tag:suzystarlite.com,2005:/blogs/vibes
Vibes
2023-01-04T20:15:11+00:00
Suzy Starlite
false
tag:suzystarlite.com,2005:Post/7005651
2022-07-01T09:56:29+01:00
2022-07-01T11:38:23+01:00
No Treble Magazine 'Wonder Women - Suzy Starlite'
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/831731f10aa72b4cdc2978679f8fd8a387254e46/original/no-treble-magazine-logo.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="No Treble Magazine logo" /></p>
<p>It's an absolute honour to be featured in this month’s ‘Wonder Women’ series in 'No Treble' online magazine in the USA.</p>
<p>It’s the second time I’ve had to really dig deep about my life, music and the bass for a solo interview in an international magazine and again learned a lot from the process!</p>
<p><em>“I’ve fallen in love with the bass, and the bass is the language I use to serve the song.”</em></p>
<p>Huge thanks to Brittany Frompovich for guiding me through the interview experience which such fun and thoughtful care - we both love Star Wars too!!</p>
<p>Also my sincere thanks to CEO Corey Brown and Managing Editor Kevin Johnson for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to share my story!</p>
<p>Big love and thanks to my bass family; Spencer Lull of Mike Lull Custom Guitars & Guitarworks, Jeff Lewis at Matamp, Jim Bergantino at Bergantino Audio Systems, Moira & Roger Bucknall at Fylde Guitars, Thomastik-Infeld, Hipshot Products, The King of Eyewear and my stylist Jez Levy of Eyes on St Albans, Jason & Karen Kirk who make stunning eyewear at Kirk & Kirk, wonderful designer Veselin at VirginSkin 4U and my fabulous and inspirational husband Simon Campbell who is my world!</p>
<p>I hope you find a little inspiration for yourself somewhere in all of this!!</p>
<p><a contents="Watch the video interview and read the article here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2022/06/30/wonder-women-suzy-starlight-campbell/" target="_blank">Watch the video interview and read the article here</a>.</p>
<p><br><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="460" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EIyiqfgI7sc" title="YouTube video player" width="100%"></iframe></p>
Suzy Starlite
tag:suzystarlite.com,2005:Post/6681470
2021-07-07T20:43:28+01:00
2021-07-08T18:56:36+01:00
Big Pink Vauxhall Viva's and The Language of Curiosity!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/8a825924f946084484e33905c71fc1e461f2d032/original/suzy-starlite-sandra-ventura-7272500-1667.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Suzy Starlite of the Starlite Campbell Band" style="margin-bottom: 20px;" />If ever I’m asked for any words of advice when it comes to starting a new job, a new course or in fact anything new, I aspire to live by this simple mantra: be authentic, be yourself and… be curious.</p>
<p>Easier said than done right?<br><br>More and more as I learn about myself and other people, adding new chapters to my biographical exploits ’The Wonderful and Sometimes Troublesome Adventures of Suzy Starlite! (age three and a half), it’s an achievement some days just to carry on or get back up when you get 'knocked back' or 'knocked down'... and giving things, giving life and sometimes people another chance! It’s even harder still to stay soft and protect that childlike wonder of inquisitive innocence and curiosity that is often calcified through the hardness of experience.<br><br>Our new Starlite Campbell Band album ‘The Language of Curiosity’ is a collection of stories told in music about different aspects of the life that we live right now, today, from working for the man, sex, love, space, social systems, power, money, rock 'n' roll and other shenanigans; it's like looking at different sides of a Rubik's cube. </p>
<p>This is the second album Simon and I have co-written and again we really focussed on writing honest, fun, thoughtful, sometimes brutal words in service of the story and song; letting each tale inform the feel and style of music, from full-on rock ’n’ roll tribal drums, thunderous bass, badass filthy dirty guitar riffs, melting melodies, crazy tornadoes of sound, sirens and laughter to the nakedness of silence and intimate breathing washed by waves of angelic harmony... that’s life right?</p>
<p>If you were to read a label with a list of ingredients, the musical flavours would be a fusion of original '70s British rock and British blues with an echo of prog and folk.</p>
<p>But really, the best thing to do is listen to the album. My words here only serve as an introduction, a hopeful matchmaker, a friend of a friend.</p>
<p>Once our music is 'released' it's only and always about you and how you feel, how you connect and what it means to you. I truly hope you enjoy the ride and that it becomes a part of the soundtrack to your life!</p>
<p>If you would like to pre-order 'The Language of Curiosity' ahead of the official release date, it is available to buy on delicious 180g vinyl (the lacquers are being cut at Abbey Road on July 13th), CD and as a high-quality digital download direct from our <a contents="Starlite Campbell Band shop" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://shop.starlite-campbell.com" target="_blank">Starlite Campbell Band shop</a>.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/9ca38f6cb819fb6655067333ec6e0d64243a4f9c/original/suzy-starllite-sandra-ventura-731-2500x1790.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Suzy Starlite of the Starlite Campbell Band" style="margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;" />Talking about life, it's my birthday today (July 8th) so I decided to celebrate my 55th birthday by posting a couple of photos from a recent photoshoot we did for the new album with the wonderful photographer Sandra Ventura here in Portugal.</p>
<p>Studio photoshoots are not something I'm ever hugely comfortable with but everyone made us feel so welcome and relaxed, it actually turned out to be a lot of fun!</p>
<p>Thanks to Andreia Oliveira for sorting all the logistics and translating, Paula from Cabeleireiros Unisexo in Samora Correia for the kickass haircut, Michelle Faustino for the make-up and Sandra Ventura for her photographic skill, humour and professionalism!</p>
<p>I am also indebted to Simon's soul-brother Jez Levy from Eyes on St. Albans who literally changed my world when he became our eyewear stylist. Jez chose these magnificent frames from Kirk & Kirk for my live performance on-stage eyewear. Kirk & Kirk are renowned for making expressive eyewear for creative individuals and these frames are extraordinary; it was a perfect match!</p>
<p>I must admit, there is no way I would have entertained the thought about wearing something that reminded me of my Nana's Vauxhall Viva let alone choosing them in such a vivacious dramatic pink but I trust Jez! He has this natural gift to know what your personality needs to express yourself and it's up to you how adventurous you want to be and he never pushes anything, more like inspires you to try something fresh - in this case, Kirk & Kirk and now there is no turning back!</p>
<p>He truly is the 'King of Eyewear' and combined with the trailblazing inspiration of Kirk & Kirk, I feel more vibrant, playful, authentic and slightly mischievous!</p>
<p>I'm truly, madly, deeply in love with my husband Simon Campbell who is my world, 55 years old and rocking Vauxhall Viva big pink glasses with a new album on the way!</p>
<p>Thank you universe... and thank you for being curious enough to read these words.</p>
<p> </p>
Suzy Starlite
tag:suzystarlite.com,2005:Post/6539857
2021-02-05T00:09:40+00:00
2021-02-10T20:47:49+00:00
Hello
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/1f02f7de667c49f7c0d6486057faabfc5ce2aad9/original/suzy-starlite-mike-lull-t4-starlite.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpeg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Suzy Starlite with her Mike Lull T4 'Starlite' bass at the Supertone Records studio. Portugal." style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;" />Hello, I’m Suzy Starlite - custodian of the groove, storyteller and full-time musician with the Starlite Campbell Band. </p>
<p>Music is my language… </p>
<p>I love gigs - they are the way we can all hang out together.</p>
