An Interview with Dean Barbour

by Martin Simpson

Dean has been on our contacts list for a while and I thought it was about time he was interviewed for the site. Dean agreed to the interview and this is what he told me in May 2007. 

How long have you been playing Dean? 

Must Be About 7 years playing Bass 

How did you get started? 

Well I started Playing Guitar about 11 years ago, before I started playing Bass. Funny story actually -  I was playing guitar for a youth band, but the bass player didn’t turn up for the one practice, so a bass guitar was put into my hands, and from there, the bass bug had bitten me, and now I play bass more than anything and love it. So in a sense Bass found me.   

Do you come from a musical family? 

Nope, I’m the only one. 

What’s your favourite band / solo artist? 

Well I would say my all time favourite band has been the Beatles and as far as bass goes the late Bass monster Cliff Burton, but my music taste has been changing lately, more softer sounds  -  I’m probably getting older and chilling out a bit more  …….. Hee hee.

What are the amps and instruments you currently use? 

I used to have a Beatles Bass, but currently, I use an Ibanez Soundgear 5 string and a Marshall 150W bass amp. 

What instruments would you like to have if money were no object? 

I’d Probably look at a Warick, but I am really keen to get hold of one of them new electric stand up basses, how awesome are they!?! The sound is a amazing …….. :o) 

What about the extended range basses – 6, 7, 8 strings and more? 

Hey, I wouldn’t mind giving ‘em a try …….. sure it would be brilliant 

What have you been doing for the last five years or so? 

Well I’ve been doing Freelance Photography, but for the last year or so, I’ve been doing 3D Animation.

 Music wise, I’ve been playing with different bands, doing Bass and Vocals and that. 

What recordings that you’ve played on would you recommend for listening? 

Well I’ve recorded material with these bands, but none of it’s been released so I can’t really recommend it ……. Hee hee. 

No solo album in the pipeline then? 

Nope I’m afraid not at the moment 

What’s been the low point in your career so far? 

When a band your in, is getting somewhere, and then one band member has a fall out with another, and that’s the end of the band. But hey Life goes on …… :o) 

And what has been the high point? 

Just being able to play  

What are your goals currently? 

Just thinking about writing some of my own stuff again or just jamming

Thanks for the interview Dean – nice talking to you 

Thank you Mart ……. :o)