Bas Wijma

Story

Hi! My name is Bas and i play bass. Now isn't that easy to remember? When I say I play bass, I mean I own a bassguitar. Quite cheap one, actually. Before I got my instrument I didn't play any bass, so I got this one to try this out, and I must say I'm really enjoying myself with it. I consider myself mediocre, but I'm trying. I tend to practise as often as I can. My current repertoire consists of the following songs; The Strokes - Reptilia NOFX - Quarts in Session Bad Religion - 21st Century Digital Boy (Bits of) Billy Talent - Rusted From The Rain (Bits of) Rancid - Roots Radical (The first 6 notes of) Muse - Hysteria And of course those tunes every player starts to make, like; White Stripes - Seven Nation Army Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc. Queen - Another One Bites The Dust (Mind you, I cannot play the entire piece, just the intro) I'm very, very picky when it comes to practising, so I generally practise the same songs over and over again until I master them. Currently I'm not playing in a band, although I would like to. Although I'm not the best bassplayer I know, I would like to experience playing in bandformation. If you're living in my area looking for a bassplayer to do stuff with, I'm open to that.

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What is music to you? What does it give you?

Music is an important part of my life, as a listener, not a performer per say. I listen to music as often as I'd like, paying attention to detail in the music, the synergy between the instruments and mainly the basstrack.

What is your music dream?

I don't have a dream of becoming a world famous bassplayer like Flea and the likes, but it would sure be nice. I don't expect myself to get there, I'm just having a lot of fun doing it.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

I'm not the type to fight for a better place and wanting to change the world with my music, I think that's kind of a pretentious thing to say. If you can put a smile on just one persons face while playing your instrument, I think you already succeeded.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

I really have no idea, there were so many. My parents weren't very into music. I mean, they liked it, they own CD's and that, but it was mainly the radio we listened to.

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

I don't really have a favorite. It regularly happens that I come across a band, listen to a few tracks, become completely obsessed and start calling that my favorite band. My current favorite bands are NOFX, Rancid, Millencolin and Billy Talent. If you'd like to know more about my listening-habits please check my Last.fm account http://www.last.fm/user/BasterdW

What inspires you to make music?

Musicians inspire me. A lot of my friends can play instruments, and I feel the need to be able to play something too. I just don't want to miss out on that in life.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Be yourself, do what you want to do, don't let anyone drag you down, you're unique and perfect just the way you are. I people are too shallow to see that, let them. They don't deserve your attention, because you're better than that.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

I've only performed a few times in high school, as a vocalist. It was quite euforic and I barely remember it. (It was more than six years ago). I just went on stage and did it. I didn't consider myself as very good so it was quite scary, but the applause at the end makes that worthwhile.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

I don't really know how to answer this question.

What do you think of Drooble?

I'm rather new on this website, but I think Drooble is unique in its way. It enabled musicians to get in contact with other musicians via a community set up just for them, and I think that's great.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

Blisters on my fingers.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

My local scene is non-existent.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

I think you should write lyrics people can relate to, and they'll keep listening to your music. If you want your music to be heard by a larger audience, I think that's mainly up to marketing.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

You already know them, but I think more people should listen to The Dandy Warhols