Planet Bass – The Ricky Byrum Interview October 2004

What inspired you to first pick up a bass and what were your first attempts at playing it like?

I really love music, and I was too heavy handed at guitar at the time. Since musicians are scarce, now I sing and play 99% of all the instruments.

Who were your early influences and what did you learn from them?

Kiss; Van Halen, Motley Crue, Elvis, R&B, Motown, funk, I like Pantera allot also. Chilli Peppers. Zakk Wylde/ Randy Roads. I learned to be open to allot styles and arrangements. Music back then was a lot fun and I think singing and melodies were sometimes better as a whole. Guitarists RULED! Billy Sheehan; Flee, Geddy all those guys.

Did you take lessons or are you self-taught?

In the early days no, but eventually I did. I had songs on the radio before I knew what chords I was using. I still sit w/ books periodically as I have poor memory. LOL

What's the most important bit of advice you were given by another musician?

Keep it simple, slow down and play it correctly and smooth. I tend now to go for the gut and the heart verses speed. Of course getting the chance to play a guitar solo is like a truck driver getting a chance at a funny car! But a slamming bass track moves mountains and is the fundamental ingredient for a killer song period!

What's the most important bit of advice you could give to new bassists?

See above, it still remains true.

Do you play 4, 5 or 6 string basses mainly? Fretted or unfretted?

4 strings I find it still viable at this time. I do however prefer extended frets as I like to move around allot. Unfretted, not yet but I'd like to get into that more especially in the studio.

How would you define your style of playing?

All over the place. It depends on the song and my mood. I do plan to get back more into writing my songs on bass first then write the guitars and vocals. In previous bands, I wrote the song out and gave it to the guys. It made for a really full rhythm section. I like most solid players in an array of musical styles.

Tell us a little about the artists and bands you have worked with, and how/if you adapted to playing with each of them?

Apex was my cutting board. Young eager and we had a great guitarist full of knowledge and theory. Made radio; papers etc, big following. Good rock with diversity. Gangway studio band, radio east west coasts. Began slapping. Commercial rock real slick. But with a dark tone. Great singer. Likely Split - live band publishing opportunity. Killer and fun. Blues Rock.

Time Doesn't Wait project is a solo effort international attention. Diverse songs allot of business experience.

Full Circle - my greatest uncompleted EP. My first attempt and recording some guitars seriously. Now I wish I had the masters now that I am singing. The music still is strong.

Second Chance- a group of 5 old songs that received enough attention to garner me to record again in 2002-2003I did my first lead vocal on a song from Full Circle project.

Clarity- a group of songs that I wrote and recorded other than the keys on Soul Mates. These songs are dedicated to my family and my beliefs. Many have been published as poetry in international organizations. I am getting reviews from labels and radio etc. I also have international internet radio playing them now

New recordings; I have two new songs on my web page site they are leading to a heavier direction yet have a simple solid approach. I have received great reviews from professionals. I recorded them with Rob Blankenship. (drummer / engineer). A really nice guy. We get together and fire up the tape and roll. I back it up play another instrument until it's time to sing. We do it pretty quickly until mixing. I am more excited about the songs to come. I write a ton!

Of the artists and bands you've played with who was the most inspirational and why?

That's hard to say. All of them. It made me who I am today. You know so many times we knocked at the door of success. Meaning by financial means. And somebody had a different outlook or was at another place in life and my dream passed by. I sacrificed most everything to do music. I remember back in the day, Bon Jovi heard a nasty home demo of ours. And loved my playing. Wanted me to go to Jersey. But my wife at the time was about to have a baby. So I delayed. A very hard decision. But let me tell you, no one will love you and be there like family. You have one shot at being a dad, mom, etc.

Do you warm up before a concert and if so how?

Yes, and to all those great singers, any advice on this? I play and tune. Play hard and tune. Runs scales etc. This becomes interesting for outside shows. I tell you keeping your instrument in good shape and climate controlled is key. I wonder what people do for travelling overseas in severe weather changes?? A good tech is a simply wonderful.

Do you have any other last minute rituals or habits before a concert?