<p>I love festivals - our community match-makers where we don’t have to go home if we don’t want to.</p>
<p>I love vinyl - a musical time-portal with soul.</p>
<p>I love making music and playing bass - it feels right!</p>
<p>I also love banana flavour custard-style yoghurt.</p>
<p>Welcome to my website, the first time I have had my own bijou ‘home’ on the internet.</p>
<p>Here is where you’ll find stories and photos of musical adventures and the people I meet along the road. There’s also a section on bass guitars and gear, talking about what makes them special plus new music updates and video releases; all under one virtual roof.</p>
<p>So, to kick off - it’s big, red, shiny and roars like a mighty beast of rock! Ladies and Gentlemen, I introduce you to my first ever signature bass guitar - The Mike Lull ‘Starlite T4’ - <a contents="take a look at the story" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://suzystarlite.com/equipment#t4-starlite">take a look at the story</a>! </p>
<p>If you like what you see and read, sign up to my newsletter to be the first to know what’s going on.</p>
<p>Enjoy!</p>
Suzy Starlite
tag:suzystarlite.com,2005:Post/6737140
2018-11-29T23:00:00+00:00
2021-09-06T13:14:22+01:00
Suzy Starlite featured in September 2018 edition of Bass Guitar Magazine
<p><img src="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/532034/4602fcc52ce866d700f7dee33ff91b0962204ba7/original/suzy-starlite-bass-guitar-magazine-1-september-2018.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Suzy Starlite of the Starlite Campbell Band on the main stage at the Isle of Man TT" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;" />Supertone artist and bass player <a href="https://supertonerecords.com/suzy-starlite">Suzy Starlite</a> is featured with a two page in-depth interview article in the September edition of <a href="https://www.musicradar.com/news/suzy-starlite-my-job-is-to-be-the-custodian-of-the-groove" target="_blank">Bass Guitar Magazine</a> - the UK"s number one printed bass guitar magazine.</p>
<p>Starlite effused "I was totally shocked when the editor Joel McIver got in touch and asked me if I would be interested in doing an interview? Being a musician relatively new to the bass, I never ever thought something like this would happen... Simply brilliant and an honour to be be included in such a prestigious magazine alongside my peers!"</p>
<p>Sincere thanks to Joel McIver, editor of Bass Guitar Magazine for his vision, inclusivity and professionalism.</p>
<p> </p>
Suzy Starlite
tag:suzystarlite.com,2005:Post/6523563
2018-08-21T16:08:08+01:00
2021-02-01T12:48:16+00:00
'The Custodian of the Groove' Suzy Starlite interview feature in Bass Guitar Magazine!
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.musicradar.com/news/suzy-starlite-my-job-is-to-be-the-custodian-of-the-groove"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/51edde11fbfe1c4a7e914c543cb5c907c7111ae1/original/suzy-starlite-bass-guitar-magazine-front-cover-september-2018.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Bass Guitar Magazine September 2018" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;" /></a>I’m thrilled and totally stoked to be featured in the September edition of Bass Guitar Magazine with a front page name check and <a contents="in-depth interview article" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.musicradar.com/news/suzy-starlite-my-job-is-to-be-the-custodian-of-the-groove" target="_blank">in-depth interview article</a> inside.</p>
<div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" id="js_gr5">
<p>I had fun chatting about our forthcoming Starlite Campbell Band’s headline gig at the prestigious Wangaratta festival of jazz & blues for our Australian debut, my guitars and rig, musical inspirations, the band’s December UK tour and all things bass!</p>
<p>This month’s edition also features the mighty <a contents="Guy Pratt" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Pratt" target="_blank">Guy Pratt</a><a contents="Guy Pratt," data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Pratt" target="_blank">,</a> the peerless <a contents="Marcus Miller," data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Miller" target="_blank">Marcus Miller</a>, boss-level rockers <a contents="Mike Inez" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Inez" target="_blank">Mike Inez</a>, Mark Menghi, Mia Wallace and Dylan Desmond and many other splendid bassists, plus gear reviews to die for.</p>
<p>Special thanks to visionary and inspirational editor <a contents="Joel McIver" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel_McIver" target="_blank">Joel McIver</a>. </p>
<p>Grab it now via the <a contents="Future Publishing website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.magazinesdirect.com/az-magazines/6936369/bass-player-uk-magazine-subscription.thtml" target="_blank">Future Publishing website</a> or your fave mag emporium!</p>
</div>
Suzy Starlite
tag:suzystarlite.com,2005:Post/6523569
2018-03-12T20:12:47+00:00
2021-01-29T23:19:50+00:00
Luckiest Girl in the World. I am a Lehle endorsee!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/440265c5e6b6ecb8b221f513f4d44f72bb37e68b/original/lehle-logo.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Lehle" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;" />Totally bowled over to be a part of the wonderful <a class="profileLink" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://lehle.com/EN/who-plays-lehle" target="_blank">Lehle</a> family of musicians!</p>
<p>Most of my tone comes from the <a data-link-label="Equipment" data-link-type="page" href="/equipment" target="_blank">Mike Lull V4</a> and <a data-link-label="Equipment" data-link-type="page" href="/equipment">Gretsch Thunder Jet</a> basses (both fitted with <a contents="Curt Mangan Monel Flatwound strings" data-link-label="Equipment" data-link-type="page" href="/equipment">Curt Mangan stainless steel flatwound strings</a> in combination with the 70’s vintage <a data-link-label="Equipment" data-link-type="page" href="/equipment">HiWatt DR201</a> and <a data-link-label="Equipment" data-link-type="page" href="/equipment">Bergantino 610 cabinet</a> which I ALWAYS have miked (no DI).</p>
<p>I really needed a fabulous preamp and switcher for touring due to the long cable lengths and FX bypass, plus to use with my incredible <a class="profileLink" data-link-label="Equipment" data-link-type="page" href="/equipment" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Fylde Guitars</a> King John bass on acoustic shows with a Mark Bass Little Mark III and <a data-link-label="Equipment" data-link-type="page" href="/equipment">Bergantino HDN112.</a></p>
<p>Listening to them all, it had to be the <a data-link-label="Equipment" data-link-type="page" href="/equipment">Lehle</a>... Clear, natural, great EQ and accurate with a transformer balanced DI output (Rupert Neve would be proud).</p>
<p>I am the luckiest girl in the world…</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/e0f251cd76cd77dfc25066c6f57ebbd9a7e3eb8d/original/basswitch-iq-di-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Lehle RMI Basswitch IQ DI" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;" /></p>
Suzy Starlite
tag:suzystarlite.com,2005:Post/6523592
2016-01-30T19:35:01+00:00
2021-01-29T23:30:07+00:00
“Rockin’ the Path to Bass Enlightenment” – Walking the Bass Line #4
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/5b6474e878b0b82d76f4fdebd2e37e73bddbe9e7/original/carole-kaye.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Carol Kaye" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;" />I didn’t start out playing bass as my first instrument and the funny thing is, a lot of other bass players didn’t either…</p>
<ul> <li>
