Up close with Ian !!

This week I would like to eagerly introduce you to Mr Ian Prangnell, otherwise known as Egor. Ian a member of Strange Folk since 2002 ish, is the bands bassist/backing singer and he has been grooving away for many moons. Ian is a funky rock viking and it has been said that he was once caught playing bass with his feet whilst fast asleep. Such talent ! When Ian isn't playing bass, he likes nothing more than to drink a jug of cider whilst wearing his 'Star Wars' lounge trousers and watch How It's Made !Sit back with a coffee/sticky bun and read all about Strange Folks bassist -Drum roll please for the funkmiester I A N (said in an extended and drawn out boxing ref voice lasting for at least a few minutes) !!

Question 1 - What was the first bass you had ?

It was a grey Yamaha RBX174 - cheap as chips, but it sounded sweet and was really playable.

Question 2 - When did you learn to play the bass ?

Still working on it but started at around 18 !!

Question 3 - How did you learn to play the bass ?

By accident !! My mates band needed a bass player and I didn't even have a bass. I was a guitarist from around the age of 12, but I always wanted a big bottom !! (Big bottom translates as low end frequency - Spinal Tap).

Question 4 - Is your family musical/who are their influences ?

No not really, but both parents loved music and music was always being played on the record player/stereo. My Father worshiped the Stones and my Mother gave me the pleasure of introducing me to Shaowaddywaddy :) My Father also got me my first Spanish guitar, which I learnt to play classical guitar on when I was 12.

Question 5 - What are your influences ?

I grew up in the 80's listening to the pop music of the time and especially enjoyed Michael Jackson. What made me want to start learning to play music, was when I heard a live Genesis album at my Uncles house through an amazing stereo system. This sprung my musical curiosity into overdrive. I then started to listen to Jimi Hendrix, Led Zep, more of

The Stones and also 90's Grunge music. Iron Maiden and 80's rock (such as G n R) quickly followed, which turbo charged my appreciation of music.

Question 6 - What is the most favourite bass guitar that you own ?

It's got to be my Ibanez SR16100 because it looks hot and it sounds better !!

Question 7 - What is your dream bass guitar ?

The one I'm about to make :) I really want to make a headless 5 string bass with a zebrano body.

Question 8 - You sing ! Tell me more, tell me more !!

I wouldn't call it that. I sound more like a wolf howling in pain !! I give it my best shot for backing vocals and try to be as creative as possible. It's a challenge singing with Annalise because she always ad libs - this keeps me on my toes !!

Question 9 - What is your bass style ?

I was taught for 2 years by someone who loved Jazz and Jaco Pastorius. This influenced me along with driving riffs from bands such as Iron Maiden. I also really like Jamiroquai and other Acid Jazz music, along with Motown. This gave my style an injection of Funk/Disco. I always like playing off the beat.

Question 10 - What was your first band called ?

I was in a covers band at school with a few mates. The band didn't have a name - a bit like the horse ;)

Question 11 - Have there been any gigs that stood out for good/bad reasons ?

I once saw R.E.M and Radiohead at the same gig. Radiohead had only just released Pablo Honey and they were on stage at the Milton Keynes bowl. It was such an amazing gig and the first open air concert that I had ever been too. I saw Iron Maiden at Brixton Academy and they blew me away. I also encountered the friendliest scary looking fans that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. An amazing night !Mark Knopfler, King Crimson, The Stones, Jamiroquai and G n R also rocked :)

Question 12 - Do you have any writing tips ?

Whatever you do needs to mean something, have energy and emotion. Pardon the cliche, but you are essentially painting a picture with sound. It's not necessarily about following the crowed or trying to please a listener. Your music should be a reflection of you. Simple theory of music can be very useful, but breaking the rules is often what creates something different. Always follow your ears/senses !

Question 13 - What is your favourite song ?

Can I have 3 please ? Ramble on by Led Zep, You Know My Name by Chris Cornell & Another Part of Me by Michael Jackson.

Question 14 - What is your favourite album ?

That's tough, there are far too many ! But at the moment I'm hot on The Rival Sons -The Great Western Valkyrie & Hollow Bones.

Question 15 - What advice would you give beginners who are nervous about performing ?

Firstly practice like it's the only thing that matters to you. This needs to be projected when you play in front of people. The practice allows you to enjoy the experience of performing. It's often more nerve wracking in your living room playing to a few people, than it is on stage in front of hundreds or thousands. It becomes less personal. Focus on yourself and your bandmates and enjoy yourself.

Question 16 - How do you/band handle mistakes during a performance ?

To make mistakes you need to have known what you would have done in the first place ha ha ! We have a loose framework for songs and often jam around it. It's a handy skill that makes mistakes an opportunity rather than a hindrance. Be fluid and flexible like water and support one another.

Question 17 - What is the first tune you learned ?

Ooooh the first tune I learned on guitar was Angie by Classical guitarist Davy Graham and on Bass it was probably Spoonman by Soundgarden.

Question 18 - What does your band name mean ?

Our name was conceived at a time when we were much more folk orientated, but it was never meant to be literal and has more than one meaning. I suppose it was meant to reflect the eclectic mix of people in the band - strange people :)

Question 19 - How did your band meet ?

Dave and Annalise met at music college, I was an imposter and after several unique gardening accidents with various drummers, we found Steve !!

Question 20 - What does your band sound like ?

We are predominantly a rock/blues band with a nice side serving of folk.

Silly final question - If you were trapped in a lift and you had a record player and a record. What would the record be ?

You raise me up !! Ha ha, not really, It's a lift thing !! :) It would have to be the album Seconds Out by Genesis. Is it cheating because that's a double album.

Thanks Ian for your answers, it's been insightful and emotional ! Watch this space for next weeks Strange Musings question time with drummer Stevie B :)