“Music is my form of escapism, a way to navigate the feelings of being adrift.”
Rishi Dhir
Elephant Stone, the psych-pop brainchild of Montreal’s Rishi Dhir, have been at the forefront of the psychedelic pop genre, releasing six critically acclaimed albums, earning nominations for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize, and garnering praise from esteemed outlets such as NPR, Brooklyn Vegan, and Rolling Stone.
In a conversation with BassEmpi.re, bassist Rishi Dhir shares insights into the band’s latest offering, Back Into The Dream, revealing the choices behind the instruments and the thematic depth of the album. Dhir’s selection of bass guitars plays a pivotal role in shaping the album’s sound, with each instrument chosen for its unique contribution to the musical narrative.
“The bass guitar, as an extension of my musical expression, has always been a critical choice for each track I record,” Dhir explains. “For Back Into The Dream, I found myself gravitating towards instruments that not only resonated with my playing style but also served the unique needs of each song. My go-to bass for live performances for the last 25 years or so has been a 1973 Rickenbacker 4001; it really ‘sings’ at the 10th and 12th frets. However, my recording sessions in recent years have seen a shift. I’ve been incorporating my Road Worn Fender Precision Bass for its solid low end that anchors itself seamlessly within a mix. Additionally, my 1965 Eko 995 violin bass comes into play when the track demands a more muted and less resonant tone. The decision to use a particular bass is song-specific. For instance, if a track calls for a McCartney’s-esque ‘Rain’-style bass line, my Rickenbacker is the instrument of choice. On the other hand, the Fender Precision Bass lays down a solid foundation with a pronounced low-end. And for parts that require a punchier, more rhythmic quality without the need for sustain, the Eko is my choice.”
Dhir’s gear setup for the album was crafted to create a rich sonic landscape, employing a dual-channel approach with a blend of direct input and amplified signals. The use of an Avalon U5 DI, a WA-2A tube compressor, and a Fender Twin Reverb amp, captured with Neumann U-67 and Sennheiser 421 microphones, remained consistent throughout the recording process.
Drawing inspiration from bass legends like John Entwistle and Paul McCartney, Dhir aimed to infuse the music with counter melodies that complemented the main vocals while propelling the songs forward. His approach varied from using a pick to adopting a fingerstyle method on tracks like Pilgrimage, channeling influences from Sting to Radiohead.
Dhir describes Back Into The Dream as “a personal exploration of the space between waking life and the dream world. The album is a reflection of my journey through recurring, intense dreams that often serve as a mirror to my search for identity and belonging. Music is my sanctuary, a place where I can immerse myself fully and find solace from the noise of daily life. Even in the midst of conversation, I find my thoughts drifting to faraway places—music is my form of escapism, a way to navigate the feelings of being adrift.”
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