How long have you been playing Graeme?

I started when I was about 14 so that’s about …………. Give me a second ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14 years (I Think??)

How did you get started?

I started on acoustic and still play a bit (when the bass is not working). I saw someone playing who has become a good friend now and decided that that looked like a lot more fun - the sound of BASS took me and never let go.

Do you come from a musical family?

My sister plays guitar and piano but hasn’t touched it in a couple of yrs

What’s your favourite band / solo artist?

Favourite Band it would be hard to say but a couple of favourites would be anything from Fourplay to Foo Fighters.

Favorite Solo artist is non other than …… DRRRRRRRRRRRRR (that’s a drum roll) …….. Nathan East!

What are the amps and instruments you currently use?

I use a Warwick Streamer 5 String mostly and a Yamaha BB450 4 String

Amplification is something I need to improve on, use Behringer at the moment.

I’m also a Streamer man – but I’ve only ever owned a Yamaha motorbike. Would you ever consider going fretless one day?

Fretless and double bass are my next two priorities in no particular order, anything to do with low end makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.

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

Yamaha Nathan East signature

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

Musically I have been involved with Adrian Shannon, Formally lead singer and songwriter for Grannysmith. We have just released an album, which we hope will go places.

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

The new Adrian Shannon (cnr south and middle) is an acoustic album that’s all about the music. Everything about the album is feel and less is more. As much as the bass is mind boggling stuff, I tried to capture the essence of the song on every occasion.

How do you work with Adrian? Do you just play bass or do you co-write the songs?

Adrian writes all the materials and I add a bit of musical impression, but just on the lyrical side of things there are very few in the country who could co-write with him. So I choose to dabble on the side with songwriting (in a dark corner where no one will ever hear it.)

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

A couple of years ago I stopped playing for about two years because I was ….. um ….. AN IDIOT!!!! ….
I’m not one to regret anything I’ve done, but it pains me to think how much further along the road I could have been.

But sometimes you need a break, just to recharge the creative juices – don’t you think?

That’s a very good point, I definitely understand music more for no apparent reason

Anyway, what has been the high point?

Meeting Adrian Shannon and getting involved with him has helped me to understand music as a whole and not just playing the bass as busily and impressively as possible. I’ve learnt to listen to – and understand - music in a whole new way.

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

Yes

What Does Graeme van der Schyff get up to when he hasn’t got a bass strapped on?

At the moment it’s wedding arrangements for 19th November, Warwicks gonna have a MAMMA!!!!!!!!!!!!

What are your goals currently?