<a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemmy" target="_blank">Lemmy </a>had just joined Hawkwind as a guitar player when he found out he was surplus to requirements due to Dave Brock deciding he was going to play lead guitar instead. But when the band’s bass player didn’t show up for one of their free gigs because he wasn’t getting paid, he had also inadvertently left his bass and amp in their van. So, Lemmy stepped in, and played bass for the first time live on stage at a gig! (That does make me laugh…)</li> <li><span style="line-height:1.7;"><a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flea_(musician)" target="_blank">Flea </a>from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers started out playing the trumpet and was pretty good at it too by all accounts.</span></li> <li>The Who’s thunderous <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Entwistle" target="_blank">John Entwistle</a> started out on piano, then moved onto trumpet and French horn before he picked up a bass guitar. (Yey I played French Horn at school)</li> <li>
<a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://jacopastorius.com/" target="_blank">Jaco Pastorius</a> was first and foremost a drummer and only stopped playing after a wrist injury on the soccer field made it more difficult to play – that, and a better drummer had rocked up on the scene, so he stepped aside for this guy to take his place in the band. It was only because the bass player left at the same time that he picked up the bass!</li> <li>
<a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.carolkaye.com/" target="_blank">Carol Kaye</a> played jazz guitar and by the knock of opportunity, moved onto bass when she filled in for a recording session when another musician didn’t show up!</li> <li>
<a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tina_Weymouth" target="_blank">Tina Weymouth</a> – who provided the bass-bedrock of Talking Heads signature sound, started out playing handbells – which has slightly freaked me out as I used to play them when I was a teenager too. Apparently, she taught herself guitar before picking up the bass when she formed the band with David Byrne and her now-husband, drummer Chris Frantz.</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/41e0792808c104d090dd2cb38434d2f6e645f5b6/original/tina-weymouth-les-paul-recording.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Tina Weymouth" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" /></p>
<p>So there you have it – historically, the bass guitar is rarely the first go-to instrument of choice for many musicians and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Heck, the first instrument I dabbled with was the harmonica because it was affordable and I could easily play a tune on it; if I needed a singer, I just used to go outside and play loud in the garden where I was soon accompanied by our neighbour's dog, fondly referred to as ‘Howling Socks’.</p>
<p>I started thinking why is the path to ‘bass enlightenment’ so heavily influenced by chance, opportunity and more often necessity when the ‘Land of the Low End’ is such a dynamic and inspirational sonic landscape? So perhaps a better question would be: I<span style="text-align:center;line-height:1.7;">s the electric bass player understood?</span></p>
<p>Paul McCartney said:</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“None of us wanted to be the bass player. In our minds he was the fat guy who always played at the back.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>Is it because people don’t want to be the bass player because of the perceived role, or not fully understanding what they actually do??</p>
<p>Cue bass jokes <img src="https://s0.wp.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/wpcom-smileys/twemoji/2/72x72/1f609.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="😉" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<p>Anyway, being a bit of a geek when it comes to detail, I have been trying to pin things down in order to create a clear, concise job definition for myself: something that I could tell anyone and have a good chance of being understood. An elevator pitch so to speak!</p>
<p><strong>Music has essentially three parts;</strong></p>
<ul> <li>
<strong>Melody</strong> – lead instrument (BASS/vocals/guitar/sax/piano/hammond/violin etc),</li> <li>
<strong>Harmony</strong> – accompaniment (BASS/guitar/piano/Hammond/brass and string sections etc)</li> <li>
<strong>Rhythm</strong> – el groove (BASS/occasionally piano/drums/percussion)</li>
</ul>
<p>The bass sets the foundation for <strong>both</strong> harmony and rhythm! Plus the occasional and dreaded bass solo…</p>
<p><strong>Harmony</strong>: When you hear multiple notes at the same time (harmony) your mind uses the <em>lowest</em> note as a reference point, which influences or colours the way you hear the rest of the other notes being played! So, what it means is that the bass influences the feel of everything – and I mean everything!!</p>
<p><strong>Rhythm</strong>: most people understand what the bass does in terms of the rhythm; like a tight drum it’s punchy and percussive, but much more than that, it contributes to the harmony, tonality and most importantly, creates <strong>movement</strong> within the song.</p>
<hr><p>Where would these tracks be without the bass?</p>
<p><strong>Chic ‘Good Times’</strong></p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="u4rKLS2yEOE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/u4rKLS2yEOE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u4rKLS2yEOE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="480" width="100%" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>
<p><strong>Talking Heads – ‘Take Me to the River’</strong></p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="anjT71N4PGM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/anjT71N4PGM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/anjT71N4PGM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="480" width="100%" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>
<p><strong>Pink Floyd – Money</strong></p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="cpbbuaIA3Ds" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/cpbbuaIA3Ds/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cpbbuaIA3Ds?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="480" width="100%" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>
<p><strong>David Bowie’s ‘The Jean Genie’</strong></p>
<p>This is a good example as both the guitar and harmonica share the same melodic lines with the bass, and then they branch off, leaving the bass (which is locked in solidly all the way through) to keep the feel and movement going – great groove!</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="yEmGQYCuc6M" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/yEmGQYCuc6M/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yEmGQYCuc6M?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="480" width="100%" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>
<p><strong>And then there’s full-on BASS!! Thanks Lemmy – Rock on!!! </strong></p>
<p> </p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="eBIa0o36pPo" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/eBIa0o36pPo/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eBIa0o36pPo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="480" width="100%" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>
<hr><p><strong>So, in conclusion…</strong></p>
<p>Next time you play some music, try and listen out to what the bass guitar is doing? It takes a little bit of getting used to, especially if you are listening using small earbuds. I think you’ll be amazed at what you’ll hear and be surprised by how loud and upfront it is in the mix…</p>
<p>This new appreciation of the low-end world has changed and enhanced the way I hear and experience music; I hope you agree!</p>
Suzy Starlite
tag:suzystarlite.com,2005:Post/6523593
2016-01-15T23:33:26+00:00
2021-01-29T23:42:47+00:00
Squeezing Lemons with John Paul Jones – Walking the Bass Line #3
<p class="p1"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/f8b365506f5518f6d9f68f513ca3eecc88ce60c9/original/john-paul-jones-2.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="John Paul Jones" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;" />Lemon is great for killing parasites in chicken, a zesty addition to a large vodka and tonic and also apparently an age-old tradition in the playfulness of sexual innuendo in Blues music: way back in 1929, Joe Williams was singing “You Squeezed my lemon/Caused my juice to run” in the song ‘I Want it Awful Bad.’</p>
