How long have you been playing Arnoux?

I have been playing for four years now but I am behind a bass so much that sometimes it feels like ten.

How did you get started?

I started out playing acoustic guitar at the age of thirteen. I picked up a bass guitar for the first time when I was about sixteen, I wasn't very fascinated with the instrument at first but as I started to listen more carefully to the bass riffs in most of the songs on radio and so forth, I thought to myself that I could do much better than that, and set up a personal challenge for myself. I practiced a lot and after alot of pain, patience and blisters I eventually came to the conclusion that the bass guitar is the easiest instrument to play but the most difficult to master.

Do you come from a musical family?

A Yeah I do have quite a musical family, my grandfather is a pretty sick piano player and my mother was an excellent singer. They never followed up on their music careers though which is quite a pity. I think it’s the fact that they never tried to force me into music that has made me love it so much.

What’s your favourite band / solo artist?

Lamb of God (band) and Victor Wooten (Solo Artist). Those guys are sick!! Their music is very far removed from the stuff we play but they are brilliant anyway.

Do you read music yet?

I can read music but I prefer to play from the heart. I find sometimes when I sight read it takes away from the feeling in the song.

What are the amps and instruments you currently use?

Ibanez 5 string guitar and Ibanez amp.

Can you give us a bit more info here – what model bass and what size amp?

Ibanez GSR 205 5 String Bass and an Ibanez 65W Amp. Not my ideal setup but it works for me right now

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

900W SWR stack and a Warwick Vampire guitar. I would also like a small studio and all the equipment that comes with it, but that’s if money were no object!!

What do you think of the extended range basses that go up to 15 strings or more?

I think those things are amazing, I haven’t had the opportunity to play one myself but would give my left……..uh…..shoe to get a shot at it. Besides why should normal guitarists have all the fun with their 6, 7, 12 string guitars. I do feel however that someone should really know what they are doing before trying to take on one of those monsters and make it sound good.

Would you ever consider going fretless one day?

Oh yes definitely!! I think those things have a killer sound but I also still love the sound of a good old fretted bass.

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

I have been trying to master the bass guitar. I have also been putting most of my musical energy into our band (HICCUP).

Can you tell us a bit about HICCUP?

We are a 5 piece Hard/commercial/pop/rock band out of the Vaal Triangle and we have been going with our current line up for about 2 years now. We were all friends and decided to put a band together just to have something to do with our free time. As we started jamming we all felt there was something more than just a mess around project, so from there on we decided to take it seriously. We haven’t looked back since. We are very driven and passionate about what we do and it seems like that passion comes across in the music. If you wanna know more about the band go to www.hiccuptheband.co.za. There you can download samples of songs as well as wallpapers, posters and so on.

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

We have just completed a four track EP at B# Studios. I would say that as far as our songs go, Blame and Lose my Mind are the most intense as far as the bass is concerned. I have learnt to compliment the song first and then if that works compliment yourself.

I also do all my recording at B# Studios – what do you think of it?

Oh B# is awesome. John Paul is such a pleasure to work with and has a wealth of knowledge about sound. The cool thing is that he is not scared to share what he knows with you. At the moment I can’t picture myself recording anywhere else!!

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

I did live session work for a rapper of an established record label in South Africa (nuff said) and our drummer has been injured for the last for months so we haven’t really been able to perform. I guess when anything prevents you from performing it can be considered a low point

And what has been the high point of your career?

It would have to be when we played Battle vir Woodstock on MK89. It was a really cool experience.

What are your goals currently?

Realistically it would be just to have our band be highly respected and popular in the music industry. I want our music to reach a lot of people. I also just wanna become one of the sickest bassists around.

Thanks for the interview Arnoux – best wishes to all you guys in Hiccup.