We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jaymi Millard. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jaymi below.

Alright, Jaymi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I spent a number of years working in a “regular job” and playing only on weekends/holidays. Having a family required a more direct approach to income at that time. My musical aspirations really turned a corner when I started to take touring opportunities-even as a sub-for bands asking for bass. I stepped out in the year 2000 when I was asked to play a few shows for a popular band whose bass player wanted time off to see his first child born. (To this day, we laugh about it when I tell him that ” I had fun being YOU for a round of shows”. During that same timeframe, I noticed my session work had picked up because I was more visible to the community. Simply put, the willingness to change my situation and taking a few steps really set me on the path I continue to walk. I have a motto that I live by, that is if the door is open I will cross the threshold. I stand on that even now and take most of the shows that are presented to me. Along the way, I have created a special brand that in many cases, has given me a greater level of notoriety. I am honestly not sure I would have been able to speed up the process as I was working along the same lines. Creative inspiration hits when it hits and I am thankful for every moment!

Jaymi, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Online I am known as the Pinkbassman. I have had music in my veins from 8 years old. I started with a saxophone and moved to upright bass. Initially, I was self taught and was playing in bands by the time I was 13. I am a session player as well as live traveler(read that as road dog lol). I am able to step in on a show with a small notice and I always think that it is my ‘job’ to make the artist look good. I have a strong online reputation for handling basses(I used to buy/sell/trade a LOT!?!) and many consider me a trusted source for information on certain brands. When I am out with artists, I am generally the first one to bus/van/plane call ready to go! Part of my Pinkbassman brand is my bass choices and of course, the colors of each. I hold myself to a high standard of performance and entertainment and enjoy spending time with the audiences. Some say I sound corporate but it is important to remember that even though musicians have fun playing, there is an immense amount of work that goes into the time BEFORE the shows-and of course, this is a business so it all ties together. I have spent time with people across the world sharing music and life, it is an adventure so make the most of it!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think the most rewarding part of sharing stages worldwide is to see the joy that people experience in a live music environment. I have played with many great artists and to have the opportunity to help someone make a great memory makes it all worthwhile. Artist followers will take the time to find out who the “unknown” person on stage is. I have had many moments where someone will greet me outside of the venue before/after the show and share a quick chat about what they are up to and if after, what they really liked/disliked about the show. Those are important times!

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Since the music industry ‘decentralized’, the best thing a society can do for support, is to be a part of the creative journey. If there is a local show, promote it and attend it! Artists are working to provide much needed moments that relieve stress or encourage or just help someone make it through a tough time. Artists are thriving in places where the society/community supports them-not just in social media but actually coming around them and putting their resources to work. If an artist has a product, support the artist. If you like what you hear, spend some time talking with the artist and take their album or shirt home with you. Tell all of your friends that you heard this artist and get a group to go to the next show with you. Artists can support each other in the same way. Encourage people to grow the circle around the artists and they will keep giving you all they have!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pinkbassmanmusic.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/pinkbassman/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/pinkbassmanmusic
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/bassjaymi
• Other: www.facebook.com/OfficialApplehead