How long have you been playing Mike?

Since 1984
Semi-professionally since 1990
Professionally since beginning 2005

How did you get started?

My next door neighbour made his first guitar and then made a bass as well. I tried the bass and discovered that I love the bass guitar. I can play a bit of guitar and keys as well, but I’ll always love the bass.

Do you come from a musical family?

Yeah. My dad plays guitar and accordion and used to play for a band in the sixties in Scotland, and my grandmother used to be a church organist.

What’s your favourite band / solo artist?

There are so many bands and artists for so many different reasons. I listen to all types of music and love different bands and artists for different reasons. I don’t really have a “favourite” band or artist.
This is what I’ve been listening to lately:

Yes (Chris Squire is a mutha!!!)
Pink Floyd
Jamiroquai
Ryuitchi Sakamoto
Niacin
Afro Celt Sound System
Various tracks from Stu Hamm

What are the amps and instruments you currently use?

1990 Fender Jazz (4 String)
2004 Fender Jazz (5 String)
Ampeg B3158

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

The biggest Ampeg on the planet and the Stu Hamm signature Fender. I’m dying to get into the Chapman Stick too.

Have you already started practicing the two-handed technique on bass guitar?

Yep, but not nearly enough, there are one or two songs that we do where I have managed to slot in a couple of bars of it, but that’s about all.

Would you ever consider fretless?

I have considered fretless and would love to get into it. The thing is I’m torn between fretless and stick or upright bass. I’m thinking about investing in a stick bass this year and getting into it though.

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

I’ve mostly been involved with cover projects, but did a bit of session work on original projects too.
About 3 years ago I started working with Clint Cunningham in the CCR tribute and various other shows and since then most of my time has been taken up with those projects. We have done over 300 shows together since then.

I also worked with Jon Buckley (Sonovision Music) assisting with engineering and production at his studio.

Last year I set up my own studio at home, and I’m hoping to do more work on the song writing and production side of things.

Have you ever worked with Peter Hanmer?

I have worked with Peter solidly for the last eighteen months. He plays with us in the shows with Clint and the rest of us and has been with us since August 2004. I also performed with him on both shows for his band “Off the Edge”. We are all contributing towards the new Off the Edge Album and will be playing on that as well.

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

Toxic Shame – Kicking and Screaming
Old Mol – Rock the Bedsprings
Scarlet Box – Scarlet Box

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

I can’t really think of any right now.

And what has been the high point?

Every time I get on stage is a high point

Have you visited www.bassplayers.co.za yet?

Yep. I go there quite regularly.

What do you think of the concept of the Bassplayers Collective?

I think it’s brilliant. It’s quite refreshing to have a website just for bassists. Much of the focus in bands is directed towards the singers and guitarists. It’s nice to see who else is out there and what they are up to.

Is there a possibility that we’ll see you at a few meetings in the future?

I’ll definitely try to come through to a couple of meetings. As I mentioned, I have just set up a studio, and spend a lot of time working on other projects when I’m not playing. I’ll keep an eye open for the meetings and pop through one night.

What are your goals currently?