Silvasolum, a band based in Quebec City, Canada, which integrates elements of progressive, doom, and post-metal into their musical compositions, have recently unveiled their self-released debut EP, aptly titled Silvasolum. In this interview with Bass Empire, Robin Chanon, the band’s bass player, shared insights into the creative process behind the album, shedding light on the equipment used and the aspirations driving Silvasolum’s musical journey.
“I’m a bit of a Geddy Lee fanboy so how I play and sound is heavily inspired by his amazing work.”
Chanon plunges into the heart of the album’s bass sound, providing a deep understanding of the choice of equipment and its impact on the sonic landscape. “I used to play a Bass with Bartolinis,” Chanon begins, “but for this record I opted for a much simpler set up. I found that active pickups, even if they offer a wider range of tones, lacked consistency and punch. The record was entirely recorded with a Squier Jazz Bass Classic Vibe Series. I mainly play on the upper pickup with the tone at maximum. I prefer managing the mids and highs on the amp or on my pedals rather than removing tone from the output. It’s tuned in drop C so the tone is already quite fussy with a good low end. Those basses offer quite a punch in the low-mid, even when playing with a pick. I really wanted a dirty stoner sound, and I switched between pick and fingers and adapted my playing to the different soundscapes.”
Delving further into the recording process, Chanon discusses the effects and amps incorporated into his setup. “We found that we got the best sound by simply plugging it raw into a DI and adding some overdrive directly in the mix,” he explains. “In the end, it’s exactly what I wanted, which is a very loud and metallic Fender sound. As it was recorded raw, it gave some incredible consistency to the bass tone throughout the record.”
Chanon offers insights into his creative process, drawing inspiration from his background in guitar and drums. “I first learned to play the guitar and the drums so I usually tend to play a little bit like a guitarist. I keep the drums in mind to get the punch needed for this kind of sound. I’m heavily inspired by doom and stoner bands like YOB and Weedeater. I like some simplicity and a loud tone but I like adding some melodic elements that can complement the lead guitar. Overall I’m a bit of a Geddy Lee fanboy so how I play and sound is heavily inspired by his amazing work.”
“The reception has been great. This record for us is a way of finding new things, reinventing and trying something new.”
Reflecting on the album’s significance, Chanon expresses pride in Silvasolum’s growth and evolution. “We recorded two albums under another name prior to this record so we really wanted something that is in line with what we already did but felt new in some way. The reception has been great. This record for us is a way of finding new things, reinventing and trying something new for aspects that were lacking in the past. Getting recognized in the local metal scene is kinda hard but we have been playing together for almost ten years and have met many great bands that we intend to play with in the coming year.”
Silvasolum‘s self-titled EP is now available for purchase and streaming.
