Jennifer: When did you first start playing bass? What made you choose bass guitar?
Alexander: I started at about 16 years old. After seeing a backyard blues-rock band at a birthday party, I was instantly hooked. The bass player started doing a blues solo which caught my attention. I remember pestering the hell out of my mom for a bass. Come Christmas time that same year, I had a choice for either a new dirt bike, because I had ridden motocross at the time, or a bass rig and I ultimately chose the bass. I can honestly say that I grew a passion for music overnight.
Jennifer: How many guitars do you own? Which one is your most precious and why?
Alexander: As of now, I own six basses. I had nine at one point but I had a bad experience with the company I got two of them from so I decided to do away with them all together. The other one, well…, was stolen. My most precious bass would have to be my 8-string bass. I have been able to create some very unique music with that instrument.
Jennifer: Give us a rundown in your gear. Which piece of gear would they have to pry from your hands?
Alexander: Hmm, that’s an interesting question. If anyone were to take any of my gear, aside from them suffering severe bodily injury, it would take great force to pry my Bc Rich Warlock Bass from my hands.
A quick rundown on my rig for you:
Bc Rich Warlock Revenge Bass 4-string
ESP b-208 8string
ESP b-55 5 string
Schecter c-4xxx 4-string (no longer made)
Ibanez GSR 200 4-string (very first bass I ever owned)
Peavey Scorpio bass 4-string (David Ellefson Signature)
1200 watt bass head (I will not acknowledge the manufacturer)
Hartke X-Series Cabs
Dunlop/MXR Pedals (endorsed)
ISP technologies (endorsed)
InTune guitar picks (endorsed)
Pedaltrain pedalboards (endorsed)
Guitar hands hand care (endorsed)
VIP energy drink (endorsed)
Snapjack cables (endorsed)
Rack gear:
Boss de-200 digital delay system (no longer made)
Lexicon mx300 reverb system
Jennifer: Who are some of your musical influences? What are some of your favorite techniques from your influences?
Alexander: Some of my influences not only include bassists but guitarists and drummers. The reason I say drummers is for different time signatures.
For bass players that have influenced me in the way of technique:
Alessandro Paveri-Gemini Syndrome
John Outcalt from God Forbid
JD Deservio- Black Label Society
Jaco
Charles Mingus
Cliff Williams – AC/DC
Cliff Burton -Metallica
Gene Simmons -Kiss
Robert Trujillo -Metallica/Suicidal Tendencies
Geezer Butler -Black Sabbath
Lemmy – Motörhead
Etc.
Guitar players would be:
Tracy G, Dio (93-99) this influence is pretty much single handedly responsible for the type of music that I do. This guy has been a tremendous influence on me.
Esteban, phenomenal instrumentalist. He has played a vital role in my playing when it comes to playing instrumental music. His classical technique is truly unparalleled. In some upcoming material, I will be incorporating some of his fingering techniques that he teaches but I will be applying them to bass
Ronny North is another amazing instrumental rock guitarist. He definitely brings a new meaning to instrumental music. It was amazing for me because not only has Ronny been an influence on my playing for a long time but I got to jam with him at a product demo he was doing at NAMM earlier this year. I was quite excited. Definitely a highlight for me!! A friendship was formed from that as well.
Drummers (for timing):
Brian Steele Medina -Gemini Syndrome
Bill Ard -Black Sabbath
Corey Pierce -God Forbid
Peter Criss -Kiss
Gene Hoglan -Fear Factory
Phill Rudd -AC/DC
Jennifer: Do you play using music theory or do you play by ear? Or both? Have you had any schooling and/ or lessons?
Alexander: I do use both, but I primarily play from the heart, with emotion and mix theory into it. You can’t be taught how to play that way. You have to feel the music. I think when you master playing from the heart, with feeling and emotion, it is then you have mastered your instrument. What good is an instrument if you only play with technique ? Not worth it. All you get is musical tones. As far as schooling or anything I have only had two lessons in my entire life and career. I mainly learn from watching other bass players around me
Jennifer: Do you play any other instruments besides guitar? What activities do you enjoy when your not making music?
