EMAB Magazine
Michael Salazar
Phosephene
Bassist
1. How long have you been playing the bass?
I started playing the bass when I was 12, so about 15 years. I guess you can say I dove into learning the instrument feet first. I would practice for hours and hours trying to absorb everything I could about it. I tried to learn the bass parts for all of my favorite songs and jumped into garage bands with my friends right away. But, at that age, it was still just a cool hobby that I was really into and it hadn't clicked with me yet that this was what I wanted to do, could do, as a career. And like any hobby, there were lulls in intensity over time. I simply could not be as invested in the bass while I was finishing school and getting my degree. But almost immediately after I graduated, and I looked at the paths for my future, I realized I didn't want the traditional life style of the 9 - 5 job. Jeni, Andrew, Dan and I all found each other and we just clicked. This is what I want to do with my life.
2. Who gave you your first bass?
My parents bought me my first bass. I had told them that that was the instrument that I wanted to play and they scrapped together some money and bought it. My first bass was a $59.99 Sears catalog 4 string plywood bass guitar. I remember opening the package up and just sitting in awe. I was so excited that when I tried to tune it --by ear without a tuner-- I over-tightened the 3 lowest strings and broke them. Haha that was a bummer. I played out of 10 watt practice amp that was smaller than a shoebox that came with bass. Whenever I hit a string, the amp was rattle along the hardwood floors.
3. What inspired you to play the bass?
The first instrument that I learned was the trombone. I started on the trombone in the 4th grade and was a part of the school band. I love the bass clef. I love the low end section and what it brings to a piece of music. I also always loved learning new skills- odd skills. You use a slide to manipulate the sound on a trombone. There 3 keys on a baritone that change the sound. The bass requires fretting strings. That was just cool to me. It was a natural transition to the bass. I was still in the low end section but playing in a new and different way from where I started.
4. What are some of your favorite musicians or bands?
Oh Jeez. Well, there are so many incredibly talented bassists and bands that I have admired. One musician that sticks out for me is Emma Anzai. I had the privilege of opening up for the Sick Puppies last year. That was the first time that I had ever seen them live. I was watching and listening and was just hit with a "Holy Shit" moment. She picks a riff and then seamlessly moves to a slap/pop riff and then right back to picking. No studio tricks required. She does it live. Just the pure level of dexterity required to pull that off on such a high level is inspiring. Also, her stage presence is great. I saw her and just wanted to get back to practicing. One other standout bassist/band for me is Mark Hoppus from Blink 182. He's not the best bassist in the world. All his riffs are pretty simple and straight forward. But that doesn't matter. His personality and interaction with the audience and the band just made me feel apart of their group, their show. Blink 182 was probably the first band that I listened to that made me feel a real connection. And Mark Hoppus had alot to do with that.
5. If you didn't play bass what instrument would you play?
If I didn't play the bass, I would for sure be playing the euphonium. The euphonium is like a miniature tuba. It has really warm tones like a french horn and uses 3 push keys. I love the sound of it. I played it in grade school and in high school. Also, there's so much fun music to play with it. It may not sound like rocking out, but jamming a polka on the euphonium IS rocking out!
6. Whos your biggest inspiration?
I could say somebody predictable, somebody famous but that wouldn't be the truth. While people like Dave Grohl, Elon Musk, and the likes do awesome inspiring things, that inspiration is still disconnected to me. I see it; I don't feel it. My biggest inspiration really is Jeni. She's the hardest working person I know. She's not afraid to risk everything for a dream. She's always looking forward. It's hard not to be inspired by Jeni. When doing something like trying to make a band work -- something so risky, so exposed-- it would be easy to get discouraged. Jeni inspires the whole band to keep moving forward.
7. What do you do for fun when you aren't doing music?
I listen to podcasts and watch movies. My favorite podcast is a toss up between the Joe Rogan Experience and Doug Loves Movies. I hope to make it out to a live taping of Doug Loves Movies in Los Angeles one day. And, I pretty much watch every major movie release even if it's pure garbage. Bring it on Sharknado 3!
8. Whats the craziest thing you ever autographed?
Honestly, a fan's bass guitar. That's a big deal! That means that what I'm doing has struck a chord with that individual. There's a real connection between that fan and the music. It's a big responsibility being someone that somebody else looks up to. It was a moment that made me feel like what I was doing was real.
9. Whats your guilty pleasure?
All things super-hero. Can't get enough of the Avengers, Spiderman, Batman... I watch all of the DC and Marvel animated movies.
10. Do you have any pre show rituals?
Two words: Power Huddle
