Originally published in Verbicide issue #2
Among the most prolific and talented bassists in the music industry is Joe “Bass” Skyward. A former member of Sky Cries Mary, The Posies, The Walkabouts, and Sunny Day Real Estate, Joe took the time following his 2000 European summer tour with his current project Skyward to answer a few questions.
Tell me a bit about your band Skyward. Who is in the lineup? How would you describe your sound?
This project really came from most of my musical career being guitarists giving me chord progressions to put bass lines to….I’m not a prolific song writer, but I do write. So i made this record for myself, for the most part – -to get the song writing “ya ya’s” that I do have out! The coolest thing about doing this was the opportunity to work with my daughter, Brette, who is an amazing singer. There are over 50 people on this recording: all the Posies, the drummer from Ministry, most of Sky Cries Mary, and many more of my friends. That was the most important part of doing this: working with all my friends. As far as a “sound” goes that’s a tough one…it’s really all over the place stylistically, but the real constant thing throughout the whole CD is a groove!
How are you enjoying touring with and playing in your own band? Being the front man, do you find it to be more fulfilling than your past experiences in other bands?
It’s really great to be doing my own thing, but I’m not really the front man. My daughter is the front girl, really. We do sing a few songs together, too…I really don’t like to sing live because it takes away from my concentrating on playing bass. I consider every musical project i take on fulfilling, so I really do not consider this any more fulfilling than anything else.
What influenced your decision to leave Sunny Day Real Estate? Are you currently working with any other bands outside Skyward?
I didn’t really decide to leave Sunny Day Real Estate, and I really don’t know why they didn’t want me to play with them anymore…someone pretty close to the band told me they thought I was too old or something. After hearing the new record I think they made a bad decision because I don’t think the bass playing is all that good and I could have really helped out in many other ways, too. But I really am pretty “whatever” about it, and hold no bad feelings towards the band at all! I am presently working on the second Skyward release with my daughter and doing lots of session work with former Posies drummer Brian Young. I am also doing some live shows with Seattle band The Walkabouts. I’m pretty much done with joining a band…because bands suck!
Your career as an outstanding bass player has undoubtedly inspired many people to learn the instrument. Who or what inspired you to begin playing? Any current bass players that you dig listening to?
It’s interesting in that one of the most rewarding moments for me as a bassist was when this young kid came up to me and said something like, “Man, you’re a great bassist and you made me start to play the bass.” That really made me feel great. The biggest influence on me by far was Yes bassist Chris Squire and, of course, Paul McCartney. Also Pete Thomas of Elvis Costello and the Attractions. I can’t really think of any current bassists who really move me. Nate Mendel is a great player, though.
What equipment do you use?
My two main basses are a 1959 and 1962 Fender Precisions. I also have a Component fretless bass and a hollow body Lyle bass that i do a lot of recording with. I also have a Kramer acoustic that i use around the house. I have an SVT head with an SVT 8×10 cab…plus I use an old Sunn concert bass head that’s cool to record with. I used to use a lot of effects, but over the last few years have stopped using them to go for more of a clean, honest bass sound.
Do you have a website where people can find more information or purchase a CD?
My website is www.joebass.com…pretty simple! Anyone can email me from there.