I’m a Bassist, it’s the instrument that I play the most and it’s the thing that the majority of my creative time and energy goes into. I was inspired when I was 14years old by a music documentary series that was on BBC 2. I can remember watching the episode on Reggae, on a small TV while on holiday with my parents in our caravan. On the show a Reggae Bassist described the Bass as the instrument which created the dance moves for the people in the crowd. The sound of the Bass in his opinion is the rhythm that people dance to, it’s the sound that people move to. I was completely inspired and I have only had a short break from playing the Bass since.
Rhythm has always been important to me and in my mid-twenties I met a guy who was an exceptional Kit Drummer and Djembe player, although in later years we’d play in a band together, we first collaborated by delivering Djembe drumming circle workshops, me in support and my good friend safely leading the groups with his true rhythmic expertise and excellent ability to bring people together and guide groups through the process of doing something new, fun and inspiring. The workshops were so much fun, the participants at the time were usually young people from all different back grounds. We’d play different rhythms, learn about the drum, test different techniques, chat, exchange opinions on what we thought about the rhythms, our playing, and the sounds we were creating. And most importantly we’d enjoy creating compelling sounds and rhythms together as a group.
It struck me later, that the workshops weren’t just about an introduction to percussion, it was about being actively creative. Although people with all levels physical ability can join drum workshops, there is a physical element to it, which means its also cardiovascular exercise, it increases blood flow, and you will release endorphins while doing it which gives you a feel-good factor. Reproducing rhythms and learning new things means that you’re engaging your mind which will strengthen neuropathways, and you will improve your co-ordination. Creating different sounds and rhythms is a form self-expression, which is cathartic. When you look at drumming from this perspective, it’s genuinely good for mind, body and soul.
Believe it or not playing the Bass is similar. The Bass notes sit with the drum and like drumming it can be quite a work out. Through focusing on activities like these I’ve been able to create music that I have been proud of, play in bands with great mates and go on adventures gigging throughout the UK and Europe. I’ve gained more confidence, and performing music has pushed me in many positive ways. Engaging in the arts for me is such a positive thing, offering so many transferable skills. As well as being a mind, body and soul activity, my experience is that it has the potential to support you to achieve goals in all areas of your life. Focusing on the things that are good for you and make you happy, like playing and creating music can teach you about the joys of realising success, the rewards of seeing projects through to the end, that if you apply yourself to something and your heart is genuinely in it, it is possible to achieve anything you put your mind to. And not to forget, that it can be great for your physical and mental health, and lots of fun too.
Mikey