EON: https://www.facebook.com/amadeus.awad.official Iconic Party Band: https://www.facebook.com/iconicpartyband/
Website: http://www.danveall.com
Bergantino welcomes Kelly Clifton
Bass playing dynamo, Kelly Clifton of the band J.Graves, was nice enough to sit down with Holly and give some insight to her thoughts and approach of the instrument.
Hey Kelly, what have you been up to?
I am finishing up an LP with J. Graves. I have also been recording two EPs with The Cabin Project. When I am not playing music, I work as a luthier.
So, tell us where were you born and raised?
I was born in Miami, Florida, and was raised in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
What makes the bass so special to you particularly and how did you gravitate to it?
When I began playing saxophone in my teenage years, I was primarily trained in performing the middle and bass voicings of musical compositions. Later, in my 20s, when I began playing guitar with what became my first bandmate, Stephanie Strange of Strange and the Familiars, I found myself gravitating more towards the bass notes. I began fleshing out pieces of the songs with bass lines, which led me to purchase my first bass guitar.
Every person experiences music differently, and it can affect them in different ways. For me, part of what makes the bass so special is not just the sonic and cognitive experience, but also the physical resonance in my body. I find the vibration of bass is hypnotic, euphoric, and soothing. I like the subtle power bass has to create or change the entire context of a melody, and using that in collaborative songwriting is my greatest musical strength.
How did you learn to play?
I learned by jamming with other musicians. I started with just a few notes and then learned by emulating what other guitar players were doing on their low E and A strings. I really began to progress with bass when I joined a blues and rock cover band and started learning bass lines and styles ranging from James Jamerson to Dusty Hill. From there, I became involved with many musical groups that helped progress my playing, songwriting ability and understanding of my instrument. I enjoy self-learning and continue to expand my knowledge with online resources such as Scott’s Bass Lessons.
Are there any other instruments you play?
I can play piano, saxophone, traditional flutes, guitar, and baritone ukulele.
How has your playing evolved over the years and have you made changes from your start until now- can you describe the changes?
When I began with bass, I didn’t know the note names on the fretboard, and I played by ear as well as by patterns. Since then, I have familiarized myself with the fretboard and unlocked the ability to play what I think, and it has taken a lot of guesswork out of playing. If I feel the music, I can now very easily figure out how to play what I imagine in a way that is more precise and easily communicated with my fellow bandmates. I am now more adventurous, experimenting with how much sonic space I can fill, finding where chords are too much or just right, where less subtle or more lead lines can be brought forth, instead of timidly riding beneath the guitar lines.
Describe your playing style(s), tone, strengths and/or areas that can be improved on the bass.
I approach playing the bass with reverence and try my best to serve the song. I gravitate towards warmer and darker tones and almost exclusively play fingerstyle with flat or pressure wound strings. I am confident in styles like indie, folk, rock and blues, but I would like to be more proficient with metal, slap, funk and jazz improvisation as it is quite different from my current style.
Where do you see the instrument in 5, 10, or even 20 years from now?
As far as the bass instrument, I see bass manufacturers continuing to explore new sizes and materials. For example, Taylor came out with the GS mini bass in the mid-2010s; it was a bass that was so short-scale they had to develop a brand new bass string to accommodate the new string tension. I think it would be interesting to see more basses designed for different kinds of bodies. In a world moving towards more inclusivity, basses that suit more body types would make the bass more approachable by all. As far as materials for the instrument are concerned, there have been serious concerns around sustainability and supply chains. Forestry management and material sourcing abilities will dictate what is available. We’ll likely see more of a departure from using the coveted and traditional tonewoods, which can lead to innovation and unique workarounds in times of scarcity.
Who would you say out of four players that would make the cut as your influencer and why?
Tal Wilkenfeld, Victor Wooten, Paul Denman, and Flea.
When I first began listening to Tal Wilkenfeld, I was impressed with how she held her own with the likes of Jeff Beck and the Allman Brothers, but her solo album is uniquely and genuinely her.
I have appreciated Victor Wooten for some time because he never lost his musicality in the flashiness of his technique. He continually expands what I think is humanly possible on the bass.