<p class="p1">But all that pales into a smoothie of citric insignificance when you consider the mightiest lemon of all time for players of the electric bass guitar – ‘The Lemon Song’ from the album <a href="http://www.ledzeppelin.com/" target="_blank">Led Zeppelin </a>II.</p>
<p class="p1">Here’s the back-story:</p>
<p class="p1">There I was in my own little world of wonderment – in the throes of first love with playing my bass guitar; enjoying the simple lines and losing myself in the groove when I asked my husband <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://simoncampbell.com/" target="_blank">Simon</a> that fateful question: “Got any ideas on what you think I could learn next?”</p>
<p class="p1">Being a professional musician and guitar player with a British Blues Award nomination under his belt, I am always grateful for his input and his encouragement has served as a rocket up my ass on many occasion…. but when he suggested Led Zeppelin’s The Lemon Song – I listened to it with the innocence akin to that of the child accepting a lollipop from the Child Catcher in the film ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ and then I heard a mighty CLANK!! The world went dark and my whole musical world momentarily imploded!!</p>
<p class="p1">There was absolutely no way I could play that!!! No bloody way!!! And that was that!!!!</p>
<p class="p1">A couple of months later – I decided to lift the carpet that I had firmly nailed to the floorboards and take another sneaky peek at the song to see if there was any way I could conquer this mountain of a song! I kept reminding myself of a note I had pinned to my wall when I was at Uni which read:<em>“It’s only difficult because you haven’t learned it yet!”</em></p>
<p class="p1">...and tried to listen to the song with fresh ears! But, again I had the same response and thought there is no way I can do this!</p>
<p class="p1">But, not one to give up easily when I knew it would dramatically improve my bass playing – I also thought: <em>“A mountain is conquered one step at a time” </em>and that is where I started – one phrase at a time!</p>
<p>Starting at the beginning I would play a phrase of the song over and over and over again trying to work out what notes were being played, then tried to cross-reference with any half-decent videos that were out there to make sure I was playing in the right place of the neck, then unlearning phrases because I had made a pig's ear of it and made things doubly difficult (at times impossible) for myself …and so it continued for months! And by months I mean half a year!</p>
<p>I would fall asleep with the bass line running through my head – and wake up with the same bloody line there to greet me: like a cross between the Cheshire Cat and Jack Nicholson’s big happy sinister grin of obsessive toothy joy – MORNING!!! LET’S PLAY BASS AGAIN!!</p>
<p>It almost drove me crazy!! Don’t get me wrong – I love playing but this was an absolute brain mangler at times, especially dissecting the faster parts; it made me feel like I was spinning on a never-ending mad fairground ride!</p>
<p>And to now!</p>
<p>Tomorrow night Simon and I have been invited to play a few songs as part of a massive <a href="http://dazeofdawn.com/" target="_blank">Daze of Dawn</a> & Friends ‘Rock Party’ at <a href="http://www.16toneladas.com/" target="_blank">16 Toneladas</a> in Valencia! There are over 25 musician guests playing with the band and it will be my first outing playing The Lemon Song in FULL on bass!</p>
<p>Key of E! Wish me luck – or better still – LET'S ROCK!!!!</p>
<p><em>All I can say is if I ever meet <a href="http://www.johnpauljones.com/" target="_blank">John Paul Jones</a> in person, I won’t know whether to hug him … or throttle him!!</em></p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="8gWbKAcuzN8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/8gWbKAcuzN8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8gWbKAcuzN8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="480" width="100%" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
Suzy Starlite
tag:suzystarlite.com,2005:Post/6523594
2016-01-07T10:57:38+00:00
2021-01-29T23:40:50+00:00
Keeping it Simple – Walking the Bass Line #2
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/8f9deb14f7e050a5c9005e42cb260a55b812a538/original/the-beatles-tomorrow-never-knows.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="The Beatles" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;" /></p>
<blockquote><p><em>“If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” Isaac Newton, 1676</em></p></blockquote>
<p>A lot of music leaves me feeling detached and unengaged because, putting it simply, it doesn’t make me feel anything. Sometimes it’s just that the song is not that great, but there are plenty of times when that has not been the case.</p>
<p>I was trying to work out why that is as the world seems to be full of technically proficient bass players and I think part of the reason is that there is not enough space left within the song itself to allow it to breathe.</p>
<p>If you think about music like colours painted on a blank canvas, sometimes things can be unnecessarily ‘busy’ which can detract from the overall perception and experience of the piece.</p>
<p>What I have really enjoyed about learning the bass and appreciating its role within a song is the absolute joy experienced by keeping things simple. There is always a little pressure in the back of your mind to up your game and play more advanced and complicated lines and I appreciate that, but sometimes, simple is all that is required.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“As a session musician, I can never remember being asked to play more notes or play slap!” – Andy Seward</em></p></blockquote>
<p>As a case in point, when studying a couple of Beatles songs for a celebratory gig in Valencia I have been invited to play at, ‘My Guitar Gently Weeps’ completely mesmerised me and hooked deep into my soul. The haunting McCartney bass line is simple, sublime and melts me every time…</p>
<p><em>New personal mantra: “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should!”</em></p>
<p><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/389QX9Q1eUOEZ19vtzzI9O" width="300"></iframe></p>
Suzy Starlite
tag:suzystarlite.com,2005:Post/6523595
2015-12-15T17:21:38+00:00
2021-01-29T23:55:21+00:00
Walking the Bass Line #1
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/e13fdeab2afeb8f7ecd11a4af573ae7f4816e298/original/suzy-starlite-pedro-wessels.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpeg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Suzy Starlite by Pedro Wessels" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;" />The hardest part about playing a new instrument is trying to work out what direction to go in and really where to start.</p>
<p>When I decided <a contents="to play the bass guitar&nbsp;" data-link-label="VIBES" data-link-type="page" href="/vibes">to play the bass guitar </a>this problem was promptly taken away from me as I was thrown into a bath of ice-cold water overnight, becoming the bass player in <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://simoncampbell.com" target="_blank">Simon Campbell</a>‘s solo band – faced with learning the parts from his albums ‘<a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://simoncampbell.com/recordings/thirtysix/" target="_blank">ThirtySix</a>‘ and ‘<a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://simoncampbell.com/recordings/the-knife/" target="_blank">The Knife</a>.’</p>
<p>I knew all the songs really well having played keyboards live (and of course Simon and I are married), but the bass is a whole different badass world.</p>
<p>The bass player on Simon’s second album ‘The Knife’ was <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.discogs.com/artist/392375-Andy-Seward?page=3" target="_blank">Andy Seward</a>; one of the best bass players in the UK acoustic scene.</p>
