Biscuit, Juice and Salt Bae

One thing I never realized about being a freelance and opening yourself up to various bands, is that it can wear one thin. Everyone expects you to give your highly devoted time to them, and as a good musician, you should. On top of that, making time for your own individual rehearsals is such a hustle, taking into consideration that I'm also an aspiring entrepreneur. Tiring as it may get, I still wouldn't trade it for anything. My ideal destination in my career life is one where I work numerous hours, tirelessly, at something I enjoy, with constant travels in between. I already have a room waiting for me in a hotel in Hong Kong for when that time comes. 😊 #lawofattractiontingz

Amidst this hectic week of early morning rehearsals and performances with various bands, I had an epiphany: the bass drum makes the bassline. During one of the rehearsals, our theme for the week was reggae. This band also thoroughly enjoys bass and drums solos so much that it's reached a point where we almost have no point for the keyboardist and lead guitarist, because almost half of the time the music consists of Mr New Drummer and myself. For reggae music though, I would understand their bass and drums obsession, because generally speaking that's what drives the mood of the music.

Theoretically speaking, reggae basslines are not complex. It usually consists of the root and fifth of the chord you're playing, maybe add a third, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, throw in a couple of unnecessary passing notes with #saltbae swag. Oh, and groove.

Simple as it may be, the guitarist and the keyboardist don't quite have as much work on reggae grooves, which gives the bassist room to be heard. With this room to be heard, why do people, including myself, go absolutely crazy for the simple basslines? In my opinion, it's like getting excited because an ordinary individual counted upto ten. The answer finally came to me the other day. It is because of the presence of the bass drum. Something about this presence gives the bassline life, especially when used properly. Had the bassline stood alone, it probably wouldn't be having the same effect. Sauti Sol and Dela's song "Mama Papa", which has some reggae feel to it, is one perfect example. The bassline consists of almost nothing but roots and fifths, but it is such a powerful and enjoyable bassline, and the reason I fell in love with and married the song. The reason that bassline stands out so well is simply because of its strategic location with the perfectly timed presence of le bass drum. They fall so perfectly together that it's almost as if the bassist and drummer were the same person. It's like biscuit and juice.