Paul Denman may be my all-time favorite bassist. He is not flashy; he creates a mood with sparseness and rhythm. He is like the person who says very few words to you, but makes a bigger impact on your life than an entire book. Even though his technique impresses me, it’s his tone that grabs me the most.
What I like about Flea is while he can play a simple bass line, he can also create memorable counter-melodies. His ability to play hard rock and funk, as well as gorgeous chordal and melodic music, is impressive and inspiring.
Let us know what you are currently working on (studio, tour, side projects, etc.).
I work primarily with two bands. One is called J.Graves, who just finished up an LP titled Fortress of Fun. It was mixed by Sylvia Massy, and mastered by Amy Dragon, who are incredibly talented people we were stoked to work with. We also recently finished shooting six music videos, all with a related storyline, with a choose-your-own-adventure theme. They will be released sometime in 2022.
The other band I am working with is called The Cabin Project, and we are working on a double EP currently being recorded at the Map Room in Portland, Oregon. This EP features some of my most ambitious bass parts.
I work a day job at a violin shop. My career as a luthier began as an apprenticeship, and I have continued to work with masters of the trade who are currently teaching me more advanced violin repair techniques. I am also halfway through my first bass guitar build. The bass is a neck-through, 33” scale, maple neck and walnut body, Hipshot drop D tuning machine for the E string. Pickups/electronics are yet undecided.
How did you find Bergantino, and can you share your thoughts on our bass gear?
One night back in 2018, I went to a jam at a local blues club in Portland. It was hosted by Saxophonist Fenix Sanders and his band. I’d played with Fenix many times in my blues and rock cover band, but this was my first time meeting his bassist, Calen. When I hopped up on stage to play a song, Calen plugged me into his B|Amp and a Bergantino 410 Cab. I still remember playing the first few notes of Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do For Love.” That day was the start of my appreciation for Bergantino. In the eleven basses I have played, nothing made as much of a difference as playing through that amp.
The first thing I noticed with the Bergantino gear was the incredibly clear, effortless articulation. It felt like I got ten years better at the bass the moment I plugged in and played. Calen was a great bass player, but at that moment, I felt like I had discovered one of his secrets. In the times when I played with Fenix before, he’d often lean over to me in between songs and ask me to turn my mids up. Little did I know he was completely spoiled by the power and sound of the Berg amp he was used to hearing. At one point, I told him not to worry, that I’d get a Bergantino someday.
Tell us about your favorite basses.
I have owned eleven basses since I started playing in 2012, and both perform and record almost exclusively with my Fender Jazz bass. I find the neck profile of this bass more comfortable for my style. I also appreciate the tonal variety of this bass, I can make it sound beautiful, warm, and soft, and I can also make it growl. It works for all the styles I play.
My second favorite bass is my Aria Pro II Thor Sound bass. It is a 32” scale bass, and its string spacing is very tight, which allows me to more comfortably explore bass chords and stretches that are hard to reach on the jazz bass.
What else do you like to do besides playing bass?
I am a hobbyist knifemaker. I love hiking, particularly in the Columbia River Gorge, or anywhere in the mountains. I really enjoy practicing traditional archery. I also have a not-so-minor ongoing obsession with the show “Xena: Warrior Princess”.
What have you had more time to work on or explore since COVID?
At first I had a lot more downtime, which has helped me realize the importance of physical upkeep as a musician. I now better understand the necessity of balance in juggling my art, profession, and personal life in the less active time of COVID. I also have spent more time on my own with songwriting, which has been a good exploration in relying solely on myself for material.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
I am quite curious about electronics and why Bergantino amps and cabs work so well. I am friends with Howard Gee, the head designer of KittyCaster FX Pedals (formerly of Catalinbread), and have had the pleasure of picking his mind about how they designed some of their top-selling pedals. I enjoy learning more from engineers in the musical world, and would like the opportunity to glean more in-depth knowledge about Bergantino products. Knowing more about this would help me connect with other musicians who want to know more about how Bergantino could benefit their sound. I have a mind for the technical details as well as the art of music and would like to share my love for Bergantino in a knowledgeable way.
