|
An Interview with
Marten Andersson
By
Martin Simpson/bassplayers.co.za
How long have you been playing Marten?
I started playing guitar when I was 13. I switched to bass a couple of years
later.
How did you get started?
It all started when I saw bands like Kiss, Michael Schenker, Ufo and
Rainbow. I remember seeing Gene Simmons in a video and I thought he looked
cool, a true rockstar. Come to think about it I think that was the moment
that made me switch to bass. My first bass was an old Fender Mustang. It had
a neck like a guitar but was the first true short scale bass. I think they
discontinued making those around 81.
Do you come from a musical family?
My parents are the best parents you can ask for; they were always very
supportive of my choices but musical --- No
What’s your favorite band / solo artist?
Wow, well there are so many great bands out there but as far as bass players
I would say Gene Simmons, Billy Sheehan, Jeff Berlin, Chris Glen (from early
MSG). I like a player who is not only a great musician but also a great
performer with personality and charisma. I get this question a lot and my
influences are different now than what they used to be. During the grunge
years there were not a lot of very influential players (for me personally)
but it’s changing, there are a lot of cool cats out there again.
 |
|
What are the amps and instruments you currently
use?
My gear consists of 4 and 8 string ESP Basses, (Jazz, EC-404, 8
strings etc.), I have a couple of Fenders (a 78 Jazz, a Fender
Jazz special), most my basses have Badass
Bridges on them, Ampeg, Gallien Kruger,
EMG Pickups, Dean Markley Strings, Morley
Pedals, Sans Amp Bass Driver, Black Cross Cases, and Line 6 Pod
for recording. I write most of my songs on an Ovation Acoustic
guitar.
You have an endorsement deal with ESP don’t you? Do
you endorse any other products?
I like to see it as they endorse me because it’s really an honour
to be involved with the companies I work with. In addition to ESP
I am involved by the following companies in one way or another.
Gallien Kruger, Ampeg, EMG Pickups, Dean Markley Strings, Ovation Acoustic
guitars, Morley Pedals, Black Cross Cases, Sans Amp Bass Driver,
Leo Quan's Badass Bridges and Line 6 Pod. I use most this stuff daily and I stand by it
110%.
What instruments would you like to have if money
were no object?
Can we add cars and motorcycles to this as well? (laughter). I
have to say that I am really fortunate to endorse some of the best
companies out there but I definitely would collect old Fender’s
(guitar and basses) and various other types of vintage gear. |
What bike do you ride? I’ve had the same Kawasaki
Ninja for the last 21 years!!!!!
I am a Harley guy, I had a Sportster, I currently ride a custom Softail
Deuce 2003 anniversary model.
What have you been doing for the last five years or
so?
I recorded CDs (and toured) with Lizzy Borden, Starwood and my solo
project (Legacy). I also did 3 tours with guitarist George Lynch. I am still
recovering from the 6 weeks we did with almost no days off playing with Yngwie. I had a blast. I teach to a limited number of students and I hold
bass clinics whenever possible. There is always more to learn.
What recordings that you’ve played on would you
recommend for listening?
I played on a lot of stuff over the years/with some great players, some CD’s
are more technical then others. Check out my solo CD Legacy, Starwood (If it
Aint Broke Break it), and Lizzy Borden (Deal with the Devil).
What’s been the low point in your career so far?
I guess you can call the struggle of starting out, being a broke musician,
living with 5 people in a one-bedroom apartment can be called a low point.
However I am a very positive person and looking back now, I realize that
made me into who I am today. I have some of my best memories in my life from
that period. It’s true what they say, “It’s not the destination, it’s the
journey”.
So what has been the high point?
There is so many, getting the opportunity to play and become friends with
the people I grew up listening to has been unbelievable. Getting my first
endorsement deal with ESP and of course there are things like playing in
front of 35.000 people that I will never forget, as long as I live.
Have you visited the South African bass players
website www.bassplayers.co.za ?
I just did, looks like a great hangout for musicians. You should make it
global!! I am actually looking for a new bass tech; I should post something
on there for that. I guess the travel distance (South Africa to Los Angeles)
would be a little too far for the guy.
So what does Marten Andersson do in his spare time?
My hobby is music, whatever I do in my spare time usually relates to music
in one way or another. It can be anything from returning emails from fans
off my website to music industry related parties. I have a great group of
friends I hang out with. Of course I make sure I have my down time to
recharge my batteries and keep healthy.
What are your goals currently?
Continue practicing, write songs, record, tour, work with new people and of
course get the bands I am involved with out there even more.
Thanks for the interview Marten, I enjoyed it.
It was fun. Keep in touch, Thank you. Marten
Website: www.marten.cc
<Go Back to Main Reviews/Press
Page
<Go Back to Main News
page
Go Back to Previous Page
|