<p>Listening to the complex and interweaving lines terrified me! But fortunately, we have the isolated bass tracks from the original recordings and I went about learning everything. All I had was the music; there were no tabs or charts so I did it the old fashioned way – by listening.</p>
<p>Deciding to start with ‘The Man’ an upbeat Blues song, I sat down with my bass and played the music over and over and over and over…</p>
<p>A few days later having finally managed to work out the bass line, I quickly discovered that it wasn’t just a matter of identifying the notes but also working out where they are played on the neck and what shapes to apply to ensure that my technique was correct to allow my playing to flow smoothly. <span style="line-height:1.7;">It was definitely a process of trial and error – sometimes, my fingers ended up in a right sticky mess, like a game of Twister, having made things far too hard than they needed to be. </span></p>
<p>And so it continued, week after week, listening and writing and practising. I became totally hooked; to the extent that I would wake up with bass lines running through my head… until it was time to rehearse with the band.</p>
<p>You never feel that you are quite ready, always wishing for more time but that was simply not an option! In retrospect, I have to admit that I have learned so much more by getting out there and performing live as opposed to staying home, hidden in my room, trying to perfect my craft!</p>
<p>Next week will feature some of the great players that I have been studying with some <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Radle">Carl Radle</a> and <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Fraser">Andy Fraser</a> action. </p>
Suzy Starlite
tag:suzystarlite.com,2005:Post/6523596
2015-11-25T21:18:13+00:00
2021-01-29T23:58:06+00:00
French Horns and Tangos
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/b3d6bcb934328089df930a687d5cb61934b8524e/original/hombres-bailando-tango-en-el-r-o-1904.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Hombres Bailando Tango en el Rio - 1904" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;" />On the second day of thinking about the music that has inspired me, having started with the first gig I ever saw, (<a data-link-label="VIBES" data-link-type="page" href="/vibes" target="_blank">Stevie Wonder </a>at the NEC in Birmingham) it naturally drew me back a little further to my childhood.</p>
<p>The more I hear stories from other people, it’s incredible just how powerful their memories are and why they love a particular song; usually introduced to those sounds by their siblings, parents or friends at school. Cars seem to have played a big part in this too; a captive audience on the move…</p>
<p>At primary school I played descant & treble recorders and was into percussion in a big way; I can still remember the rhythm I had to play on a tambor all the way through a song for our Christmas production when I was nine years old….and don’t get me started on the ‘one ting of the triangle’ story!</p>
<p>Then followed a term on the violin at Ross Grammar School which transformed into the mighty French horn for four years – a beast of a brass instrument whose tone I adored. The only reason I stopped playing was down to my orthodontist, who gave me a permanent set of railroad tracks which put the kibosh on playing any kind of wind instrument for a few years.</p>
<p>What I do appreciate now more so than at the time, was that playing in the school orchestra and brass band gave a valuable insight into being part of a wider musical landscape where the voicing of other instruments worked together in service <span class="text_exposed_show">of the music; a proper team effort. </span></p>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<p>In all honesty, Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings is one of my all-time favourite pieces but I find that it’s just too sad for repeated listening; it almost always makes me cry and have subsequently found myself walking out of shops if I hear it being played on their internal sound system. Compacting on this, the piece is now so strongly associated with tragic world events and war films that I don’t want to revisit it from a place other than that of innocence.</p>
<p>This particular beautiful piece of music I happened to hear on the radio one evening when I was sat on a train on my way back from my commute to University and was immediately transfixed, sought it out and bought the album; <a href="http://www.fionnualahunt.com/" target="_blank">Fionnuela Hunt</a> – <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tangos-Dances-bonus-Fionnuala-Hunt/dp/B000EXOBVM" target="_blank">Tangos and Dances</a>.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>It tracks the art form from its origins in the bordellos and back streets of Buenos Aires to the concert platforms of the world. Tangos & Dances charts the history of Tango through the 1900s up to the present day, from its early dance form to the more jazz-inspired music of contemporary times.</em></p></blockquote>
<p>There is a certain melancholic beauty, underpinned by a rhythmic movement that both holds and rocks you gently. Within the sadness also lies the inspiration for courage and the choosing of forgiveness in order to move on… Oblivion.</p>
</div>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="GHlWeg9CcOc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/GHlWeg9CcOc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GHlWeg9CcOc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="480" width="100%" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>
Suzy Starlite
tag:suzystarlite.com,2005:Post/6523597
2015-11-24T12:22:40+00:00
2021-01-29T00:04:37+00:00
Women and Music
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/b7363962d40ddd4cecd1cd6b2bd1042f70173470/original/feminism.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpeg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Feminism" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;" /></p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>The giant Apple, it doth appear, wants to help choose the music we hear.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Through tales of broken hearted girls and women bereft of intelligence pills,</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>The Prince will come and save the day – Be SAFE and shop the ‘curated’ way!</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Jimmy Iovine did make me chuckle the other day with his befuddled meanderings regarding his ill-fated attempt to illustrate the perceived needs and interactions of Apple’s female consumers with the introduction of their new music curation service.</p>
<p>There were some real crackers in there, so much so that I had a fleeting worry for the state of his health, having lost a parent to early-onset Alzheimers – but we all know he meant well right?</p>
<p>What did draw my attention however was the subsequent blog article written by <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://musically.com/2015/11/24/lauren-laverne-jimmy-iovine-comments-part-of-wider-problem/" target="_blank">Lauren Laverne</a>, who has had a successful career in the UK music and entertainment industry for over twenty years, regarding the problems women face in the music industry.</p>
<p>Having worked in the entertainment/music industry as a performer and behind the scenes in production, I have experienced first-hand misogynistic behaviour from both men and women, unequal pay – absolutely. Fortunately, the worst experience I have had physically was having to make a hasty retreat from the front of a Doves gig at Manchester Apollo, having inadvertently put myself in the middle of what became a mosh pit!</p>
<p>It is obvious that there is still much work to be done to redress the balance of equality within the music industry but there is one point I find hard to swallow. According to <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.prsformusic.com/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">PRS for Music</a>, out of 95,000 plus UK registered members that identify themselves as songwriters and composers, only 13% of them are women.</p>