Follow Kelly:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/boxcar_lucy/
https://www.instagram.com/jgraves.xyz/
https://www.instagram.com/thecabinproject/
Web:
www.jgraves.xyz
Bergantino Player Joey Dammacco shares his story with us!
Okay Joey, right out of the gate, who do you think makes a better sauce and meatballs, you or Jim?
- Jim for sure… that’s because I don’t know how to make meatballs, but if I put him head to head with my Nana, he will most likely not come out on top of that one.
Where were you born and raised?
- Bellmore, Long Island, New York
What makes the bass so special to you particularly, and how did you gravitate to it?
- I didn’t start wanting to play bass. I most definitely failed at drums and guitar when I was a kid, but when I was 15, I chose bass and fell in love. My dad has been playing since I was a baby, and it’s always been around me in my life. Once I picked up my first bass and felt that low end, I knew there was no turning back. I was a bassist for life.
How did you learn to play?
- I took lessons for many years with a private instructor, Jon Middleman, who played in a band called Greyscale. Not only did he teach me how to play my instrument, but he also used to sneak me into venues that I wasn’t old enough to be in and taught me what it takes to work hard to actually BE a working musician. Field experience is where I really learned the ins and outs.
Are there any other instruments you play?
- I dabble with keys and guitar.
How has your playing evolved over the years? Can you describe the changes you have made from your start until now?
- When I first started, I wanted to be a very flashy player (solo, tap, slap style), and as I learned more and more, I realized I am so much more interested in playing in the pocket and keeping the foundation of the song intact. I love to keep that low end pumping so you always feel the bass.
Where do you see the instrument 5, 10, or even 20 years from now?
- I think bass has really evolved from when the electric bass first came on the scene. From active electronics, multiscale, fanned frets, extended range (5/6/7/8/9 string) and everything in between, its much different now. With the popularity of digital modeling, I can see pickups and preamps capable of digital modeling being introduced.
Who would you say are the four players who would make the cut as your influencers and why?
- Jon Middleman, my teacher. He influenced everything I know about my instruments and how I approach songs.
- John Dammacco, my father. When I was young and impressionable, we would take a day every time I would visit him to jam together and listen to music. It kept me interested and kept me learning.
- Justin Chancellor from Tool. It’s almost cliché to mention Justin, but what rock player wasn’t influenced by Justin Chancellor? I am a very effects-driven player, and Justin showed how you can use effects with bass and still remain musical. He shaped a lot about how I approach creating fills and melody.
- Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails. He is my favorite artist in the world. Trent taught me so much about songwriting, layering, creating tension in songs, engineering and everything between.
We know your band the Neon Skyline has a new single “Golden Heart” that just released on June 25. Can you tell us more about this?
- Yes! The Neon Skyline was a quarantine project that became so much more in such a short time. Randy (drums) Dan, and I (guitar) played together previously for about 7 years, and Golden Heart was the first thing we wrote on the first day we jammed in years. After the music was written, we brought in the IMMENSELY talented Julia Lambert to provide vocals for the project. She completed the vision we had for our band. I cannot wait for everyone to hear what we cooked up for this one!
- “Golden Heart” was written about Dan’s stepdaughter changing his life forever and how much brighter she made his life. It’s a sappy father/daughter track for sure, but lyrically, I think it will resonate with people much more than that. It’s a powerful story of unconditional love.
What are you currently working on (studio, tour, side projects, etc.)?
- Currently, The Neon Skyline is writing music for our debut EP.
- My other band, I Ignite, is starting pre-production on our next releases, followed by entering the studio and releasing our 4th
- Additionally, I am in the process of writing my first solo album, which will be electronic dance music that I will be writing, performing, producing and engineering.
We know you searched high and low for a Bergantino 610 and found one! How’d you find out about Bergantino, and can you share your thoughts on our bass gear?
