William Frederic Bass, Jr. (Eric Bass),is an American musician, songwriter, and producer, best known as the current bassist for the American rock band Shinedown.
Career
Deepfield
In 2002 Eric formed Deepfield with Baxter Teal. By 2003 they were signed to In De Goot records/McGathy Promotions, and began to produce their first record. However, Eric soon left the band after becoming more and more drawn by the producing, recording and studio process.
Shinedown
Bass joined Shinedown in 2008, before the release of The Sound of Madness, as a permanent replacement for Brad Stewart. He did not record the album with the band (the album's bass parts were contributed by noted session bassist Chris Chaney), but is now touring with them. In addition to his bass duties, he also plays the keyboard in concert and contributes backing vocals.
Bass soon became a prominent member in Shinedown, and wrote many of their songs, starting in Amaryllis. After producing a few singlse for the band, such as "Diamond Eyes" and Cut the Cord, in 2018 he produced Shinedown's sixth album, Attention Attention, and in 2022 he produced their seventh album, Planet Zero in his new studio, "Big Animal Studio".
Influences
Bass never learned to play a guitar (or a bass guitar), and is self taught.
He was influenced by bass players Robert DeLeo (STP), Chris Wolstenholme (Muse), Tim Commerford (Rage Against The Machine), and by producers etc.: Rich Costey, Brendan O'Brien, Howard Benson, Andy Wallace, Chris Lord Alge.
Producer
Framing Hanley - The Sum of Who We Are (2014)Sleeper Agent - About Last Night (2014)Cold Kingdom - Cold Kingdom (2017)Shinedown - Attention Attention (2018)Shinedown - Planet Zero (2022)
Equipment
2008-2012 - Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling Bass2012-2019 - Dean Eric Bass Hillsboro Bass2019–Present - Prestige Eric Bass Signature Bass
