MISSY PERCIFIELD

POWERTRIBE

What was your way into bass?

I got into playing bass out of necessity. I was in a band that was managed by a Los Angeles-based company, and the manager kept firing the bass players. I was the lead singer. Finally, when we found the perfect bass player, the guy got deported. After months of that, I decided to take the bull by the horns. I gave myself one month to learn all our originals on the bass by booking a show, before I could even play. I have a classical piano background, so picking up the bass seemed pretty natural. I got up on stage and played that show, rocking the bass and singing at the same time. The bass was a three-quarter sized Junior Fender Bronco and I played it through a G-K bass rig. I sounded huge – all 4’10” of me. It was a riot. I knew then that it was gonna work for me. The manager didn’t fire me, so here I am in this magazine, woo hoo!

What bass gear do you currently use?

I’m endorsed by Best Buy... just kidding. However, I was on one commercial for them. Actually I’m not endorsed by anyone, but I am partial to ESP basses, Tech 21 pedals, GHS strings and G-K amps... hint-hint, wink-wink. I play five-string. Why? Because I gotta have a big bottom and I love the deep sound.

What’s the best advice you can give us about playing bass?

Find your voice on your instrument and be the best ‘you’ that you can be. Also, have a great drummer. Mine is awesome at laying a solid groove that makes me play bass better. I just plant my six-inch platforms and dig deep into the groove he provides. To me, when we’re having fun, we display confidence, so the key to playing bass well is confidence... But that starts with a great drummer.

Who is, or was, the greatest bass player ever?

To me, the greatest bass player depends on the genre. It could be anyone from Jaco to Lemmy. They all rock in their own way, and I can appreciate good quality bass playing in all styles. My bass heroes are those that play bass and sing like a mofo. Glenn Hughes: his bass-lines kick balls and have class at the same time. They’re so appropriate for what he is singing. Another is Geddy Lee, whose example has given me ideas.

What are your current projects?

I love my band PowerTribe. We’re a power trio, so band meetings are short and sweet, ha ha! We released one album called Prepare For Battle, and we are currently in the studio finishing our follow-up recording.

www.facebook.com/ powertribe