Brandon Michael - Allegaeon - Rig RunUP
Brandon, you have played numerous basses throughout your career but your tone is unique yet consistently you across all instruments - what made you decide to take your tone to the woods of Kingston, NY's Michael Tobias Design? What were you looking to change in your sound?
I was definitely late to the party when it came to assessing my tone. Aside from the creative and artistic aspect of it all, I had a very utilitarian approach to playing bass: find usable gear, practice a lot, and join a band! However, as the years passed and the gigs became more consistent, I began to realize the importance in finding "my sound." I swear, it's like something clicked in me. I began listening differently, assessing tones I enjoyed against tones I wanted to avoid. It wasn't until I played an MTD for the first time that I felt I had found the combo of comfort and tone I had been looking for. When I plug in my MTD, I don't hear coloration or artificial high end, I just hear a clean and consistent tone.
When you listen to a new recording, what's the first thing you hear?
Nowadays, the first thing that gets my attention is the mix, though, I try my hardest to catch a feeling for a song before getting too analytical. It can be very difficult listening to music as a musician. I always compare it to a chef going out to a restaurant and trying to enjoy food at face value.
What do you look for from the bass?
This really depends on the song. In metal, I'm listening for lines that provide connective tissue to the overall composition, but have a unique identity at times. Tonally, falling between blending with the guitars and cutting through with the drums.
What does the tone that's in your head sound like?
I love low end growl with a pinch of high end and a dash of gain.
MTD is known for making basses and guitars that get the tone out of your head, into your hands. What did you have in mind when you first talked with MTD?
The first question Daniel asked me was "what kind of tone are you looking for?." I think that may have been the first time anyone has ever asked me that! I showed him some of my tunes and mentioned that my main objective was to match that, but also have an instrument that was versatile enough to get through some of the non-metal material I gig with. He honestly crushed it. My MTD works with just about everything I do.
When you first pick up any bass, what's the first thing you look for?
It sounds kind of corny, but I'm looking for chemistry. Every instrument has a vibe, a song, a groove waiting to be pulled out of it. Sometimes you have to work for it and other times, it just happens. That instantaneous spark is what I'm looking for. Also, the color, feel, sound etc.
What are some of your current influences (it can be music or other art that inspires your music) and what do you listen to when you're on the road [touring]?
I seem to always fall back on 60's and 70's music, particularly stax recordings and 70's soft rock. I think these are genres that allow me to let my guard down and just enjoy the music for what it is instead of trying to analyze it.
Your pedalboard is pretty straightforward. It seems since you started playing MTD some pedals have even been removed (Dark glass harmonic booster)? How do you shape your live tone and is it the same tone that you use for tracking?
I think pedals are fun, but they aren't really a key component to anything I do with Allegaeon. Generally, I use compression and distortion to match what's on the records, but everything else is for my own amusement. I have found that since I started playing my MTD, I've been stripping away more and more effects and just letting the bass speak naturally. If you have a great tone, why bury it with effects?
How do you stay in shape on and off tour? What do you practice to keep your dexterity sharp and what are you currently working on improving as a musician?
Aside from our sound engineer, Allegaeon doesn't really hire a crew for tours. We do the driving, loading, merch, tour management etc. So the name of the game is sleep when you can and try to eat healthy. Every once in a while, we'll sneak over to the gym for a quick workout and a shower. Regarding my playing skills, I try to jam before performances as much as possible. We have these little practice amps that we store in our cases. They are very handy for impromptu jams! I may run an actual song or two, but I honestly just like to mess around. It takes me back to the old days when things were much simpler.
You can move between slapping to tapping and fingerstyle and still cut through the mix both live and on recordings. Your low end tone is very full yet shiny and cutting when you play fingerstyle. What technique or attributes of your instrument do you attribute this to?
Definitely comfort. The more comfortable I am with an instrument, the more I feel I can accomplish. My MTD allows me not to worry about things like neck dive, weight, etc. It's comfortable for me and I know where everything is. The fact it sounds incredible is just a bonus.
Despite your rigorous touring schedule and commanding presence on stage, how do you manage to keep your bass in such great condition?
Thank you! My bass and I are a team. I can't do my job without it and it won't make noise without me. I think it's only right that I show it some respect and take care of it. I do all the maintenance on my basses. My biggest tip is that I wipe off my bass thoroughly after every show. It's kind of like making your bed in the morning; who wants to jump into a messy bed after a long day....who wants to play a greasy bass full of sweat marks and dead skin!? Not me.
What strings/gauges and other accessories do you use with your MTD that contribute to your tone?
I'm currently using D'addario XL Nickel Wounds but I think I'm gonna give La Bella steels a shake.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self what advice would you offer?
Enjoy every moment, even when it gets tough. Sometimes the biggest struggles create the best memories. Also, keep all your SNES games, they will be worth money someday!