<p>Is this a direct result of inequality in the music industry and an accurate representation of the UK’s songwriting talent pool or have potentially thousands of women (and men) neglected to register for one reason or another?</p>
<p>I cannot answer this but would love to hear from you – but first, it may be in your interest to register and give yourself a chance, as I have done, to get paid for the valued work you do… before taking a bite out of the Apple.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>I used to say that Walt Disney had ruined my life because he promised me that “One day my Prince will come.”</em></p>
<p><em>But not Willy Wonka, he said “We are the music makers, and we are the dreamer of dreams"</em></p>
<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/laDY8STCWuo" width="560"></iframe></p>
</blockquote>
Suzy Starlite
tag:suzystarlite.com,2005:Post/6523598
2015-11-23T09:36:20+00:00
2021-01-30T00:04:58+00:00
Seven Days of music that has inspired…
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/1ec5ab37a6604ecf9ce0334aa50e5bbfd3354368/original/stevie-wonder.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Stevie Wonder" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;" />The other day I was nominated by my friend Nick to take part in the ‘Seven Days of Music that has inspired…’ challenge that has gone viral on some social media sites.</p>
<p>I’m not usually into that kind of thing and you won’t find any video clips of me floating around the technological ether with a bucket of iced water over my head either, but this particular idea got me thinking… who and what has inspired me from a musical perspective?</p>
<p>Honestly, I didn’t know where to start… it felt like trying to tidy up my bedroom when I was thirteen, so thought a good place would be the first-ever professional concert I experienced.</p>
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<p>It was June 22nd, 1984, and my friends Julian and Roy, who ran our famous local mobile disco 'Negative Earth', had bought me my first-ever ticket to a music concert which was an hour and a half drive north from Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire to the NEC Arena in Birmingham, England. I was so excited and couldn't believe my luck when we walked into this huge amazing arena and discovered that we were four rows from the front! </p>
<p>That, however, didn't last long because as soon as the gig started, I was up on my feet and drawn to the front of the stage by some invisible magnetic power within the first few bars fo the song. I stood there soaking up every moment as if I was in heaven, looking at everything, the sound vibrating through my body, the lights, the musicians, all these people... and it sounded immense!! I had never experienced anything quite like it before!</p>
<p>WOWZERS!!</p>
<p>The absolute sense of joy and inspiration stayed with me for months… I think it was at that moment I realised just how powerful, inspirational, cathartic and outright bloody wonderful live music can be!</p>
<p>Stevie Wonder, Birmingham NEC Arena, England</p>
<p>There isn't any available footage of the concert but this video will give you a feel of his vibe.... talk about sending the benchmark high... I mean really high!!</p>
<p> </p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="AbqgBtxm4Jo" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/AbqgBtxm4Jo/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AbqgBtxm4Jo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="480" width="100%" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>
Suzy Starlite
tag:suzystarlite.com,2005:Post/6523601
2015-10-08T10:53:36+01:00
2021-01-30T00:16:18+00:00
“Luxury” on National Poetry Day
<p>In celebration of National Poetry Day, here is a short poem written a few months ago…</p>
<p>Luxury…</p>
<hr><p> </p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="lHZaaY66FGI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/lHZaaY66FGI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lHZaaY66FGI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="480" width="100%" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>
<hr><p>Performed by <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://simoncampbell.com/" target="_blank">Simon Campbell </a>on location at <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/XRkRat3KSHE" target="_blank">Supertone Records, Spain.</a></p>
Suzy Starlite
tag:suzystarlite.com,2005:Post/6523602
2015-09-29T21:49:32+01:00
2021-01-30T00:50:12+00:00
Have Bass – Will Travel…
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/5db4b2e663444b9950ba52cd5a9857322a792b82/original/simon-campbell-and-suzy-starlite-by-monica-bernal-7.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Suzy Starlite and Simon Campbell by Monica Bernal" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;" />First times are always a whirlwind mixture of excitement and a certain amount of nervous energy mixed in to create that fizzy pop feeling when you are in unchartered territory…</p>
<p>I’m used to performing live in a wide variety of venues and outdoor stages but this was to be my first visit to the UK as a bass player in the <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://starlite-campbell.com/" target="_blank">Starlite Campbell Band.</a></p>
<p>We were flying in from our Supertone Records <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/XRkRat3KSHE" target="_blank">studio</a> in Spain which meant that it was not feasible to bring my beloved <a data-link-label="Equipment" data-link-type="page" href="/equipment" target="_blank">HiWatt DR201</a> amp and <a data-link-label="Equipment" data-link-type="page" href="/equipment" target="_blank">Bergantino </a>6 x 10 (no tweeter) cab. We had booked three seats on the plane for two of my husband <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.simoncampbell.com/" target="_blank">Simon Campbell</a>‘s guitars and my <a data-link-label="Equipment" data-link-type="page" href="/equipment" target="_blank">Mike Lull custom bass</a>; putting them in the hold was never going to be an option – not when you understand the harsh reality of what happens to your cases on their journey to the hold of any aircraft!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/a0a0de2304b2685b9cea46181f9098846617c4c2/original/bass-guitar-ryanair-to-uk-window-seat.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpeg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Mike Lull M4V gets the window seat on the Rain flight to the UK" />The bass got the window seat…</p>
<p>In the days leading up to our departure, all I could think about was:</p>
<ul> <li>What would my bass sound like through different types of bass rigs?</li> <li>How would I balance against the drums playing on the outdoor main stage at the <a contents="Ramsbottom Festival " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://headforthehills.org.uk/" target="_blank">Ramsbottom Festival</a>? (now called Head For The Hills Festival)</li> <li>Would I get a good monitor mix so that I could hear the band clearly?</li> <li>What would the acoustics sound like playing in an old chapel on the stage at The Convent in Stroud?</li> <li>Would I cock it up at any point?</li> <li>Would I enjoy playing?</li>
</ul>
<p>Two very different types of the gigs – one big outdoor main stage and a chapel inside an old Convent with very high ceilings…. great!</p>
<p>The Convent gig was also being filmed and streamed live in glorious HD across the globe via Netgig. It’s a great concept as it meant a dear friend of mine all the way in Wisconsin, USA could join us live as it happened and be a part of our evening – priceless! £4.99 for an online ticket is fantastic value!</p>
<p>So – no pressure then hehe!</p>
<p>Well, that’s the thing – I think I had a revelation because I decided I wouldn’t really achieve anything by getting all worked up so I resolved to relax as much as possible and take each moment as it came along and… I had a brilliant time!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/efa8e0a5e1bb073c4e401d7f9329632d2b5a9c2e/original/suzy-starlite-simon-campbell-danilo-argenti-ramsbottom-festival.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Musical feet" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;" /></p>