- It’s a funny story. My friend Ryan, with whom I nerd out on gear all the time, had mentioned Bergantino about a million times. I had always stopped by the site and said, “Oh these are pretty cool,” and nothing more. When I was in the market to upgrade my cab, Ryan Mentioned the NV610T, and at this point, they were no longer made. So I spent about 12 months hunting one down and then impulse bought a Forte HP, sight unseen, because I was impatient. That was the greatest decision I’ve ever made on an amplifier. Eventually I found the 610T after scouring every Bergantino dealer on the website. It was New old stock, and I was A-OKAY with that! What a monstrous sounding cab! There are so many amps out there and so many that sound great. What’s important to me is when I plug in, I want my tone to inspire me. I want that permanent smile. I want that foundation. Bergantino checked every single box I had, and some I didn’t know I needed (see: HPF/LPF on the HP).
Tell us about your favorite bass or basses.
- I have been a Musicman artist for years, but Just recently acquired my two favorite basses I own. My #1 go to is my Musicman Stringray 5 Special HH with an ebony fretboard, stealth black hardware and a custom neon pink finish.
- My #2 is a mid-2010s Musicman Reflex 5 HSS with a maple neck and pacific blueburst finish. Something about the 2x jazz and 1x hum configuration just gives me any sound I could want.
What else do you like to do besides playing bass?
- I love to produce electronic music, spend time with my French Bulldog Oliver, watch TV with my wife, and I am a big gamer. I know I am very boring.
During the down time with COVID-19, what did you work on, and are you now out and playing again?
- Quarantine was a great time for music honestly. I did some YouTube covers with some friends and wrote a ton of new music. It was an awful time for humanity, but I was thankful to be fortunate enough to have an outlet to pass time and be constructive.
- We are not playing shows just yet, but as the world heals and opens back up, we will be right back in the grind again!
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
- Aren’t you sick of hearing me yet? Please make sure to check out my band, The Neon Skyline’s debut single “Golden Heart” available on all streaming platforms on June 25, 2021!
Joey’s social links:
- instagram.com/theneonskyline
- facebook.com/theneonskylineband
- instagram.com/iignitemusic
- facebook.com/IIgnite1
- facebook.com/groups/iignitefanpage
- facebook.com/joeynonemusic
- instagram.com/joeynone
Bergantino Artist Christopher Harold Wells
Bergantino Audio Systems would like to welcome Christopher Harold Wells to our artist roster. We first met Christopher at NAMM 2020. With a larger than life personality, smile and penchant for hats! Christopher is a multi-talented musician who’s been busy with the release of his new album with his band, The Neverlutionaries. Welcome Christopher!
Christopher, what have you been up to these days?
I’ve been preparing for the release of my new album that will be coming out on Polychromatic Records in February and trying not to lose my mind during the pandemic and recent social unrest. What better time to create new material!
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Philadelphia. We moved to Virginia after that and then Raleigh, NC when I was a teen. Before the pandemic, I was dividing my time between San Francisco and Nashville. I can’t wait to get back out west when the virus is under control and travel restrictions relax.
What makes the bass so special to you and how did you gravitate to it?
After hearing the Rush song, “Freewill”, there was something about the low end and Geddy Lee’s aggressive riffing that really spoke to me. Soon after, I found myself always picking out the bass lines on songs. After that, I really got into playing bass and knew that it was to be a big part of my calling.
How did you learn to play?
I learned how to play, listening and mimicking my favorite records…everything from Zeppelin, to Cream, to the soul sounds of Philadelphia that I was raised on. Bass guitar is the essential anchor for all music. Without the bass, the music would not translate the same way.
Are there any other instruments you play?
I play guitar, a bit of piano and I sing as well but bass will always be my first love!
How has your playing evolved over the years and have you made changes?
My playing has evolved over the years as I have gained more musical knowledge and was exposed to different types of music and experiences. At first, I was influenced by a lot of pop and soul, then as I got older, I got into jazz, hard rock and metal. I try to keep a very open mind when it comes to listening to new music so I can constantly increase the range of my palette.
Describe your playing style(s), tone, strengths and/or areas that can be improved on the bass.
I have a subtly aggressive style. I started out playing with my fingers like my heroes Geddy Lee, Steve Harris and Jack Bruce. When I got into recording later in my career, I started using a pick for some recordings as it made my parts meld with the rhythm better. As far as tone goes, mine is between Geddy Lee and John Paul Jones. As a musician, I will always be open to growing and evolving as more influences get introduced over time.
Who would you say, out of four players, that would make the cut as your influencers and why?
