Like a tightrope walker, bassist Kinga Glyk finds a fragile stability between funk-fusion virtuosity and depraved, booty-moving grooves. Deploying her trademark Fender Jazz and infrequently a Gibson EB-3, Glyk has repeatedly confirmed herself a gifted participant, but by no means lets that cease the beat. The 27-year-old’s newest is Actual Life, that includes the wildly infectious single “Quick Life.” To study extra, VG checked in with Kinga from her house in Poland.

You’re an acclaimed bassist, however there aren’t many solos on the album.
Our intention wasn’t essentially to make a “bass assortment”; as an alternative, we envisioned it as a compilation of nice songs which are able to telling a narrative. We love bass and revel in its outstanding position, however with Actual Life, we collectively agreed with [producer] Michael League that bass doesn’t must be the first or up-front instrument.

As a composer and fellow bassist, what did Michael League deliver to this undertaking?
He took care not solely of the music, but in addition was a tremendous host, bringing folks collectively effortlessly. Michael has a eager capacity to learn the room and perceive what is required in sure moments. The truth that he’s a bass participant allowed us to benefit from the means of discovering the perfect options for bass strains. I’ve realized rather a lot from him, and hope this isn’t the final time we create music collectively.

“The Good friend You Name” brings Climate Report back to thoughts. Are they a giant affect?
Completely. My influences come from varied sources, together with Climate Report, Yellowjackets, Toto, Earth, Wind & Fireplace, Queen, and Stevie Surprise, despite the fact that they fall into completely different music genres. I really like lovely songs from the ’70s and ’80s, and I admire the facility that music can convey. I keep in mind watching a video of Jaco Pastorius taking part in with Climate Report, and it fueled my ardour for taking part in bass much more. But additionally, excited about what evokes me, I’ve come to comprehend that as a lot as music can profoundly influence how I hear and create it, life experiences and all the things round us play an equally vital position.

As a composer, what makes a very good fusion instrumental?
It wasn’t my first objective to make memorable songs, however extra to remain absolutely genuine and be open to discover, comply with my coronary heart, and discover deeper which means of what music may be. I’m comfortable that these items have melodies that folks can keep in mind.

Melody apart, “Unfollower” and “That Proper There” each have sick, distorted bass strains.
We used some pedals, generally trying to make the amp sound distorted. [Engineer] Nic Arduous and Michael have been exploring completely different sonic potentialities whereas I performed the road. I loved the method of discovering the number of sounds, looking for the most-interesting ones. For clear tones, the cascading harmonics in “Island” is about extra the facility of a very good delay and stereo unfold.

What’s the solo instrument we hear on “Quick Life” and “Swimming within the Sky”?
The primary solo in “Quick Life” was performed by Casey Benjamin on the aerophone, a singular instrument. It’s like a wind instrument you blow into, however what’s attention-grabbing is it has completely different sounds. In “Swimming within the Sky,” Caleb McCambell performed the primary solo on a synth, and Casey performed the second on the aerophone. As a result of it’s a wind instrument, it makes the notes sound even cooler and stronger, very highly effective.

“Opinions” is a good looking closing track, with layers of keyboards and that aerophone over your bass.
Initially, “Opinions” had an extended part at the start. Nevertheless, we determined to make use of solely the outro for the ultimate file as a result of the opposite half didn’t fairly match the general vibe. The track revolves across the theme of believing in your individual concepts. It encourages by no means doubting your self, even when confronted with criticism. What I’m making an attempt to convey is the significance of sometimes sticking with an thought – musical or in any other case – and seeing it by, even when somebody doesn’t initially approve. The worth of the thought should still be there.

Along with being the bassist, you’re additionally a bandleader. How do you retain your musicians comfortable within the studio and touring whereas contributing their finest?
Juggling these roles isn’t straightforward; I’ve been studying for a number of years and nonetheless have heaps to enhance. Feeling liable for all the things generally is a bit a lot; I’m engaged on staying calm and having fun with it, as a result of too many duties can take away the enjoyment. The happiness of the musicians who play with me is essential. I would like them to be comfortable and enthusiastic about performing the music, so I attempt to hearken to what they are saying and play. I wish to discover the correct stability between having a imaginative and prescient and giving folks house for his or her concepts. On this band, we’re a crew, and we want one another.

This text initially appeared in VG’s Could 2024 concern. All copyrights are by the writer and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.