Local artist profile: Harley Breewel

THIS week we chat with Harley Breewel, bass player from young local rock/metal band Two Steps Forward, who advised if you start a band, have fun, but know that you and your members must be ready to commit, compromise and talk to each other in a fair manner!

What motivated you to take up playing the bass?

I took an interest in the bass guitar as it appeared to be different.

When I spoke to a local music store employee he explained how bass was easy to learn and simplify, yet challenging to master.

This encouraged me as I was able to start learning basic songs within minutes, play live and as years passed, I started learning complex and diverse basslines down to (the) tiny details.

How would you describe your style?

Our band’s style is drawn from 2000s hard/alternative rock and metal, so most of my style comes from there.

Most bassists from that time never overcomplicated their basslines, yet they avoided making them so easy that they only underlined the rhythm guitar.

I follow this policy, allowing myself to add octaves, runs, slides and more to add variety.

Which other bassists inspire you?

Mike Dirnt (Green Day) introduced me to the bass.

Mike shows off his skills in albums like Dookie and Insomniac, showing how bass can easily follow guitar or be explored with many complex fills.

For similar reasons, Mikey Way, Mark Hoppus and Dave ‘Phoenix’ Farrell (from My Chemical Romance, blink-182 and Linkin Park) also inspire me.

Have you had any mentors over your career?

My skills on bass were primarily self-taught.

When it comes to commitments, performances and (the) majority of the behind the scenes work in the band, we’ve reached out to other local performers such as Earth Cadet and Sherri Parry.

We even talk to Greg from Muso Stuff, who’s had experience performing and organising.

What are some highlights you have from your time as a bassist?

My favourite highlights come from my stage presence – I spent two years recording myself play every day, reviewing to fix my posture, my skills and (to) make myself entertaining.

That’s how I learnt how to do jumps, which gets the crowd going crazy!

Another highlight has been our last three performances, having an extremely hyped crowd of friends and strangers.

How can people check out your work online?

The band is very active on Instagram, @twostepsforwardband_

You’ll find our content there with full songs to be released soon.

What are you working on right now?

Currently the band is working on fixing up our demos.

We have around five songs in the bag that we intend to release to help our audience familiarise themselves with our songs.

While our focus now is playing as many gigs as possible and engaging with all forms of media to build our audience, you can expect to hear many new songs from us.

What would you say to young regional aspiring bassists who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Definitely go for it!

Perform a few small gigs, build your sound and learn from (your) mistakes.

If you enjoy it, keep going, reach out to bigger places – everyone knows a guitarist, but everyone seems to be looking for a good bassist.

If you start a band, have fun, but know that you and your members must be ready to commit, compromise and talk to each other in a fair manner.

Overall, it’s an unbeatable hobby/career and you never know where life will bring you – I can’t wait to hear you all play!