Name: Preston Searl
Location: Chatham, IL
Band: ReMix, Winston’s Weekend

What got you started playing bass?

I started playing guitar when I was about 10 years old. Sometime in my mid twenties I bought a bass guitar on impulse because it was on clearance at a Guitar Center. It stayed in a closet for several years until I ended up forming a band with some friends. 4 of us played guitar, but I owned that bass so I decided to become the bass player. I quickly learned that I should have been playing bass all along.

What bass players inspire you?

My biggest influences have been James Jameson, Bob Babbitt, and Carol Kaye. The guys who inspire me today are the incredibly talented, mostly local players that play with emotion and joy most weekends around central Illinois. Guys like Tim Brickner, Jon Byler Dan, Marc Broomby, and Jeff Cunningham. There are many others. The level of unsung talent and musicianship one can experience locally on any given night is truly humbling, inspiring, and motivating.

What song has challenged you the most?

They all challenge me. I find a way to make them challenge me. Sometimes it’s a technique I have to learn, or a complex chord progression, or a timing or rhythmic element to master. Most often it’s the discipline to play the right part to serve the song and nailing note duration throughout. I am constantly learning and trying to improve.

What’s your favorite song to play in your current band’s set?

I don’t really have a favorite song, but I really enjoy the ones where I can really lock in with a drummer and just groove. Really lay down a rock solid fountain for the rest of the band to work with. I know I’m doing my job when I see the dance floor fill up.

What’s the most overplayed song?

At one time I would have said Gimme Three Steps, Hands To Yourself, or Mustang Sally but not as many bands play them any more. I still love all three. Frankly, I play in cover bands and want to play what the audience wants to hear. It doesn’t matter to me if every band in town plays the same song. If the people I’m performing for want to hear it that night, I want to play it.

What’s the most memorable thing that happened to you at a gig?

I’ve seen A LOT of memorable things at gigs over the years, but probably the most memorable thing that ever happened to me personally was breaking a finger on my left hand during load- in. It was also the debut show for a new band I formed. That was a very long and painful night.

What’s your current rig?

I primarily use an LTD 5 string, Sure GLXD wireless, and a pair of Zoom B3 multi effects into a Carvin B2000 amp driving a Greenboy fEARful 12126 cabinet. I also am also often seen holding up a Palatino electric upright bass. I sometimes leave the amp at home and go direct with Shure wireless in ear monitors. Both my current bands greatly prefer the amp on stage.