Try to enjoy myself and be glad I am there you know? Settle down and relax. Stretch last minute look over etc. Make sure my fly is zipped.

What do you drink onstage?

Water/ tea etc

Have you ever played while drunk or under the influence of drugs?

Yeah / drink

What's the biggest disaster you've ever had onstage, and how did you cope with it?

See above :-)

Equipment failures of huge magnitude! Someone getting hit in the head with the guitar. Being really ill.

What's the biggest disaster you've ever had in the studio, and how did you cope with it?

Some one not showing pr someone couldn't pull it off,

This year I had a guitar issue, and I was 60 miles from home. I tried to use someone else’. Eventually, I scrapped the whole thing and bought another guitar.

What's been your proudest playing moment?

You know songs are very close to a writer. I really like Clarity and the new songs because I do most of the parts. But I enjoy them all and the process. It’s still a thrill to me.

What's been the most fun playing moment, and why?

All of them. Now with my kids as well. Passing the torch you know. Playing the first Peanut Festival where they audience nearly flipped the stage!

What's been the least fun playing moment, and why?

Poor weather shows, something like that.

What equipment do you use live and in the studio and why?

Live I use a 15" EV bottom, 4x 10 Hartke cab, Crate solid-state head with EQ line out. It really has a superb sound! I was surprised. (I traded in some rack-mounted equipment) I use a crybaby wah, a distortion pedal, I like chorus sometimes as well. Guitars, I used a Rickenbacker most of my life. This year dropping D, I bought an Ibanez active bass. I am in love! Never played a Rick I like as well as mine or the Ibanez. Weird I know. They both have the blonde wood staining. I wish the Rickenbacker had a longer neck though. But my tone is so low and heavy yet clear.

Studio I usually use a line into the board and mix my sound at the end. I want to try my gear as soon as I have more time.

Are you fairly flexible about the equipment you use or must you always play with the same gear?

I like my gear but I have used others. I wanted to do a 10-day tour of Ireland last year and that was part of the deal I am sure. So you do the best you can you know?

What one piece of equipment would you advise all bass players to own?

A smoking bass that suits and fits you well. Without it, you won't be comfortable and won't grow into your own ability.

Do you read music?

I have. I don't well at this time. Should I, absolutely. I should be growing more.

Do you play any other instruments, and how well?

As I said earlier I play most everything now and sing.

Do you write or co-write songs and if so do you write on the bass?

I plan to write more bass parts first. It grooves the song more every time.

Do you ever play cover versions, and if so how do you learn the originals note for note or do you improvise you own parts?

I have in the past. Forgot everyone I ever learned. It’s never been a priority. I think it's helpful to learn how and why songs work though. But I don't have that devotion. I am very into the creative process. But I wish I were more flexible as far as that goes.

Do you sing? Do you feel it is important?

Yes, as of now very! I do the vocals and I intend on working more and more on that.

If you could nominate one song that you've recorded to sum up your playing style and feel which one would it be? (You can add a link to an MP3 here if you like)

Man that's like picking a child! :) It's hard to say you know. I have grown as a person in so many ways faith, family and as a person generally. (though I am still a knuckle head and human). I think my playing has stayed solid. My ability to play other parts is becoming a factor so... I guess I’d let you as an audience decide.

What have you been doing recently?

Shopping labels, writing. Working taking care of my family the best I can. We have 3 of 4 kids w/ special needs. I am remarried last April. So it's hard work for us but we're holding on together. I want to be a better daddy, I want to be a better husband, and I want to be a better man. I write the things I feel regardless. Sometimes it's heavy; sometimes is gentle. All the time it's what I feel. And in doing so I hope it touches someone. I give a portion of what I do to the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters. So to all you out there don't forget the kids and give a little hope to them however and when ever you can.

Do you have a personal or band website? Or would you like to recommend any other useful websites?

Yeah I do. It’s www.rickybyrum.com I have a couple other sites you can find from that one as well. Hey I have a few banners on my site that are cool. I also recommend guitar player and Bill Lonero's site. www.billlonero.com.