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For my final project, I have decided to take part in a band performance at The Mash House on the 12th of May. We will be playing 5 songs in an approximate 20 minute set. Throughout the year, I have performed live bass guitar in two different bands. In my first band, we were performing all rock pieces; while in my current band, we don't really have a set genre. I felt I could have done with better preparation for both performances, with my first band not getting enough practise in for the songs we were playing and us being unable to find a drummer. I also think I did not bring all the equipment I needed for the second performance. These reflections should help me improve for my final performance.

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The primary goal of my project is to deliver an entertaining band performance that will captivate the audience. I aim to showcase my skills as a bassist while helping my bandmates achieve a smooth and engaging performance. To prepare, I will research our selected songs, stage presence, and explore different rehearsal methods to ensure full coordination with the band. A key aspect of my role is to work efficiently with the rest of the band while contributing to a strong rhythm section.

For the performance, I will need to bring my own bass guitar, cables, and pedals, while the rest of the equipment, such as amplifiers and PAs, will be provided by either the college or venue. The final presentation will be a live performance scheduled for the 12th of May, which will showcase the result of our rehearsals and preparation. This performance will be an opportunity to demonstrate effective group musicianship.

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To evaluate my work, the rest of my band and I use a WhatsApp group chat to track group decisions and changes in ideas as the project progresses. For important details, I will note them down in a Word document. I also plan on regularly checking in with bandmates and lecturers for feedback to reflect on my progress and how to keep my work in line with the project goals. Working as a band requires teamwork and full co-operation with each other, so if there are any disagreements I attempt to address them diplomatically and help people compromise with each other; this way we can all have a say (both creatively and practically) in how the performance goes. By doing this, we can minimise unnecessary arguments and keep a smooth trajectory.

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WHAT TYPE OF RESEARCH DID YOU DO, AND WHY?

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WHAT TYPE OF RESEARCH DID YOU DO, AND WHY?

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To prepare for our performance, I carried out several types of research to make sure I could play each song accurately and confidently. I studied bass tablature and video playthroughs to get a clear understanding of how the bass parts are played in the original recordings. This helped me stay faithful to the songs where needed, and also gave me a strong foundation to build new parts from. I also looked into bass techniques specific to each genre and song style, meaning that any parts I added or improvised would still fit naturally with the rest of the piece. On top of that, I researched the gear I’d need for each track. For example, I used my TC Electronic Eyemaster distortion pedal for “Black Sheep” to match the song’s boosted bass tone, and using my Digitech Whammy’s detune function as a capo for “Tek It.” Doing this research allowed me to prepare properly and play each song effectively.

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We have played in the Music Box auditorium and will be playing The Mash House (12/05/2025) for the Out Of The Box Fest 2025. Both venues are well equipped for what we require.

Mash House "about us" page: https://themashhouse.co.uk/about-us/

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Our ordered set list is:

1. ABBA - Super Trouper (https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=BshxCIjNEjY&pp=ygUNc3VwZXIgdHJvdXBlcg%3D%3D)

I couldn't find reliable or accurate bass tablature for this song, so I ended up writing my own. For most sections, I followed the root notes of the chords played by the guitars, but for the chorus, I chose to align more closely with the vocal melody. Initially, I wanted to play the song an octave lower to make use of the low B string on my bass, but during early practice sessions, I realized it didn’t blend well with the rest of the track.

2. B.O.B. - Airplanes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn6-c223DUU&pp=ygUNYm9iIGFpcnBsYW5lcw%3D%3D)

Like with Super Trouper, I experimented with lowering the bass parts by an octave, but this time I think it actually worked well for the song. I also wrote a new bass line for the verse, since the original track doesn’t include one. My part sticks to the same root notes as the chorus, but incorporates octaves to give it a funkier feel. Overall, this is my favorite song to play in our set.

