Words: Henry Yanney
Featuring singers, songwriters and choirs seem to be the norm of many music outlets. But in certain genres of music, some of the more outstanding performers are rather low key; whether it’s the backing band, saxophonist or guitarist. One of the more unheralded performers is the bass player. Whilst Marcus Miller may be one of the most revered bass players of this generation, one young newcomer hopes that his mellow compositions will become familiar to a wider audience rather than those with a trained ear. STREETBRAND Magazine recently caught up with Elliot Mitchell, an aspiring bass player from south east
SB: When did you first become a bass guitar player and what was your motivation for doing so?
EM: I first started playing bass guitar in 2003. I had always wanted to try playing bass. When I was seven I learnt to play an acoustic guitar but I had always been interested in bass and didn't know where to begin. My mother had always thought I had an ear for bass as I would hum bass riffs to songs without actually realising it. My guitar teacher at secondary school offered to teach me Bass too. So I took the opportunity and on that same Christmas my parents got me my first bass.
SB: How would you describe your sound as bass guitar has often been interpreted and performed in many different ways?
EM: My playing style is mainly focused on Gospel, but as you know that bass branches out into a number of different musical genres. I say this because I don't think I have a fixed style that I can identify with, and because I play by ear, I adjust my playing style to suit the song. I like to be adaptable and I practice improving that.
SB: What enjoyment or satisfaction do you get from performing the bass guitar?
EM: Playing the bass guitar helps me relax, but especially, when I am playing Christian music, I am happy to be giving glory to God to the best of my ability using my gift. And I learn new things as I play, through me and the other musicians. The feel of the music when you are playing is what makes it all worth it.
SB: How often do you perform and what has been your favourite performance so far?
EM: Nowadays I would say I get to perform once every couple of months, as studying at college means I am very busy. My favourite performance so far was the Fly By Night concert we did last winter. The set up was probably the best we had received in a long time and we had a good section put together with Gavin and Arran Powell, Aaron Forbes, Marcus Anti (my drummer) and myself.
SB: Who are some of your musical influences?
EM: Starting out, I listened to quite a few Fred Hammond CD's like Radical for Christ, even before I learned to play bass. Now I have more influences, namely from specific bass players and their styles which I try to learn techniques to expand my skills. My favourites are Marcus Phillips, Sharay Reed, Thaddeus Tribbet and Michael Hamilton. I also have been influenced by the advice and support of my cousin Norbert Sloley who is a professional bassist of many years and my mum, who plays the organ.
SB: What advice would you give to someone who have recently started to play the bass guitar?
EM: I would say make sure you listen and learn. Listening is a key thing especially for those who play by ear. Sometimes you can learn so much from just listening to songs. Check out bass players who are skilled in your preferred style. Listen to what they do, watch how they do it. If you are more theoretical, you can get tabs for songs or sheet music. I personally like to snip little things from everything I hear even on other instruments. Sometimes even saxophone solos give me ideas for bass techniques. As a Christian I also encourage that you put God first and you will go far.
SB: What do you hope to achieve in future?
EM: In the future I would like go far with my music, working with more musicians and bands, especially in gospel music. I would also like to expand my skills on other instruments. Someday I want to teach others how to become better at what they do too. Until then, I will never stop learning.
Check out Elliot’s collection of bass riffs, songs and performances at www.myspace.com/elliotmitchell
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