Meet Jaymi Millard | the Pinkbassman!

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaymi Millard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaymi, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I think the most important factor for success is a combination of a couple of things. First, (and I am going to sound VERY business here) It is important to honor your obligation to your customer-whether that’s an artist live or a producer requesting studio tracks. You are being hired to provide a service and that is the most important part-do your job! Second, if you enjoy what you do, remind your face to show it. Everything takes effort and hard work, but the outcome is what you are looking for-choices=results. Third, my Pinkbassman brand name is known across the globe and I make a lot of connections because my ‘trademarks’ are easily noticed and I do everything I can to support my brand.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Music is my art form, specifically, playing upright and electric basses in a wide variety of settings. The pink basses and matching beard generally are my calling card and they set me apart from other players initially by sight. I have some special instruments that I have had made or refinished to achieve my sound goals and I am super excited to have these tools in my toolbox. Like many musicians, I started when I was young and worked through playing in garage bands and cover bands-even a few original bands as I had the chance. Each city has a musical heritage and Chicago is known for blues. Oddly enough, I played metal LOL! My journey outside the woodshed of paying dues happened in Nashville. I have played for numerous bands/artists here and some of them have taken me across the world and some have taken me to their backyards. It has not been an easy road but it has its rewards. The challenges of playing music never go away. The important part is to be flexible and it will be easier to take the hard pills when you have to. One of the best lessons I have learned is the 90/10 ideal. What I mean is, the stage is 10% of the overall adventure. The other 90% is the hang time, if you’re not a good hang it will be obvious and you may not have another chance to support that artist. Some others revolve around time management and personal issues. If you are the first one awake and ready to go for van/bus/plane call, it is noted. If your personal issues become band/artist issues, you will not have that opportunity very long….

I believe that others can do what I do, no shame, no ego. What I know to be true is the difference in how I work with people and the fact that I remain consistent and true to my brand. From now until the day I go in the ground, I will be the Pinkbassman!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is a fun one! I am known for my Indian Curry “addiction” lol….anyone who comes to town will end up being whisked away to one of three local curry spots. Most of the gang who know me here are FULLY aware of that one LOL! An evening would probably be spent downtown on Broadway and surrounding so the local music scene can be enjoyed. Depending on the person, I would tailor a trip to include their interests and places they like along with other local icons for food and adventure.

Fun places for me are relative. Indian restaurants are always near the top of the list, the train museum is a fun one to take an excursion train east for a day. For musical friends, round the local guitar shops and music stores….of course, the folks who like hiking and more natural things will like Percy Priest area, Bellevue/Belle Meade…..I guess it will depend on the person!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are a couple of people who I am thankful to and for. Waaaaaaay back in high school, there was a sweet girl named Tracy Ambrosio (Piotrowski now) who unknowingly at the time encouraged me tremendously. Musicians and athletes were constantly at odds and she bridged that gap in so many ways and gave me a drive that I still have to this day! Tracy, you rock!

Another special person helped me as I was launching my brand. His name was Tom Richards and he helped me by introducing me to so many people in the gear side of the music industry. I have had a number of product endorsements because of his ability to connect people. I have met many great friends in this zone because we spent some time at the NAMM show or other places talking with people and reviewing their gear etc. He passed away a few years ago and to this day, I miss him…

Website: www.pinkbassmanmusic.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/Pinkbassman

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PinkbassmanMusic

Youtube: www.youtube.com/bassjaymi

Other: www.facebook.com/OfficialApplehead