3. Abstract Decision - Never Mind (https://youtu.be/1Zzz2ocBZ0A?si=dlwEAA_GHLf5v3fG)

For the third song of our performance, we will play our original song called “Never Mind,” which the we wrote as a collaborative effort. The song combines indie rock with rapped vocals and reggae influences in the intro and outro, giving it a unique style. My bass in the reggae parts utilizes broken power chords (fifths). For the rest of the song, I mostly stick to the root notes of the guitar's chords. Because of this, my bass parts focus more on creating variation through rhythm rather than changing those notes, adding more depth and movement to the song. Since this style is different from the genres I usually listen to, my contribution to songwriting was mainly focused on my bass parts rather than the broader song.

4. Cafune - Tek It (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RWbq-lbBlk&pp=ygUNY2FmdW5lIHRlayBpdA%3D%3D)

I stuck pretty closely to the original tablature for this song. One of the main changes I made was adjusting the rhythm in which I played the notes. The tab I found had the bass part written entirely in straight quarter notes, so I chose to follow the guitar rhythms more closely to give my lines more impact within the context of the full arrangement. I also tweaked the pitch of a few notes to better match the guitars, since the tab didn’t always line up with what they were playing. This was the last song we added to our set, so I was a bit rushed getting it down, but I think what I ended up playing fits the song well.

5. Metric - Black Sheep (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xcSDYy3Dl4&pp=ygUSbWV0cmljIGJsYWNrIHNoZWVw)

For our last song, I will also be following the original bass tabs very closely (with only minor tweaks in the chorus and outro) as I don't see any point in changing it significantly. I will use a distortion pedal in the verse and intro to match the heavier sound of these parts, then switch it off for a clean tone in the bridge, chorus, and outro. This will help us stay true to the original while giving my bass parts more of a punch for specific sections of the song.

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Our audience will most likely consist of friends, family, and other musicians that we know, as is the nature of college held concerts. However, because of the advertising for the event through physical posters and posts on the Edinburgh College Music account, a fair amount of interested members of the general public should show up too.

Image attached of me putting up a poster advertisement for the Out Of The Box festival, of which we will be playing at

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I will be playing without a pick for all of our songs, mainly playing fingerstyle with occasional simplistic slap parts. I play like this because I am a lot more confident in playing this way, and I believe the tone I get out of my instrument is a lot better when I play without a pick. The only disadvantage I have to playing fingerstyle is I can't effectively play tremolo or faster bass parts, however this isn't a problem as all of our band's bass parts are fairly groove based and don't go into tempos that I'm uncomfortable with.

Comparison of different bass playing techniques: https://youtu.be/eFJ64t0IlPY?si=bFiShjSuSZNgjgce

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FINGERSTYLE vs PICK vs SLAP - Battle of the Bass Techniques

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I will be playing a 5 string bass with a preamp and EQ control, giving me more range in what notes I can play and the ability to change the dynamics of my instrument between songs. For Black Sheep, I will be using a distortion pedal in certain parts for when I need my bass to have more impact. I will also be using a pitchshifter pedal for Tek It as a substitute for a capo.

Video demo of the 4 string variant of my instrument: https://youtu.be/c517e2p0fJg?si=XuR4pfwjPBVMjNCH

Playthrough of Dig by Mudvayne utilising a 5 string bass with fingerstyle and slap technique. https://youtu.be/_NYCIvjkUXg?si=j9i9taREI-YVmDcm

Video demo of the distortion pedal I’ll use for playing "Black Sheep" at the Mash House gig: https://youtu.be/i5Y398UynEo?si=KDtUqpPawY3Ia81I

Video demo of the pitchshifter pedal I’ll use for playing "Tek It" at the Mash House gig: https://youtu.be/9yyadEun_lA?si=Xm2nkTWp_pKkpgH8

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Ibanez RGB300 - Does this vintage rocker have a place in 2020? Let's find out!- LowEndLobster Review

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In terms of stage presence, outfits, gear, and my instrument, I take inspiration from various brutal death metal and slam bassists, such as Derek Boyer and Chris Ryan. For writing bass parts and actual technique, I take more influence in how I play from the more simplistic style of groove and nu metal bassists, such as Tony Campos and Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu.

