This research examines how the Electric bass can be an interface for the creation of electronic music. The electric bass is underrepresented in the field of music research, particularly when used as tool for creative endeavours and projects. The combination of technology and the electric bass provides a new perspective on the use of the bass in a solo setting and for the creation of electronic music. The questions driving this research are - How can the bass guitar be used as an interface for the creation of electronic music? and - How can bass players build frameworks to support engaging musical creations using the electric bass and DAW technologies – specifically Ableton Live?
This research was conducted through a series of experiments involving some key parameters along with an accompanying reflections diary. The parameters are that the work must be performed live, the work must be improvised, the sounds must be generated through the electric bass and the work must be immediately published with no editing for review on social media. The key message of this research is the electric bass can be an interface for the creation of electronic music and bass players can have a different pathway for live solo performance.
The research found the bass can be an interface for the creation of electronic music and that a framework to support engaging musical creations using the electric bass and Ableton can be made. This project shows how solo live bass performance can be a viable opportunity for electric bass players to have agency, creative freedom and a removal of the restrictions of associated being a foundational element of contemporary music ensembles.