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Rock’s busiest bassist, Dave Ellefson’s music career is well documented, so I was keen to focus on what’s happening now and coming up in 2009, rather than his time in Megadeth.
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Rock’s busiest bassist, Dave Ellefson’s music career is well documented, so I was keen to focus on what’s happening now and coming up in 2009, rather than his time in Megadeth.
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Hi Dave, how did F5 come together and how did you arrive at the band name? |
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Our former drummer Dave Small came up with the name after he was watching the movie “TWISTER”. We’ve never exploited the whole tornado thing with the name, but rather liked the power of something simple like F5. |
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Latest CD The Reckoning released Aug 2008 in the US and soon in January 2009 for Europe through Germany's Silverwolf Productions/SPV Records. Any possibility of touring Europe next year, and more especially the UK? |
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We are really hoping so. There has been interest from promoters for us to go over there, especially with some festivals. Like everything, if the record performs well then likely shows could follow. |
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Who is responsible for melody and lyrics? |
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Dale Steele writes most of the lyrics and melodies. I did some lyrics on the first record but this time around he did them all. Producer Ryan Greene may help expand on a few melodies with Dale but overall he’s a great melody writer and really gives F5 that melodic sense because his vocals are characteristically much more different than most of the metal that’s out there today. |
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I am LOVING “No Excuse”. Can you walk me through that song, and do you have a particular F5 favourite? |
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I agree, it’s a really strong song to start off the record! I’m not sure if John or Steve originated that one musically but it came together pretty smoothly right from the start. I like all the songs on the record and on any given day may have a favorite but mostly I like the F5 records as a body of work, all songs flowing from one to the next. |
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Tell me more about “Live With F5”. Do you think fans/bands are closer now through modern technology and how important is it? |
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I thought it would be a great way to let people into our world as we make videos, hang, record or whatever it is we do working together as a band. We have the “NAILED TO THE GUN” video now complete which will be unleashed soon. After that, we have some “making of…” clips as well as a couple tracks that we filmed in a soundstage rehearsal setting that are stripped down. I must say, the band sounds really good as a live performer so it’s cool to capture that on film. |
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What do you feel is your unique contribution as a bass player in today's rock world? |
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I have a style I’ve created that is very aggressive for a bass player. I think it originated as a kid when I embraced playing with a pick, something most bassists don’t do. However, because I had equipment that wasn’t very loud I created a technique and tone that allowed me to be heard in the mix of loud guitars. Aside from tone and style of playing, I believe my writing abilities (which are mostly from a guitar position) allow me to think outside of just the bass role. I’m really a ‘band’ type guy, not a solo artist. |
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Do you think your popularity will be more in Europe than in the States? |
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I’m not sure. I will say that the USA is very trendy and because of that most countries outside the US tend to be more loyal and less distracted by the ‘flavor of the day’ that can be here today and gone later today. |
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No doubt, you have influenced a whole generation of bands. How does that make you feel? |
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It feels really good, and probably because it is not something I sit around and think about. I think it has more to do with being in the right place at the right time which was really a result of following my instincts as a teenager and young man. From there, I think not giving up and staying with my passion and dream to be a full time musician/artist hopefully comes through in all that I do. |
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Other projects you would care to mention here? (I guess you will have to be selective as there are so many!) |
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Aside from F5 I’ve done some really fun things like Soulfly, Temple of Brutality, Killing Machine, toured with Montrose and more. They are all cool and I’m glad I get to have the chance at such diversity as those things keep your playing fresh. |
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I am presently at college studying Media, and looking forward to doing a degree in PR/Marketing. What made you decide to return to learning? |
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I started some college classes while on tour in 1997, all online stuff. I really liked it and it inspired me. I think I always felt like I could do a lot more beyond just music and had a yearning to learn about business, what makes the economy and political things in our world really operate. |
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Christmas is coming up, so what kind of things do you like? i.e. gadgets, DIY tools, toys for boys, or are you simply a socks and after shave person etc. lol? What’s been the best thing you have ever bought for yourself? |
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I’m a bit of a gadget guy so computers, drum sets, and the likes are fun for me. At this point though, there are so many people in need around the world. The current economy has affected every one of us in some way, but there are so many worse off than most of us in developed countries who have homes, cars, education and the like. Honestly, my holiday mission is to teach my kids to give rather than to sit around and make long ‘wish lists’ of all the things they want. I’m trying to follow that same advice! |
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For fun, whose shoes would you like to step into for the day and why? |
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Gene Simmons. I like that he is so free and open about everything. Probably one day would be enough, though! |
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To check out more about Dave and F5, visit
www.myspace.com/davidellefson1
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I would like
to thank David for taking the time out |
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