<p>At the Ramsbottom Festival gig, I asked for some kick and snare in my monitors, plus a little of Simon’s vocals, my vocals and Christian Madden’s keys to balance out the soundscape. If I needed to lock down with the drums more when I wasn’t singing, I just moved closer to my rig which was set to the left of our drummer Danilo Argenti’s high-hat. I was really happy, we played well and had a great reception from the crowd! Beautiful!!</p>
<p>We didn’t have to worry about our FoH (Front of House) sound either as a very good friend of mine and ace sound engineer John Redfern from <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://tubeuk.com/" target="_blank">TubeUK</a> was on the desk and he was seriously amazing!! His job was made a lot easier by using a <a href="http://www.dbaudio.com/" target="_blank">D&B </a>rig- a great sound system, and he really knows how to give space to each instrument and make the drums sound… like drums!</p>
<p>The day was over far too quickly but it was a really friendly atmosphere, thankfully the weather was good and it was enlightening to meet old friends from Simon’s home town and meet up with our wonderful family and friends.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/1aacc689e99b26e8d087c91427e3fcab3b9908c5/original/suzy-starlite-simon-campbell-ramsbottom-festival-2015.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Simon Campbell band featuring Suzy Starlite at the Ramsbottom Festival 2015" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;" /> Then we had a few days with our family – I’ll write about that another time…</p>
<p>So, onwards to our next gig…</p>
<p>Simon and I were really looking forward to meeting Matthew and Charlotte Roberts who run the spectacular venue The Convent in Stroud, Gloucestershire, UK.</p>
<p>Over the past few months we sensed that we were kindred spirits in many ways, especially when it came to our passion for music, supporting the work of musicians and the live music scene in general! This was confirmed on our arrival when Matt gave us a big hug and simply said “welcome home!”</p>
<p>We all had lunch together in the garden and it was a wonderful start to what proved to be a great day!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/1085c4dcdfde64af504e4483af4180871baaf68d/original/matthew-roberts-simon-campbell-suzy-starlite-the-convent-stroud-uk.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="matthew roberts simon campbell suzy starlite the convent stroud uk" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;" />Get-in and sound check ran smoothly and our gig started at 2100 on the dot – due to the live streaming. We played for a good hour and a half with our songs ranging from intimate acoustic moments through to mighty electrical storms of lead guitar magnificence from Simon: amazing!!</p>
<p>The Convent is an enchanting and incredibly special venue, the staff are wonderful, the food absolutely delicious and at times we felt like we were dreaming! If you are ever anywhere near – you should go experience it for yourself!</p>
Suzy Starlite
tag:suzystarlite.com,2005:Post/6523603
2015-05-20T17:03:21+01:00
2021-01-30T00:54:49+00:00
Do You Want Me….
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/3b8185c958801147ef6f25afd1b0f1ac873e66cc/original/suzy-starlite-age-three-i-was-born-under-a-wandering-star.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Suzy Starlite age three " style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;" />I have vivid memories of growing up in Herefordshire with its patchwork quilt of rolling fields and slumbering hills.</p>
<p>A land scattered with farms and endless hedgerows…and cows leaning over the fence and munching the tulips from our garden.</p>
<p>My Mum loved music and used to play a lot of vinyl. I was really enamoured with the soundtrack from the film ‘Paint Your Wagon’ especially the grumpy, gravelly voice of Lee Marvin. I would swing as high as I could, sing as loud as I could – ‘I was born under a wandering star…’</p>
<p>The neighbours laughed with my Mum about the fact they could hear me; they probably found it funny because I really went for it, and I was the ripe old age of three.</p>
<p>When I was working with <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://simoncampbell.com" target="_blank" title="Simon Campbell">Simon</a> on his second album <a href="https://simoncampbell.bandcamp.com/album/the-knife" target="_blank" title="Simon Campbell - The Knife">‘The Knife’</a>, we were recording in Castleford and it struck us how different it would have been if we had grown up in an industrial town in times now gone by, where money was scarce, the factories were closing and there was little hope in the future of a young child’s dreams.</p>
<p>We wrote this song, encapsulating the mood of the time…</p>
<p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2860983922/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/track=4012125132/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; width: 350px; height: 470px;">The Knife by Simon Campbell</iframe></p>
Suzy Starlite
tag:suzystarlite.com,2005:Post/6523606
2014-05-30T08:30:11+01:00
2021-01-30T00:59:38+00:00
The New Rhythm of Life…
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/4fd69384586212b3d33a94d9e676556610dc1250/original/gretsch-thunder-jet-1.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpeg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Gretsch Thunder Jet" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;" />Music has always been an important part of my life. I can’t say why – it just calls me, if that makes any sense at all.</p>
<p>As a young child, whenever I saw a piano I was always drawn to it and just had to play! Give me the choice between a chocolate biscuit and the piano – there was simply no competition.</p>
<p>I started off on a cheap kids harmonica when I was three or four, which my neighbour's dog called 'Socks' loved to sing along to. Played descant and treble recorder in Primary school and every year we took part in the <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.encore-enterprises.com/herefordshireperformingartsfestival" target="_blank" title="Herefordshire Festival">Herefordshire Performing Arts Festival</a> which was my first introduction to public performance, apart from ballet and school productions.</p>
<p>At Grammar School I somehow ended up playing the French Horn for a few years and got quite good, playing in orchestras and brass bands, but when my orthodontist gave me a set of 'railroad tracks' that was the end of that!</p>
<p>For my sixteenth birthday, my Mum bought me an acoustic guitar and I had one lesson with this guy who basically spent the whole time showing off and telling me how good he was and I came away with nothing more than I walked in with. So, determined to learn, I bought songbooks for Simon and Garfunkel, The Beatles and Songs for Buskers and started from there.</p>
<p>Nick, my then brother-in-law, was a great inspiration for me as every time he turned up at home, he would always grab my guitar and play me a song or two – Blackbird, anything and everything by Eric Clapton, and he taught me how to play Here Comes the Sun with some delicate picking (which I still remember to this day).</p>
<p>And then I started to write my own songs.</p>
<p>Jumping to now, it’s been an interesting and diverse musical journey. I’ve recently started playing piano again (which has given me a new inspiration with my writing) and also play keys in my husband <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://simoncampbell.com/" target="_blank" title="Simon Campbell">Simon</a>‘s solo band. </p>
<p>But getting to the point I guess, I have found my true love.</p>
<p>It’s short, black and shiny with flat wound strings: my new <a data-link-label="Equipment" data-link-type="page" href="/equipment" title="Gretsch Thunder Jet Bass Guitar">Gretsch Thunder Jet</a> bass guitar!</p>
<p>Where do I start – from the moment I picked up this beauty a few months ago it has set me on fire! I don’t worry about all the fiddly complicated lines at the moment. Just keeping it simple and taking time to learn properly and understand from the ground up; one step at a time climbs a mountain.</p>
