LAMA Q&A: Norm Stockton

Norm Stockton…

LAMA has been honored to have Norm Stockton around campus teaching several classes. We caught up with him for a quick conversation about life at LAMA and his current projects. He is a bassist/solo artist/clinician/author who travels extensively throughout North America, Europe and Japan, has been profiled in Bass Player magazine and is recognized by many in the industry as one of the premier bassists today. From 2006-2012, he was the touring and recording bassist with chart-topping worship artist (and former Steve Perry guitarist) Lincoln Brewster. He currently performs with Grammy-winning singer Bobby Kimball (original lead vocalist with TOTO). The Q&A follows:

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Q: You’ve done a number of Master Classes for the bass department at LAMA. Based on your interactions with the campus, students and staff, how would you describe LAMA and its “vibe” to new students or musicians who are interested in attending the school to pursue a music degree?

NS: I think it’s fantastic – lots of energy and enthusiasm on the part of both staff and students. There truly seems to be a mutual respect between the faculty and students, with faculty clearly going the extra mile to motivate & prepare students for music careers, and students recognizing & valuing faculty insight that’s obviously coming from decades of real-world experience.

Q: LAMA draws students not only from the US, but from all over the world. Why do you think Los Angeles still a great location for the music industry and those pursuing a music degree?

Despite the changing music industry, L.A. obviously remains one of the epicenters of the global music and entertainment industry. The faculty of LAMA bears testimony to this fact: the collection of world-class musicians—in such a broad range of genres—that has been assembled is extraordinary. Having teachers in every classroom with decades of session and live experience at the highest levels is a very special thing.

Q: What are 2-3 tips you have for bass players who are interested in pursuing a career in the music industry today?

None of these are earth-shattering, but are absolutely essential:

1. Learn your craft

This should go without saying—the primary thing you can do to prepare for a music career is to be ready and capable when the doors of opportunity open. Regardless of the genre, it’s invaluable to be a well-rounded musician with a solid understanding of harmony, arrangement, technique, groove, reading, etc., etc. This will accommodate a much broader range of possibilities career-wise.

2. Play for the song

Don’t feel the need to impress everyone with out-of-context fills or pyrotechnics. Such playing will likely be viewed in a “wow…did you hear that?…that would be so awesome in someone else’s band” kind of way. Have the musical maturity to play for the tune—to emote the tune—and do everything in your power to make the song FEEL amazing for the rest of the band and audience. Pick one or two key moments in the evening to throw in a tasteful embellishment that serves the music.

3. Approach every opportunity with professionalism

Whether it’s the 11 pm set on Tuesday night at some hole-in-the-wall or otherwise, always bring 100% to whatever playing opportunities to which you commit. If you walk in with a bad attitude, or your gear isn’t working right, or you’re “phoning in” your parts…people will remember and you’ll start developing a reputation that will take YEARS to reverse, if it’s even possible. On the other hand, I’ve experienced it many times: committing to a gig that’s probably going to be a grind, but making my best effort to be a good hang, play well, sound good, and generally interact in a positive way—months later, I get a call for something considerably cooler, based upon the recommendation of a player I met back at the earlier gig. Suffice it to say: if you commit to a playing situation, bring your best.

Q: What is the most important piece of advice you can offer LAMA students and alumni when it comes time to audition for their next gig?

I’d reiterate my point #2 in the preceding question, for sure. Otherwise, I’d say that it’s so important that a player develop solid interpersonal skills. If you and another player auditioning are both monstrous musicians—but he’s a good, easy, fun hang, while you’re…not (ha)—you probably won’t be getting the call. I’ve heard of many occasions where less capable musicians got the gig because they understood this. This obviously has huge applicability beyond just an audition or music career thing; it will serve you well in life.

Q: What projects are you working on now? Are there any links you’d like to share with our readers? Anything else you’d like to add?

I’m excited about my instructional site, ArtOfGroove.com. 60-lesson groove course, song tutorials, interviews with industry professionals, etc. Subscribers from around the world and the cost is incredibly low. It also allows me to work at home more, which is awesome.

The Norm Stockton Artist Edition bass by MTD is in the final prototype stages and should be in production by the fall. We’re ironing out some last details now with electronics. I’m so honored, humbled, and stoked!

