Life as a Touring Bassist with Eric England
Love Music More · hosted by Luke F. Walton (Scoobert Doobert)
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Topics discussed
Host note
In this episode of Love Music More, we welcome Eric England, a distinguished bassist known for his collaborations with heavyweight artists like Rihanna and Jon Secada. Eric kicks off the conversation by sharing his journey from Miami to Los Angeles, detailing how he navigated the creative landscape of each city and built a thriving music career. This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of being a touring musician, the strategies for establishing connections in a new scene, and the importance of community in the music industry.
We also delve into Eric's insights on growth as a musician during and after the pandemic. He reflects on the unique challenges and opportunities that emerged during this time, highlighting the resilience required to return to performing live.
Selected moments
- Eric's journey to LA 1:42 Eric discusses how he moved to Los Angeles with no specific plan but to expand his opportunities.
- The importance of word of mouth 3:16 He reflects on how networking through friends led to early gigs and opportunities.
- Influence of music communities 4:43 Eric highlights the significance of gathering spots for musicians, comparing LA and Miami.
- Starting on bass via unusual avenues 7:30 He shares his unconventional path to playing bass, starting from playing tuba parts in school.
- Articulation in performance 10:05 Eric discusses how articulation on bass is vital, focusing on clarity and intention.
- Playing alongside records 12:59 He emphasizes the value of playing along with records for developing musical skills.
- Navigating artist collaborations 19:25 Eric explains the transition from jazz to pop and how understanding different backgrounds shapes collaboration.
- The importance of a good tour manager 28:54 He shares insights on the critical role of tour managers in the touring experience.
- Choosing the right gigs 31:37 He talks about the decision-making process behind selecting tours or studio work.
- Networking through music school 34:22 Eric reflects on how his music education helped him build invaluable connections.
Selected excerpts
I finally made a decision to get out of Miami. Miami is a great place, but I felt like there was a ceiling to my opportunity there.
If you can play and you're a good hang, there's opportunity for sure.
There are those centers... the watering hole that we all kind of gather at.
It's extremely important to be very clear and articulate on bass. You want to know where you're at all the time.
It’s always better if you have that chemistry with the people you’re playing with.
FAQ
What was Eric England's journey to becoming a bassist?
Eric England shares how he transitioned from Miami to Los Angeles and how networking helped him establish a successful career in music.
What advice does Eric provide for musicians navigating the post-pandemic landscape?
He emphasizes the importance of community and adaptability as musicians return to the stage after pandemic challenges.
How important is a music school network for a career in music?
Eric highlights that the network gained from music school is priceless, providing crucial connections that can benefit your career.
Curated notes only — no public transcript. Listen on the links above.