JMJ Introduction
FlyGuitars Why did you start playing bass and at what age?
Justin Meldal-Johnsen (JMJ) Because a friend of my parents gave me some crazy Japanese Jazz Bass copy when I was twelve, and I wanted to play along with MTV. Boo yah.
FlyGuitars Any formal training?
JMJ I had, on and off for a year, some great lessons with The Faunt School here in LA right after high school. It's unique in that they are private lessons that are actually based on an expansive curriculum. Lots of emphasis on ear and rhythm training.
FlyGuitars What are your favorite bass players or your bass influences?
JMJ Peter Hook, Tony Levin, Robbie Shakespeare, Tina Weymouth, Bootsy, Graham Lewis, Paul McCartney, Chuck Rainey, Joe Osborn, James Jamerson, David J, Jah Wobble.
FlyGuitars When did you decide play bass as a profession?
JMJ I think I always did. It was into that right when I got my bass. I'm so happy, even now, to realize that I do this for a living. It's like a constant realization. I just love playing.
FlyGuitars You seem to get a lot of work, what is it you bring to the table as a bass player?
JMJ A great listening skill, a positive outlook, good taste, and desirable tones. That seems to be the combo.
FlyGuitars Do you do any production work?
JMJ Yes indeed. Just co-produced a Ken Andrews (ex-Failure) solo album (Secrets of the Lost Satellite), Holly Palmer, Reeve Carney, Ima Robot, various things. I'm liking producing, but I can't stop playing bass, and I don't see how I ever could.
FlyGuitars It seems that a lot of bass players make great producers, why do you think that is?
JMJ Because the bassist, more than any other role in the band landscape, listens to the interrelationships between all things. That sets his ears on constant alert, if you will. I find that in order to bridge harmony and rhythm, I have to have, in my periphery, a bird's eye view of what everyone else is doing. Same for production, obviously.
FlyGuitars Do you find producers today, favor a passive tone?
JMJ Unequivocally. I can't bring in an active bass, and the only one I have anyway (besides an RD, which doesn't really count, in my book) is a Wal, and that is a very unique voice, thankfully.
FlyGuitars Ima Robot really remind me of the band Sparks, fun music! Are you still working/playing with them?
JMJ Thanks. That's a big influence for me. No; the boys are out on their own. I liken myself to being their benevolent uncle, though.
FlyGuitars Do you do any singing?
JMJ Yup. I'm always doing backgrounds.
FlyGuitars What work did you do with Gnarls Barkley?
JMJ I was hired to be their bassist and music director, which is what I do for Beck. Unfortunately, I could only do two shows (their first two ever), and then it was over. I acted remotely as their music director, however. Even now, I'll help them if they need anything.
FlyGuitars Were you one of the Storm Troopers on the Grammy Awards show a year or so back with Gnarls Barkley, playing the Les Paul Standard?
JMJ No sir. That was my excellent replacement, my friend Cedric from Remy Zero
FlyGuitars Do you ever plan on having your own band or do you just enjoy working/producing other people's projects?
JMJ Always. That was the point of Ima Robot. I like bands. I'll probably do another.
Thanks to John (Redbird) Fertig and Justin Meldal-Johnsen for another great interview
Why not check out some of these links
Justin Meldal-Johnsen homepage
Ima Robot homepage
Beck homepage
and don't forget the other FlyGuitar interviews
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