I also wrote a book for Hal Leonard Publishing that should be released soon. It’s called “The Worship Bass Book: Bass, Espresso and the Art of Groove.”

Otherwise, I’m doing freelance session, clinic, conference, and live work, including tour dates with Bobby Kimball (original lead vocalist of TOTO) as well as The Norm Stockton Group (see us at the Baked Potato on July 30!).

I stepped down last year from a 6-year tenure playing with Lincoln Brewster to spend a bit more time with my family while my daughters still want to hang! It’s been awesome. I’m very blessed & grateful to be able to get this time with them while also still making a living. Anyway, thanks! I’m honored to be part of the LAMA extended faculty; always such a great time with students and faculty alike.

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And we’re so happy to have you here Norm!

-LAMA Staff

LAMA Announces Newest AIR, Andrew Gouche

LAMA’s new AIR, Andrew Gouche (from the @LAMAinstagram Instagram feed)

LAMA Bass Department Chair Jerry Watts Jr. today announced Andrew Gouche will join Juan Alderete, Abe Laboriel Sr. and Lee Sklar as Artists-in-Residence at LAMA, effective immediately. Gouche, considered to be a premiere gospel bassist (who also plays across many other genres), has more than 30 years of experience. He is best known for playing or recording with Reverend James Cleveland, Prince, Chaka Khan (also music director), Madonna, Destiny’s Child, Whitney Houston and many others as well as for his production work on Kelly Clarkson’s Grammy-winning album Thankful.

We’re ecstatic to have Andrew on board. Read the entire press release on LAMA’s site here: http://bit.ly/10kYN3R

-LAMA Staff

Why Study at LAMA: Key Kim Edition

Key Kim

Korean bassist Key Kim talks about why he chose to study bass at LAMA College for Music Professionals, and what typical life is like in the bass department (video is in Korean with English subtitles). Check out more student videos, LAMA instruction lessons and student and alumni performances on our channel here: http://www.youtube.com/lamusicacademy

-LAMA Staff

LAMA’s Jerry Watts Exclusive Interview in FBPO

LAMA’s Bass Department Jerry Watts was featured on For Bass Players Only, doing an exclusive interview with writer Jon Liebman. Watts chats about his musical upbringing, playing bass, LAMA and his first instrument, the accordion! Get the complete lowdown, here: http://www.forbassplayersonly.com/Interviews/Jerry-Watts.html.

-LAMA Staff

Grammy Winning Bassist Juan Alderete Joins LAMA Bass Department

Did you ever get to see the Mars Volta play live? It was always an epic show creating and destroying musical boundaries. There was one man at the center of it all holding down the rhythm and bringing us that amazing low end. That man is Juan Alderete and as we announced on the LAMA site last week, he has joined the LAMA Bass Department as an Artist-in-Residence.

Juan has been on our radar here at the blog even before his turn with TMV. He played bass with LA noise legends Distortion Felix on their Steve Albini produced debut “I’m an Athlete” and his work with Racer X is equally cool. Juan has invested in his own musical projects of late including Big Sir and Vato Negro and recently launched the extremely popular website, www.pedalsandeffects.com. He is endorsed by Fender Basses and Behringer.

Welcome Juan to the LAMA family! Will you be bringing some of your incredible pedals to class? To read the official announcement please click here.

-LAMA Staff

Juan Alderete Visits LAMA for Master Class

Lucky bass department today…the master class  at LAMA featured Juan Alderete, probably best known as bassist for Racer X and The Mars Volta. Students in all departments pursuing degree programs at LAMA get to experience master classes with amazing musicians from around the globe. For more info visit lama.edu.

-LAMA Staff

LAMA Bass Instructor Spotlight: Andre Berry

The LAMA bass department is something special and that’s in large part due to our wonderful collection of faculty members assembled by Bass Department Chair Jerry Watts Jr. We’d like to feature the bass instructors on this blog over the next couple weeks, beginning with Andre Berry.