Alexander: Bass is really the only instrument that I play. When I’m on my down time I enjoy reading, watching movies, sports, shooting, martial arts training.. things like that. I like to stay active. Life is more fun when you are out and about and not sitting on your butt watching life pass you by.
Jennifer: If I was to turn on your Ipod, what would be the first five artists or songs I would hear?
Alexander: Hmm!! You would find GOD FORBID, KISS, DIO, BLACK SABBATH, and MOTÖRHEAD
Jennifer: What genres of music lurk inside your closet as the ones you love to play?
Alexander: Metal, being energetic, dirty tones…slamming drum beats.. Rock, good solid riffs and blues !!! The foundation of all music..jazz.. Well that’s easy. It also holds a secret that nobody really knows about me and that being is I am originally a jazz/blues bassist. My instructor, Art Moscoso, was a jazz bassist. Actually, Moscoso was a fretless bassist. I guess you could say that I sort of evolved into the Rock/Metal style.
Jennifer: Who in the music industry can vouch for your ability? Tell us about what it was like working with Tracy G, Ronnie James Dio’s guitarist? Who else have you worked with or collaborated with?
Alexander: There are quite a few but mainly Tracy G. Working with Tracy G over the years has been amazing. I have learned many different things such as tricks, sounds, production and a little engineering. One of my favorite things about working with Tracy is that when I come up with a riff or two on the bass within a couple hours time we have a full song that will crack ya right in the head. One of the high points with him was doing an instrumental tribute to Ronnie Dio entitled, “THIS IS YOUR LIFE PT 2“, which showcases the 8 string bass, as well.
Jennifer: Have you won any awards and /or special titles? Which one are you the most proud of?
Alexander: The only award or reward that I have won is satisfaction…and that is in bringing music to those around me. I’m not attracted to the music by the glitz, glamour, money, trophies or what have you. The only title I hold is “Musician” and I am proud of it.
Jennifer: Career wise, what do you think it was that got you to where you are today and what advice would you give younger bassists trying to make it?(are their courses, classes, schooling or techniques you recommend)
Alexander: Passion, desire and patience. Follow your heart and stick to your guns. There are some great instruction materials out there but find yourself a good, trustworthy instructor. But if you want to follow what I did, listen to and watch the bass of the bands you like and get a basic bass note/chord chart. Find the tabs to whatever song you want (they will have the notes on there) and rock out !!
Jennifer: What style of playing gives you the most pleasure and how has your style of playing changed over the years?
Alexander: The most pleasure ? Hmm….I enjoy a good metal tune with a good hard crunching riff that cracks ya right in the chest. My style of playing is constantly changing because of the different bands I listen to.
Jennifer: What current projects are you working on? Tell us about your CD “In The Key Of G“. Are you planning on touring soon?
Alexander: Well , “Key Of G” is the primary project that I’m doing right now. It’s a mix of stuff ranging from soft and smooth to full on metal instrumentals. I’m excited about the new tracks that I’ll be throwing down soon
Jennifer: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Alexander: Be sure to follow me on twitter at @alexander_gbass
Find me on Facebook at
Http://www.facebook.com/officialgbassmusic
YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/officialgmusic
Be ready for new tunes pics and updates all coming soon. I want to thank ISP technologies. InTune guitar pics. Dunlop/MXR guitar hands hand care and the other companies for allowing me to use and promote their product. Also, the friends that I’ve made through my musical journey including Corey Pierce from God Forbid, Tracy G from Dio. Without all of you I wouldn’t be doing the music that I do. Also, Ronny North for being an influence and friend and Esteban, I’ve learned how to go from Bach to rock on the bass. Thank you brother.
By Jennifer Stoker (@The_MusicMuse)