Derek Boyer on stage with the band 'Suffocation': https://youtube.com/shorts/Mn5UdmImoL8?si=z3xDht1PELJkOEAV

Chris Ryan and the other members of 'Party Cannon' playing through their song “Nauseating and Unpalatable”: https://youtu.be/PmjehRgbv4c?si=TTzIaBjW-39ZHJB6

Bass tablature of “Hollow” by ‘Static-X’, with bass parts composed and played by Tony Campos: https://www.songsterr.com/a/wsa/static-x-hollow-tab-s576953

Bass tablature of “Thoughtless” by ‘Korn’, with bass parts composed and played by Fieldy: https://www.songsterr.com/a/wsa/korn-thoughtless-bass-tab-s22971

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Derek Boyer (Suffocation)🤘🏽🔥 #suffocation #metalmusic #derekboyer #deathmetal #bass #guitar

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My primary role in the band is playing bass guitar, which means I am responsible for learning our chosen songs thoroughly and showing up to as many band practice sessions as I can. I also ensure I bring the needed equipment and set it up swiftly but properly, contributing to our rehearsals running smoothly. Beyond my role as bassist, I try to contribute to other aspects of the band by being punctual, reliable, and efficient.

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HOW DID RESEARCH HELP OR INFORM THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR WORK?

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HOW DID RESEARCH HELP OR INFORM THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR WORK?

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The research I carried out helped guide my creative and technical decisions throughout the rehearsal process. Rather than just copying verbatim what I saw in the tabs or videos, I used that material to understand the structure and feel of each song, which gave me the confidence to make specific adjustments to each song where needed. Learning about different bass techniques and playing styles helped me form new parts that felt appropriate, especially in songs where I had more freedom or a need to improvise. Looking into the gear I’d need for specific tracks meant I could achieve more control over my tone and dynamics: like choosing to use distortion on “Black Sheep” to make the choruses feel more powerful, or using the detune setting on my Digitech Whammy like a capo for “Tek It” so I could match the pitch without changing my tuning. All of this research helped me perform with more intention and adapt my playing to suit each song’s needs.

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WHAT RESOURCES, MATERIALS, AND TECHNIQUES DID YOU USE AND APPLY, AND WHY?

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WHAT RESOURCES, MATERIALS, AND TECHNIQUES DID YOU USE AND APPLY, AND WHY?

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To support my preparation for the final performance, I used a mix of online resources, physical equipment, and dedicated practice spaces. I relied on Songsterr and YouTube video playthroughs to get a solid understanding of the original bass parts for each song. I also watched tutorials and followed technical advice online to improve specific aspects of my playing, making sure I could handle the different styles required for every piece we played. For full band rehearsals, we utilized both college and studio practice spaces, which gave us a proper space to practice together effectively. Outside of those sessions, I regularly used my own gear at home (including my amps, pedals, and bass guitars) to refine my specific parts and remain prepared between practices. This combination of tools and environments helped me build consistency and confidence in my playing.

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HOW DID RESOURCES, MATERIALS, AND TECHNIQUES INFORM OR HELP THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR WORK?

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HOW DID RESOURCES, MATERIALS, AND TECHNIQUES INFORM OR HELP THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR WORK?

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The resources and techniques I used throughout the project played a big role in helping me develop as a bassist and prepare for the performance. Songsterr tabs and YouTube playthroughs were especially useful, as they gave me a clear and accurate idea of how the original bass parts should sound and how to play them correctly. I also used online tutorials and theory resources to work on my technique and find more efficient ways to improve my playing. Practicing with the band in college and studio sessions helped us get used to how we sounded together, and allowed us to rehearse important things like stage time management, song order, and setting up gear. Outside of those sessions, practicing at home meant I could spend more time on my parts, which helped me feel more confident and prepared when playing through the full set with the rest of the band.

