Hello! I’m Tiffany Lloyd, the artist known as TiffsBass, and I’m based out of Washington, D.C. I just finished working on an off-Broadway show in NYC for a couple of months, a play called For Colored Girls at The Public Theater in Manhattan.
In my artist show performances, I deliver a variety of styles of music, in a way to take my listeners on a ride of what TiffsBass is thinking. When it comes to working with other artists and bands, I cover a variety of genres as well.
The main thing to know about me is that I believe in showing love in life and my music gives me the platform across the world to do that. I do have a couple of music singles on iTunes, and much of my work can be navigated to right from my website. My mission in the music industry includes but is not limited to, positively affecting each individual in the world that is meant to receive a message of love through me.
What is your definition of tone, and how has it changed over the years?
To me, tone is the way that you sound when you interpret a piece of music. Tone does begin with your preciseness and overall attack of notes and technique, however, it also varies not only person to person, but also song to song with one individual. I may give off a completely different “tone” from one song to the next, it all depends on the mood of the song, and the mood that I’m in as well. My tone has changed slightly over the years, where it sounds more intentional, aggressive, and basically has more feeling (sound) of ownership.
Which guitars, amps, and pedals are you currently using and why?
Currently, I use Elrick Basses, GRBass Amps, and I rarely use any pedals. Elrick Basses give off such a rich warm tone all by themselves, but the winning factor is that while you are hearing gold come out of them, the playing experience is beyond comfortable. I basically feel like myself and the bass are one unit, it’s just that amazing. GRBass amplifiers literally compliment Elrick bass guitars with a very clean output. EQing a GRBass amp is far too easy to bring out the best in my Elrick bass, so that is why I use those particular amplifiers and cabinets.
What about strings?
I use nickel-plated steel strings, light/medium gauge. That gauge goes perfectly with my bass and playing style … the sweet thing is that even when I have to play aggressively, say with a slap tone, the light/medium gauge of Elixir Strings still gives me the durability and beautiful clean sound that I need! I really can’t imagine playing bass on any other type of strings. Elixir is just that amazing! Elixir strings have an awesome silky feel, all while giving so much power and rich tone to any bass or guitar that they’re on.
Playing Elixir Strings gives an experience that you can only get with this brand. They also last much longer than many other brands.
Are there certain recording techniques you prefer in the studio?
In the studio, my main preferences are to record through a personal preamp before going into the system, and I also like to double my bass tracks.
How do you keep your sound consistent onstage?
Onstage, the main way I keep my sound consistent is to use my own amp head, and of course, using the same bass. Controlling my output (personal amp) is the best way to get my consistent sound every time.
What does your practice consist of?
Practicing for me consists of many hours of transcription of other instruments on my bass (sax solos on bass, piano solos), technique exercises, fretboard exercises, theory refreshers (chording, scales, etc.), and overall ear builders. Practice also consists of time spent learning music for shows.
What is your advice for young women who hope to work in the music industry?
For all young women that aspire to work in the music industry, I advise them to first, practice exercising discipline in every area of their lives, get a highly recommended instructor, and also study the industry so that they’ll have just a glimpse of what to expect. Everything else will come along and serve as a learning tool as you go. Another piece of advice I would offer to young women desiring to work in the music industry is to remember that you, yourself, are a business leader, and you have to view yourself that way and carry yourself accordingly. Everything you do and say needs to be thought out and careful.
Connect with Tiffany Lloyd:
website: www.tiffsbass.com
social media platforms: @tiffsbass