The Les Claypool Interview: Primus, South Park, And The Art Of Weird Bass

About this video

• Video Title: The Les Claypool Interview: Primus, South Park, And The Art Of Weird Bass
• Channel: Rick Beato
• Speakers: Rick Beato, Les Claypool
• Duration: 1:37:29

Overview

This video is an in-depth interview with Les Claypool, the bassist and frontman of Primus. Rick Beato sits down with Les to discuss a wide range of topics, including his early musical experiences, the formation and evolution of Primus, his unique bass playing style, his involvement with other projects like South Park, his gear, songwriting process, and his influences.

Key takeaways

• Early Influences and Bass Beginnings: Les Claypool discusses his high school days, his initial attempts to join a band, his first bass purchase, and how he was influenced by musicians like Geddy Lee, Chris Squire, Larry Graham, and Stanley Clark.
• Primus's Unique Sound and Career: The conversation touches on the band's unconventional approach to music, their early struggles, getting signed to Interscope Records, and the recording process for albums like "Suck on This," "Frizzle Fry," and "Pork Soda."
• Collaboration and Other Projects: Les talks about his work on "South Park," his involvement in other bands and projects like The Frog Brigade and Oysterhead, and his experiences touring with major artists like Rush and U2.
• Gear and Bass Design: A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to Les's extensive bass collection, his custom-built Carl Thompson basses, his preference for EMG pickups, and his current bass designs, highlighting his hands-on approach to instrument creation.
• Artistic Philosophy and Evolution: Les shares insights into his songwriting process, his approach to live performance, his perspective on musical trends, and his continuous pursuit of unique sounds and creative expression, emphasizing the importance of individuality and experimentation.