Originally from Cleveland, OH, Andre moved to LA in 1985 to attend the Los Angeles City College Music Program, where he studied under Doc Simpson and Woody James. After four years of classes, he landed his first big road gig in 1989 with the Busboys. Andre then went on to join A&M Records recording artist Total Eclipse. Since then, he has performed and/or recorded with Dave Koz, George Duke, Warren Hill, Marcus Miller, Danny Jung, Jeffrey Osbourne, Tom Scott and the L.A. Express, Mindi Abair, Dave Benoit, The Brothers Johnson, Rick Braun, Peter White, Jeff Golub, Steve Ferrone, A Tribe Called Quest, Paul Jackson, Jr., and many others.

Andre offers playing tips on the LAMA youtube channel as well:

We are so proud to have Andre as a member of LAMA. To see information on all our other Bass faculty members please visit here. Watch Andre in action:

-LAMA Staff

Conan O’Brien’s Mike Merritt Visits LA Music Academy

Mike Merritt, bassist for Conan’s “The Basic Cable Band” visited LA Music Academy for a two-hour master class with the school’s bass players. Guess one of those perks for studying music in Los Angeles is having access to high-caliber musicians like Mike! 🙂 He performed charts from the show, discussed his gear and various aspects of playing for Conan’s band. The students were thrilled following the class. Visit the video section of LAMA’s official Facebook page to see and hear more: http://facebook.com/LAmusicacademy.

-LAMA Staff

Timothy Bailey, Jr. Talks Los Angeles, Lalah Hathaway

Timothy Bailey, Jr. talks about why he decided to study bass performance at Los Angeles Music Academy College of Music, what it’s like playing bass for Lalah Hathaway and advice for students looking for the right music school:

-LAMA Staff

5 Reasons: Study Bass Guitar at Music School

We LOVE the bass guitar. And some of the most dedicated players to have passed through LA Music Academy were bassists. We’ve learned a lot about why they chose to study music in a professional setting like LAMA. Besides the obvious — learning from and playing with pros, formal training, diverse understanding of styles and technique, peer to peer feedback, networking — we’re highlighting five of the reasons why you should pursue a degree for bass guitar:

1) Stand out.

Savvy business folks find a need and fill it with their product or service. This can apply when it comes time to pick your instrument —  usually people flock to the guitar and everything else comes after. You might be asking “Shouldn’t I study something more popular then?” Well, frankly, guitarists are a dime a dozen whereas we constantly hear of musical settings where a good, solid bassist is in need. Here’s an opportunity to be big fish in a small pond? When people meet a student who is studying bass guitar, relatively speaking, you are already a stand out.

2) Everyone needs a bassist!

Speaking more about standing out and filling a need — just scan classifieds and musician ads. There are always tons of situations where a qualified bass player is in need. Bands having to book a last minute tour frequently scramble for a bassist. You would be surprised how many great gigs you can score just being a bass playing journeyman. Having a degree from a music college like LAMA would certainly help with this process. The same goes for recording projects — being a solid bass player comes in handy for getting interesting session work.

3) Bass playing is an excellent complement to music production.

Whether you are studying music production or just fancy yourself as a “weekend engineer” a proficient understanding of bass can help quite a bit with your production career. Most musicians can play a little guitar or a little piano but very few play bass properly. This is a huge plus for musicians looking for a producer — they’ll see a bass in the corner of your studio right under your framed bass performance degree, which lets them know they are in good hands.

4) Good company.

Roger Waters. Paul McCartney. Geddy Lee. Phil Lesh. Les Claypool. These are some of the most versatile bass playing songwriters around. While guitar was used to compose some of the classic songs we hear, there is no doubt those bass playing fundamentals impacted the incredible songs in these catalogs. The reason we mention all these people is to illustrate to you that just because you play bass doesn’t mean you can’t be front and center of your group — be a classic songwriter and verified rockstar!

5) Your value in a live setting.

Have you ever heard a band sound checking without a bass player because he or she was running late? We have – and it’s usually terrible! The bass is insanely vital and nowhere is it felt more than in a live setting. It connects all the different instruments with the drums and keeps that song grooving. In a live setting, bass is one of the instruments that the audience can truly “feel”!

So when you are touring your possible music schools make sure you ask if they have a bass program – and if they don’t offer one we suggest you think twice about that school! #stopthebassism lol. For more info on the visit the webpage for LAMA’s bass performance degree.

-LAMA Staff