We spoke to Robyn Payne ahead of the Melbourne Guitar Show :
Name: Robyn Payne (bass Player). Member of Band: Engine Room
Playing at the Guitar Show on Sunday 4th August Whammy Bar Stage Level 2.
How long have you been playing guitar? Why did you first start playing guitar?
I’ve been playing guitar & bass for 30 years. I had been learning classical piano and wanted to play just about anything I could get my hands on.
Which guitarist influenced your playing?
My bass playing was first influenced by Roger Glover from Deep Purple. Currently Victor Wooten and Scott Devine are particularly influencial.
Describe your favourite guitar.
My favourite bass is one that I happily own. It’s a Kennedy hand made by Neil Kennedy of Kennedy Basses.
How would you describe your sound in food form and why?
Nice and meaty!! With a touch of tingly stuff.
What, or who, inspires you?
I am inspired by all the other bass players who seek to better themselves with new techniques and new material.
Which song do you wish you wrote the riff for?
Beat It.
What is the best thing about the Melbourne Guitar Show this August?
Seeing so many beautiful instruments, and meeting all the people who will be there. On a personal note I’m hugely excited to have such a high profile showcase for my band. We’ve been working so hard.
Why should people come to your showcase at the Guitar Show?
I think we’re a bit different. Being a female bass player playing rocking jazz/blues is a bit unusual as is my playing bass with the left hand and keyboard with the right. We are only 3 piece but sound much bigger than that. Our young guitarist is also a breath of fresh air and doesn’t play all the ‘normal’ things. Our drummer is also worth coming to see as he does things differently.
What’s your scene?
My scene exists live and in the studio. In the studio I arrange, engineer and play on all kinds of music from classical orchestration to jazz, to rock. Live, I play bass and sing in my own band Roxanne which plays The Police as well as Engine Room and a Stevie Wonder show.
