by Martin Simpson

How long have you been playing Martin?

Total 10 years – 6 years seriously 

How did you get started?

In 1997 all my electric guitars and equipment got stolen.  I then bought a bass guitar and drum kit to spite the world – best move I ever made. 

Do you come from a musical family?

My grandmother played organ in the church for 40 years.  Mother can sing, father plays guitar/banjo/mandolin.  My sister plays piano. 

What’s your favourite band / solo artist?

Impossible to answer – Korn/Mudvayne/Muse/Red Hot Chili Peppers, Victor Wooten and SA’s Chris Chameleon - or Boo for that matter.

What are the amps and instruments you currently use?

Fender Jazz Bass
Ibanez Sound Gear
Yamaha
Roland 100W bass cube
Trace Elliot Commando
Most big gigs have a solid backline – I can’t fit big amps into my Golf. 

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

Contrabass (acoustic upright) – that’s the shit. 

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

I’ve been playing hard rock with the Jo Day Band for more than 4 years – playing on 3 albums and doing +/- 150 live shows.  Joined New Academics in 2005 – getting into the more funky/jazzy side of things – album due for release soon.  Session work for Melfunktion; solo artist Heidi; Ripwire and The Blame to mention a few. 

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

All the stuff recorded with Jo Day Band – especially the 2^nd (No Warning) and 4^th albums (Princess).  Currently working on recording with solo artist Erin Brooks. 

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

Being exploited by the SA Music industry – musos always get the short end of the deal in SA. 

And what has been the high point?

Biggest high is playing live – especially at the more established and bigger festivals such as Woodstock/Splashy Fen/Rand Easter Rock Show/Carnival City Rock Concerts. 

The best was playing the Radiowave festival in Windhoek, Namibia. Crazy show – great people. 

What are your goals currently?

Polishing up on my jazz theory – after years of hard rock, it really is a cool challenge.  Not neglecting my rock roots, though.  Rocking out live still rules. 

What do you get up to outside of music?

Cricket (playing, not watching).
Fishing – believe it or not.  Ek speel met my katrol by die rivier.
Supporting other bands if they’re good and harrassing other bands if they suck.