<p>I had never thought about playing bass before and it has been a complete revelation to me. From understanding the role of a bass player in a band to listening more intently to the great players of our time and before, like <a contents="Carl Radle " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Radle" target="_blank">Carl Radle </a>(especially on Clapton's E.C. Was Here'), <a contents="John Paul Jones " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.johnpauljones.com/" target="_blank">John Paul Jones</a> (The Lemon Song - Led Zeppelin), <a contents="Andy Fraser " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Fraser" target="_blank">Andy Fraser </a>(Free), <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tina_Weymouth" target="_blank" title="Tina Weymouth">Tina Weymouth</a> and the intensity and power of <a contents="Jack Bruce" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Bruce" target="_blank">Jack Bruce</a> with Cream has motivated me more than any well-placed rocket would do!</p>
<p>One thing I do know though… you can’t teach the groove! You’ve either got it or you haven’t…</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Suzy Starlite
tag:suzystarlite.com,2005:Post/6523607
2014-05-20T18:52:27+01:00
2021-01-30T02:02:06+00:00
Remembering my Mum, who couldn’t remember me
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/cc49bcfb5b8b2fdba0ebcc01a7d1f1909b970f35/original/suzy-starlite-mum-wedding-day.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Margaret Morris, Suzy's mum on her wedding day." style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;" />In the weeks building up to my impending marriage to <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://simoncampbell.com" target="_blank" title="Simon Campbell">Simon</a>, my wonderful new husband, I started thinking about Margaret, my Mum.</p>
<p>I haven’t seen or laughed with her for over sixteen years (and more) as she developed the most aggressive form of early-onset <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://alzheimers.org.uk/" target="_blank" title="Alzheimer's Society">Alzheimer’s</a> in her late 50’s and sadly died aged 66.</p>
<p>It’s these times in your life when you really want to share your happiness with those closest to you…and she wasn’t there.</p>
<p>A few weeks ago I was sat in the studio playing piano and this little melody came to me… I started singing and just letting the words flow… tears cascading and my heart aching…</p>
<p>What was it about: the many times I hung out with my Mum when she couldn’t sit still for more than a few minutes – almost driven to keep on moving. The many torturous years not knowing if she was ok trapped inside her mind … and the many times she didn’t know who I was anymore, didn’t know that I was her daughter.</p>
<p><strong>The Coat</strong></p>
<p><em>You told me you were leaving</em><br><em>I asked you if you wanted your coat, or are you going to leave it behind</em></p>
<p><em>You didn’t give a reason, you didn’t say a word</em><br><em>You just kept staring at your coat</em></p>
<p><em>Won’t you tell me something to make me feel alright</em><br><em>Won’t you give me something to take the edge off the bite</em></p>
<p><em>Your clothes felt unfamiliar</em><br><em>You looked the same but everything had changed – and it wasn’t the light.</em></p>
<p><em>Won’t you tell me something to make me feel alright</em><br><em>Won’t you give me something to take the edge off the bite</em></p>
<p><em>‘Cos I don’t know where you go</em><br><em>What you need or do you know my name</em><br><em>I don’t want to let you go</em><br><em>Let you feel like you’re alone</em><br><em>You are my life!</em></p>
<p><em>I love to watch you sleeping</em><br><em>So beautiful</em><br><em>Warmed by the sunlight</em></p>
<p><em>Won’t you tell me something to make me feel alright</em><br><em>Won’t you give me something to take the edge off the bite</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="p2">© Words and music Suzy Starlite, 2014</p>
<p>Available soon on <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://supertonerecords.com/" target="_blank" title="Supertone Records">Supertone Records</a></p>
Suzy Starlite
tag:suzystarlite.com,2005:Post/6523608
2014-04-28T22:29:45+01:00
2021-01-30T01:15:58+00:00
Puppy Love: Bobby changed my life…
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/541545/f6be1837ba3c7f9edc72bb4872ef388a8dafee84/original/suzy-starlite-chairworks-bobby.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Suzy Starlite and Bobby Starlite-Campbell Chairworks recording studio, Castleford" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px;" />When I moved to France a year ago with my new partner <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://simoncampbell.com" target="_blank">Simon</a>, he brought with him the mighty hairy princess, <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/hummock.campbell?fref=ts" target="_blank">Hummock Campbell</a></p>
<p>We loved our new life together in the French countryside surrounded by vineyards and oceans of sunflowers for Hummock to run through but after a few months, we realised that she was becoming a little sad when Dolly, her furry friend next door, didn’t come out to play.</p>
<p>So we tentatively started discussing the idea of getting a second puppy. Simon had only ever had one dog at a time but I had grown up with two Springer Spaniels chasing each other around. That wasn’t the issue. Just like many other people I know, having a dog is a huge commitment and frankly, I was scared of losing my freedom. Hummock was definitely Simon’s and it was the only way to balance our family unit if I were to take primary responsibility for a new hairy beast.</p>
<p>A deciding factor for us was our job. If at any point Hummock couldn’t come with us because we were on the road or playing gigs out of town then it would be better if she had a little brother or sister to hang out with.</p>
<p>So, to test the water, we sent a quick e-mail to Dom and Jan at <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.arabianhorse.co.uk/labradors/home.htm" target="_blank">High House Labradors</a> enquiring if they were going to have any new puppies in the near future. Within a couple of hours they wrote back a little shocked at the serendipity of our timing because Hummock’s Mummy had just had a surprise litter of one!</p>
<p>Simon and I looked at each other in amazement – a real jaw-dropping, big-eyed moment!<br>That was it then!</p>
<p>We were scheduled to go into the studio for three and a half weeks at <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.thechairworks.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Chairworks</a> to record Simon’s new album ‘The Knife’ and the Electrolite EP so we knew we could get to Cumbria in the van of rock to pick our little girl up at some point.</p>
<p>It was a brave or foolish move, but we ended up collecting Bobby the day BEFORE we went into the studio!</p>
<p>She was everything and more that we could have dreamed of!</p>
<p>Simon’s producer <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.discogs.com/artist/392375-Andy-Seward?page=3" target="_blank">Andy Seward</a> (Martin Simpson / Kate Rusby) took it well in his ubiquitous Northern stride. Drummer <a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.discogs.com/artist/392379-Keith-Angel?page=2" target="_blank">Keith Angel</a> (the Angel Brothers) was just like his name and when <a contents="Christian Madden" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://christianmadden.co.uk/about/" target="_blank">Christian Madden</a> (Liam Gallagher, The Earlies) rocked up for his session he was both comedic and gentle with the ‘Fearsome Bob – heart of a Lion.’</p>
<p>Yes – her barking pierced through acoustically treated doors just when we were trying to sensitively record guitars or vocals, yes – when over-excited she left puddles of delight on the floor, yes she looked so cute it was hard to leave her in the next room and focus on our work…</p>
<p>and YES, she melted my heart, from the very first moment we met.</p>
Suzy Starlite