Vashon Johnson
Published on
July 19, 2024 at 2:27:13 PM PDT July 19, 2024 at 2:27:13 PM PDTth, July 19, 2024 at 2:27:13 PM PDT
Vashon Johnson
BIO
Yes, that's right. Vashon Johnson. Vashon is the bass player responsible for holding down the low-end in some of the top acts today. In addition to the top earner Miley Cyrus, Vashon has just added The Jacksons to his ever expanding "Who's Who" of the music industry.
And what gig bag does Vashon rely on night in and night out? Our Rockready Volo + Volo Mini. The Volo protects his bass and his gear whether he's doing a gig around town or flying to a different continent.
When asked to describe his playing style he says “I like to disappear into the music…or maybe it’s that I’m a chameleon.” Either way, he’s an accomplished artist whether playing on upright, electric or synth basses. "I find it a great compliment when I’m playing (one) and someone tells me "I didn’t know you played (the other)." Rather soft-spoken and cerebral by nature, Vashon uses his instruments to express alternative personae. “They’re all different instruments and when I play them, I feel like different personalities. I approach each one differently."
Welcome aboard, Vashon!
Yes, that's right. Vashon Johnson. Vashon is the bass player responsible for holding down the low-end in some of the top acts today. In addition to the top earner Miley Cyrus, Vashon has just added The Jacksons to his ever expanding "Who's Who" of the music industry.
And what gig bag does Vashon rely on night in and night out? Our Rockready Volo + Volo Mini. The Volo protects his bass and his gear whether he's doing a gig around town or flying to a different continent.
When asked to describe his playing style he says “I like to disappear into the music…or maybe it’s that I’m a chameleon.” Either way, he’s an accomplished artist whether playing on upright, electric or synth basses. "I find it a great compliment when I’m playing (one) and someone tells me "I didn’t know you played (the other)." Rather soft-spoken and cerebral by nature, Vashon uses his instruments to express alternative personae. “They’re all different instruments and when I play them, I feel like different personalities. I approach each one differently."
Welcome aboard, Vashon!
Vashon's Gear
For those of us not hip to the Vashon Johnson Experience please give us a brief overview of your musical history?
I am a multi-faceted musician and bass player. I have had the fortune of having a wide variety of musical experiences, from Black American Music Legends, to Broadway, to Pop and R&B, to Big Stage Artists such as Miley Cyrus. I'm Happy to say that I have a very "versatile" resume and have had a very broad musical career.
What projects are coming up for you in the future?
I am currently writing and working on a solo/collaborative effort with Lenny White and others.
What do you think of the of state of the music industry?
Speaking predominantly a sideman, I can say that there is not as much work as there used to be. There are also a lot more really good players out there now. I've had the fortune of developing good relationships with some of my predecessors and mentors and we have these conversations from time to time. They share the same sentiment. I think technology is also a factor - a lot of "todays" music doesn't even require musicians and it seems that a lot of times we as musicians are dealing with people who are not musicians and are therefore less inclined to think musically when it comes to live music and the well being and prosperity of musicians.
How important is music education?
Music education is very important. I think it's important to continue to educate and inspire generations to learn how to play instruments and be musicians. As I said earlier, technology has had a dramatic impact on the music industry, all the way down to sidemen who are no longer needed for session work. I think education is a good way to keep music alive so that musicians can continue to be inspired and not only create music, but also be able to play music.
I am a multi-faceted musician and bass player. I have had the fortune of having a wide variety of musical experiences, from Black American Music Legends, to Broadway, to Pop and R&B, to Big Stage Artists such as Miley Cyrus. I'm Happy to say that I have a very "versatile" resume and have had a very broad musical career.
What projects are coming up for you in the future?
I am currently writing and working on a solo/collaborative effort with Lenny White and others.
What do you think of the of state of the music industry?
Speaking predominantly a sideman, I can say that there is not as much work as there used to be. There are also a lot more really good players out there now. I've had the fortune of developing good relationships with some of my predecessors and mentors and we have these conversations from time to time. They share the same sentiment. I think technology is also a factor - a lot of "todays" music doesn't even require musicians and it seems that a lot of times we as musicians are dealing with people who are not musicians and are therefore less inclined to think musically when it comes to live music and the well being and prosperity of musicians.
How important is music education?
Music education is very important. I think it's important to continue to educate and inspire generations to learn how to play instruments and be musicians. As I said earlier, technology has had a dramatic impact on the music industry, all the way down to sidemen who are no longer needed for session work. I think education is a good way to keep music alive so that musicians can continue to be inspired and not only create music, but also be able to play music.