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Artist Spotlight: FREEKBASS

Artist Spotlight: FREEKBASS

 

 

FREEKBASS has become a key figure in modern funk music, blending old-school grooves with futuristic sounds. He has used the Digitech Whammy pedal for as long as he has played bass. He has written, recorded, and collaborated with Catfish Collins, Stefan Lessard (DMB), Buckethead, Corey Glover, Umphery’s McGee, Billy Sheehan, Doug Wimbish, and Karina Rykman, to name a few.

Freekbass has graced the cover of Bass Musician Magazine, Bass Guitar Magazine/UK and he has been featured in Bass Player Magazine. He is more than just a bassist—he’s a true ambassador of the funk. Whether on stage or on TikTok, his mission remains the same: to keep the funk alive and moving forward.

Freekbass has become a major presence on TikTok , where he performs nightly for thousands of viewers. His engaging, interactive performances have earned him recognition from TikTok as a Top 100 Creator in the world and #4 creator in the USA. Catch him nightly on TikTok “The Freekquency” at 9PM ET / 6PM PT.

 

We recently had the opportunity to speak with Freekbass about his career. Here is our conversation:

 

You’ve been greatly influenced by legends like Bootsy Collins, who produced one of your records and gave you the name “Freekbass.” What is the most significant lesson you learned from Bootsy during your time working with him?

  • When I first met Bootsy I thought “wow, I will learn all of this cool bass stuff”. That happened naturally of course, but the main thing Bootsy taught me was how to make records. I learned how to mix, work a recording console, create beats and grooves with the MPC2000, and overall have a career in music, not just a quick minute in the spotlight. I still pinch myself, and I’m always so grateful to have been mentored by such a musical legend.

 

You have established a strong presence on TikTok, sharing your bass grooves each night and engaging with your fans. What motivated you to begin on this platform, and how has it shaped the way you interact with your audience?

  • If you would have told me a year and a half ago I’d be spending almost every night live-streaming on TikTok I would have said you are crazy. But TikTok and the community we have developed there have become such a big part of my life and career. I’m able to test out new songs & ideas every night in front of new folks from all parts of the world. It’s like touring a new market everyday, while still being able to communicate directly with the audience while I’m playing, which is something you can’t do during a song on stage at a live show. TikTok itself has been very supportive too of independent artists like myself, doing things like inviting me to TikTok events from everywhere from London to Los Angeles, and putting me on a billboard in Times Square in NYC.

 

The Whammy pedal plays a significant role in shaping your sound. You’ve mentioned, “I never go to a gig without my Whammy pedal.” How do you incorporate it into your bass playing? What are your preferred settings that help define your signature sound with it?

  • Yes, I’ve been using a Whammy almost as long as I’ve been playing bass, and has become a signature part of my sound. The octaves and intervals are perfect for what I do. Some octavers have a tendency to sound a little bit “synthy” but the Whammy sounds very organic and like an actual bass guitar. Plus the tracking is incredible.

 

What’s the most important advice you’d give to a bassist looking to develop their own style and make a mark in the industry?

  • Don’t try and be or sound like someone else. There is only one “you” so make that the biggest and best you can be. If you do something unconventional in your playing, run with it! When I started mimicking having a pick by using my thumb (some folks refer to it as double thumb technique) I had no idea what I was doing, and was just trying to create a feel. But I kept trying to perfect it which has become a big part of my sound now. Also, start writing music as soon as you start playing! Don’t think you have to reach a technical point before you do…your writing skill will grow along with your playing skill.

 

What can fans expect from you soon? Any upcoming albums, shows, or exciting collaborations?

  • I have a new vinyl album dropping soon from all of the singles (which are now available at all streaming spots) from songs we have created at TikTok over the last year. I’m also going to be having some signature music products dropping which I’ll be able to talk about soon. And of course you can find me live-streaming every night at  “The Freekquency” on TikTok at 9pm ET/6pm PT at https://www.tiktok.com/@freekbass.