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"There is only one you, so be the biggest and largest 'you' you can be" - A Conversation with Freekbass

Freekbass shares insights from his journey as a musician, from collaborating with influential artists to becoming one of TikTok's top global creators. He discusses the importance of authenticity, consistency, and finding balance between creativity, performance, and building an online presence.

By Magesh MageshContributing Author

Photo credit: Tony Aarrasmith

Freekbass is an incredibly talented musician who has worked with Corey Glover, Bootsy Collins, Buckethead, and more. His funky groove and technical wizardry on the bass guitar led to him being the winner of the TikTok Fest.

A true musical virtuoso who is prolific at creating original music that continues to break new ground.

Magesh Magesh, Musicngear: You were listed as one of the top 100 Global creators on TikTok, coming in at number 65!  Can you talk about how much work you put into having such a strong social media presence?

That was such an honor to receive. When TikTok put me up on Times Square in NYC on multiple billboards, it felt very surreal and still does to this day. I think the main thing with having a strong social media is consistency. With that consistency comes work, of course, and always creating new content, but when you are doing something you love, it never feels like work.

Musicngear: Clearly, you are an excellent musician. Your personal style has helped you create your own brand.  What can musicians do to stand out in the overcrowded space that is the internet?

I think the #1 thing is authenticity. That is always what resonates the most with folks. There is only one you, so be the biggest and largest "you" you can be.

Musicngear: You have collaborated with such iconic musicians like Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell, and Buckethead. What did you learn from being around such super-talented people?

I would like to include Gary "Mudbone" Cooper (vocalist with P-Funk, Bootsy's Rubberband, & Sly Fox) and RazorSharp Johnson (keyboardist who toured with me from Bootsy's original Rubberband).

All of these folks taught me so, so much about songwriting, producing albums, leaning into who you are as an artist, and having a long music career. Working with them was always like going to funk & music school, and they each taught me things that I'll carry with me my whole life.

Photo by Aaron Farrier

Musicngear: So much emphasis is put on playing fast and having lots of chops on an instrument. How can musicians get better at laying down a solid groove?

I always say my favorite bassline of all time is Papa Was a Rolling Stone by The Temptations. 3 notes for the entire song, with no fills. But it never feels boring or repetitious, because the pocket is so locked it becomes hypnotic.

I teach bass as well as perform & record, and I always remind my students that the space you don't play is as much a part of the music & bassline as the notes you do play.

There is only one you, so be the biggest and largest "you" you can be

Musicngear: Do you have a system for splitting up your time between practicing, performing, and posting on social media?

Lots of espresso & matcha. Lol. Seriously, I do have designated days for filming social media things, recording, and teaching. I would suggest trying to schedule certain times for certain things. I have a bad habit of trying to get everything done at once, and it can make you a little crazy.

Having scheduled times for certain things is the best for your mental health, in my opinion.

Musicngear: What projects are you currently working on?

I'm finishing up an album for all of the singles we have created on TikTok Live over the last year. We've been releasing one single a month to all of our subscribers, and then publicly a couple of weeks later to all the streaming services. We are putting them all together, along with a couple of new tracks, on vinyl & CD.

Plus, I'm having some very cool branded music gear dropping later this year that I'll be able to talk about soon!

Connect with Freekbass
Facebook // Instagram // X // YouTube // TikTok // Website // Discord

About Magesh Magesh

Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour. He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk

Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com

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