Pone Zone: Round VI
More Q&A with bassist Ryan Stasik
Q: If you had to ride in a pickup truck for 13 hours who would you prefer to be riding with. Les Claypool, Ian Anderson, Chris Squire, Phil Collins, John Paul Jones, Roger Waters, Joel Cummins, Troy Polamalu, Charlie Sheen....think hard, 13 hours.
A: Troy Polamalu in back and Phil Collins at shotgun running the tunes. 13 hrs would fly by....
Jason from Earth
Q: Why did you switch from GK to Ampeg amps? Also, do you think you'll eventually make the Becker bass your #1 or are you planning on sticking with the Lakland as your primary bass?
A: I have not switched from GK to Ampeg. I use both. Both have pros and cons. I like the simplicity of Ampeg, just a bass, treble, & volume knob as well as a tube head. I'm also playing the Ampeg through 4x10 & 1x15. The GK is being played through 4x12. It is nice to have different tones and sounds. So I'll be playing both depending on the gig.
The Becker is an amazing bass, it sounds thick and plays very smooth. Right now, it is still very new to me and the long heavy neck is something I'm adjusting too. It uses muscles in my left hand that I'm not used to using since I am holding the bass up while playing. My blue Lakland "Booty" bass is old school now. Using a new bass to me is like dating...I don't know the Blitzburgh bass well enough to fart in front of yet, we are still getting to know each other. The Blitzburgh bass and the fretless will both be getting some love this year but not as much in the summer due to festival set ups. Thanks Kris.
Kris Mitchell
Q: How is the transition from being on the road for a long period of time to being home for a while? What are your favorite things to do after a tour or long stretch of shows?
A: It is difficult at times. But once I get home I have a vigorous routine. I believe in taking care of myself, in a balanced diet, in a rigorous exercise routine. In the morning, if my face is a little puffy, I'll put on an ice pack while doing my stomach crunches. I can do a thousand now. After I remove the icepack, I use a deep pore-cleanser lotion. In the shower, I use a water-activated gel cleanser, then a honey-almond body scrub, and on the face an exfoliating gel scrub. Then I apply an herb mint facial masque which I leave on for ten minutes while I prepare the rest of my routine. I always use an after-shave lotion with little or no alcohol because alcohol dries your face out and makes you look older. Then moisturizer, then an anti-aging eye balm, followed by a final moisturizing "protective" lotion. Now the day begins. Then I practice bass and listen to records, mainly Huey Lewis, Whitney Houston, or Robert Palmer. Bedtime!!!
Ben White - Chicago, IL
Q: YaY! Pone Zone!
I am so excited for the 2 sets at Red Rocks & Blue II this year! I'm wondering if you/Umphrey's have any interest in breaking the record for playing the latest at red rocks/ breaking curfew?? For playing the longest amount of time? To break any red rocks records? Hoping you guys make it extra special for us! 3 song encore?
A: Well let me call Axl Rose and see what the record is for breaking curfew. I'm sure G N R hold some kind of record for that at Dear Creek back in 92'. We will try our best Michelle, thanks for asking.
Michelle
Q: Would u guys ever cover another metallica song, such as orion or to live is to die? Also how bout a multi-nite run at nokia/best buy nyc like the old days or better a NYE run in NYC!! Appreciate all u guys do, 2011 has been some serious rawk!
A: Some new Metallica is definitely a must. We actually considered doing Orion awhile back. We currently rotate Seek & Destroy and And Justice For All. I will have a sit down with Jake and Kris and we will discuss the future of our Metallica catalog... Maybe Harvester of Sorrow or something off Kill Em All. Hmmmmm.
Matt
Q: Where did the name Umphrey's come from?
A: Brendan Bayliss has a second cousin who is a lawyer from Arkansas named Humphreys McGee. We dropped the "H" and made it possessive
and BOOM we have Umphrey's McGee.
Melanie Garcia
SARA AUTUMN HAS A MYRIAD OF QUESTIONS
Ryan,
1. Yes, it must be asked. "Why do they call you the pony?" Then I suppose there will be follow up questions...
Use your imagination Sara.
2. How long is it (your rat tail)?
Currently Pedro is about 12" long. He shrinks to a 7 when he is braided.
3. Tell us about your woman. How did you meet? How did you propose? Is she in to music? Does she play any instruments or sing?
She is the most amazing woman in the world. We got engaged in wine country. She loves music and introduced me to country. We both sing in the shower and rock the bass.
4. Why don't you sing? Ever?
My voice is very special and can only be used in serious situations. However, I have sang a few ditties:
Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You....Franki Valli
Safety Dance....Men Without Hats
Nuttin But A G Thang...Dr. Dre & Snoop
Anarchy In The UK...Sex Pistols
I Will Always Love You....Whitney Houston
5. What would you be doing if it weren't playing in a band? Could you ever settle for a desk job? What if it were a cubicle that required you to do all things ninja within it?
I would be a ninja.
6. What do you hope to accomplish before you die that is not music related? How about music related?
I hope to have a healthy family with many children. I want to travel to all 7 continents. I wish to run with the bulls. I would like to help the needy, solve a crime, love my wife unconditionally. Maybe sail a boat, build a tree house, howl at the moon, see ND win a football championship.
7. Where did Fabec come from? I might borrow it for my firstborn's name.
Fabec is my middle name and is my mother's maiden name. You may use it if you like, it is powerful.
8. You went to Notre Dame. Life takes us on incredible journeys since college days. How are you different today than from those days?
I put on about ten pounds, hangovers are more brutal, and I am not as foolish or naive.
9. What is your kryptonite? What inspires you?
My kryptonite is chocolate. I cannot resist the power of a Take 5.
I am inspired by all that surrounds me. My Melchy, my family, my band mates, my friends, the crowd, music and life.
Thanks for your questions Sara, I hope I have answered them to your satisfaction.
THANKS FOR WRITING THE PONEZONE AND STAY TUNED FOR MORE ANSWERS IN JULY! SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO THEPONEZONE@GMAIL.COM