I adore the unbridled funk style of Bootsy Collins! He is so darn funky that you can’t help but groove to it. Verdine White is so melodic and free that it’s just plain thrilling to hear! John Paul Jones is another huge influence.
He brings versatility to the game. Led Zeppelin played many genres but his sound translated perfectly to whatever type of song he was playing. Last but not least, the late, great Mike Starr had a wonderful style that pushed AIC songs along like a locomotive. That Spector sound is amazing and sits in the mix so well. If I had to choose just one, John Paul Jones is the end all/be all for me.
Can you share with us a little bit about your band The Neverlutionaries and your new release, Ariana?
The Neverlutionaries is my way of celebrating all of the genres that have made me musically who I am today. I have ballads, gritty rockers and tunes in between. I liken it to life. There are easy days, hard days and days in between. I really wanted to convey this while I was recording the record and I hope that we succeeded. “Ariana” is one of my favorites from the record. It’s like a little trip to a beautiful place. I love the bass tone that I got on it and I am pleased about how the listening public has embraced it thus far! It’s a cool little, vibey love song that almost anyone can get into…my humble opinion, of course.
What meaning does the name “Neverlutionaries”?
Essentially no revolution will ever be again. I was having a conversation with gifted guitarist, Johnny Axtell, who plays on a couple of tunes on the record and that word popped up. I was looking to name the band something cool and boom, there it was and here we are!
What was it that inspired the song “Ariana”?
“Ariana” is about a love that I’ve searched for for my whole life, that up until now, wasn’t ready to receive. The song is essentially a call to the universe like, “I’m ready for you if you’re ready for me.”
Your new album released February 12th, can you share some of the details?
The self-titled debut album comes out on Polychromatic Records, based in Nashville. It has different vibes and genres represented but it sounds like me as I love all of the different elements on it. Some folks may not dig every song but there’s one or two that should grab you no matter what type of music you are into. It’s my life’s soundtrack.
Let us know what you are currently working on (studio, tour, side projects, etc.).
I am focused on doing press for the record and beginning to write the follow up. When it is safe to tour, I want to rock the whole planet. It seems that I’m always working on getting a cool new sound or something. I’m a studio rat for sure!
How’d you find Bergantino and can you share your thoughts on our bass gear?
I was at NAMM 2020 with a couple of buddies and we were walking through the huge floor. Ironically, I was mentioning to my friend how I didn’t want to be one of those guys that plugs in at every booth and just turns up really loud and starts being obnoxious! Ironically, within twenty or so steps, I heard someone playing one of Bergantino’s amps, my buddy, who was with me who has been a friend of mine since we were teens, looked at me at the same time we said, “It’s the sound!” Essentially, I told him of a sound that was my dream sound eons ago. Bergantino amplifiers were the closest thing I’ve heard to the sound that I dreamt of and heard in my head. In my opinion, as I have played most of the amps and gear out there, Bergantino amps just have an articulation of the notes that second to none it sounds like your fingers amplified allowing each player to sound like them not like certain amps that are made in no matter who’s playing through it, it sounds the same. Being introduced to Bergantino Audio Systems and their amazing amps has been a game-changer for me.
Tell us about your favorite basses.
I am currently waiting for a Mercury Fender Jazz bass II to become available from my bass retailer . I have always been a sucker for a Spector bass and tracked a couple of songs on the record with one. They are so wonderful sounding and the midrange cuts through any mix so nicely.
What else do you like to do besides playing bass?
I really love to cook as I find that cooking and creating music are very similar. It’s all about timing, the right ingredients, and knowing when it’s done.Since the pandemic, I’ve been smoking briskets and pork shoulders. I’m not an expert yet, but I’m getting close to a really great product.
What have you had more time to work on or explore since the pandemic?
My spirit. I have dug deep with all of this time on my hands and brought to the forefront a few things that I safely stored away in my subconscious. The process was not easy at all but dealing with things and getting through them has made me a lot happier, appreciative and patient, which is something I’ve needed to focus on for a while now.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Yes there is! Thank you all for creating such wonderful products. Discovering Bergantino’s sonic offerings was the highlight of NAMM 2020 for me!
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