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DID YOU HAVE TO CHANGE THE WAY YOU APPROACHED ANY ASPECT OF YOUR PROJECT? IF SO, WHY?

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DID YOU HAVE TO CHANGE THE WAY YOU APPROACHED ANY ASPECT OF YOUR PROJECT? IF SO, WHY?

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I had change the way I approached some parts of the project since most of the songs were in genres I don’t usually play or listen to; I needed to adapt my bass playing to match the style and feel of our set. This meant adjusting things like my tone, technique, and how I wrote or played certain parts. I also found myself being less assertive in the group setting, as I wasn’t as confident giving creative input in unfamiliar genres. Looking back, I think I could’ve tried harder to balance fitting in with still sharing more of my own ideas. Despite this, the experience helped me learn how to be more flexible and work better in a band where everyone brings different influences.

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HOW HAVE YOUR SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPED OVER THE COURSE OF THE PROJECT?

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HOW HAVE YOUR SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPED OVER THE COURSE OF THE PROJECT?

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Over the course of this project, I’ve developed both my technical skills and my musical knowledge. One of the biggest areas of growth was learning how to play and write for genres outside of my usual comfort zone of metal. This pushed me to think differently about tone, rhythm, and groove. I also improved technically, especially with bass techniques like fast finger plucking, string hopping, and writing and performing more complex riff shapes. On the theory side, I learned more about chords and how to use scales effectively when creating or adapting parts. These skills helped me become more confident not only in my playing but also in how I contribute to the writing process.

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WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY PROUD OF IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY OF THE PROJECT?

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WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY PROUD OF IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY OF THE PROJECT?

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I’m especially proud of how well we performed on the day of the gig. Everyone in the band played confidently, and it felt like all our hard work paid off. The audience seemed to really enjoy the set, and I received a lot of positive feedback afterwards. I’m also proud of how productive our rehearsals were in the lead-up to the performance. We made steady progress each session and reached a point where we could play all the songs confidently and in time. That growth and preparation helped us deliver a strong performance.

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HOW HAS THE PERFORMANCE OF OTHERS IMPACTED THE DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY OF THE PROJECT?

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HOW HAS THE PERFORMANCE OF OTHERS IMPACTED THE DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY OF THE PROJECT?

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The performance of others had a big impact on how the project developed and how well it turned out. Our practice sessions depended heavily on who showed up, whether everyone brought the right equipment, and how much effort each person put in. When things didn’t line up, rehearsals could be less productive. Since we’re a band, it was important that every member could confidently play each song—if one person was unsure of their part, it affected the whole group’s ability to sound tight and professional. We also had to support each other in different ways outside of just playing music, like organizing rehearsals, sharing lyrics and chords, and keeping each other up to date with any changes. I believe this level of teamwork was essential in making sure our final performance was as strong as it could be.

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Me and Brooklyn practicing our early set in a college room

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Me and Brooklyn practicing our early set in a college room

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The written/graphed out structure to our original song (Never Mind by Abstract Decision)

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Our band playing through one of the songs out of our setlist (Super Trouper by ABBA) in a college practice room

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Our band playing through our original piece (Never Mind) in a college practice room

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Our band playing through one of the songs out of our setlist (Airplanes by B.O.B.) in a college practice room

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Me and the rest of the band running through our song “Never Mind” before recording for our Music Box Session

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Candid photo taken in the practice room while practicing for the Music Box Session

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Candid photo from setup for our Music Box Session

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Candid photo from setup for our Music Box Session

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Candid photo from setup for our Music Box Session

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Short phone-taken video clip from the Music Box Session

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The Abstract Decision Music Box Session where we play our song Never Mind

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Professional photo of our band preforming at The Mash House for the Out Of The Box Festival 2025

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Professional photo of our band preforming at The Mash House for the Out Of The Box Festival 2025

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Professional photo of our band preforming at The Mash House for the Out Of The Box Festival 2025

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Video footage of our full set from the Out Of The Box Festival 2025 performance