James Brown may be known as the Hardest Working Man in Showbiz, but the Hardest Working Band in Showbiz is definitely King Konga. Guitarist/vocalist Dan Hannon, percussionist Tony Lymon, drummer Skeeto, and bassist Steve Cook are four of the most road-hardened, professional musicians you will every meet. By tirelessly touring the nation and continually taking it to the streets, King Konga has generated an army of loyal and enthusiastic fans, and they have caught the attention of every major record label. Oh, and they are funky, too.

Steve Cook is one of the most well rounded bassists that you will ever meet. Like Atlas holding the world on his shoulders, Steve can solidly support even the heaviest of grooves, while at the same time adding melodic touches in all the right spots. It was because of his outstanding musicianship and ultra-professional attitude that Warwick approached him to not only endorse their products, but to also become one of their Product Specialists. And we are damn lucky to have him.

For those who don't know about Steve Cook, or King Konga, we encourage you to read on.

Many of the visitors to Bass Survival 101 may not know much about you and your band King Konga. To get this rolling, tell us how old were you when you first started playing bass, and what made you first pick it up?
My musical career actually began at the age of 8 on violin. I took lessons for a few years, also starting on the saxophone at age 11. I was convinced by a drummer in my junior high school marching band to pick up the bass. It was the classic "I'll play drums, you play bass, and we'll get a guitarist and start a band!" Of course we had no tunes and no idea what being in a band was all about, but we strutted around school like we were important.

What was your first live gig?
Our first live gig was a pool party at a friend's house. We knew 3 songs, didn't get paid, and I had to run my bass through the stereo because I had no amp. I think it was a couple years later that I actually made $10 at a live show. It was perfect- we charged $100, spent $70 on PA, and split the rest among the three-piece band. Of course I was dreaming of playing 40 more shows and buying new gear.

Did you take bass lessons or go to a music school?
I took 2 bass lessons early on, but really didn't like the instructor. He was teaching me things I didn't think I would need, like walking jazz lines and he wanted to have me play some classical pieces. I wanted to play as many Police songs as I could, and I thought, "How can the stuff he's teaching me help?" Oh boy, was I wrong. Let's fast forward a little bit. I was playing bass in college, and came to one of those points where musically, I was stuck. I took lessons from a tremendous player named Mike Ely. He opened a whole new world to me. Mike turned me on to more funk, soul, and reggae, and sent me down new musical roads. His influence was huge on me, and I still try and capitalize on the things he taught me almost 10 years ago.

Which current bass players would you consider to be inspirational or influential to you?
Sting is a major influence on me. I know he catches flak because he isn't the most proficient, or fastest player, but who cares? His bass lines are lessons in the minimalist approach. It's not the number of notes, but the right notes. If I could write a bass line that rivals "Walking on the Moon", I would be a happy man. On the other side of the coin, Victor Wooten is a tremendous role model. I am from Virginia Beach, VA, and saw Vic win a "thump-off" bass competition back in '85. It was pretty amazing. The first Flecktone record came out, and it changed a lot of bass players, too. I also had to realize that there are few bands that let you do 64th note-triplet runs, so listening and learning is great, but grooving and discipline is key.

How would you describe yourself as a bassist?
As a bassist in a band with two percussionists, the thing I have to remind myself is my role. I try and play simpler, grooving lines that compliment the other players. I also have to give the other guys the platform on which to stand. I can play fast, I can play slow, but with no groove, we got no show!

When you are on the road, do you find it difficult to find time to practice bass and write songs?
I actually just purchased a Boss BR-8 for practicing and recording ideas on the road. I was out on the road for a while with Korg's Pandora's box, which is a great practice tool, but I wanted to be able to record as well. Now we can literally plug in while riding in the van, and get those inspirations down. I also like having it in the hotel, so if I want to track at 4AM, I can do that. As with almost everything, it takes motivation to run those exercises and scales while out on the road, but it has to be done. I enjoy practicing/recording en route to the gigs, so I can take full advantage of the cities we visit once we get to town.

How did you come to be the bassist in King Konga?
I graduated from college, and moved to Nashville to intern at MCA records. The internship ended, and I was ready for a change of scene. I had a job with a minor-league baseball team doing marketing (which was my major in college), but then the guys called needing a bass player. It was a hard decision. I had to decide on the sure thing or the gamble. I then thought "Baseball will always be there, but King Konga is here and now." We all went to college at the University of Southern Mississippi together, so I was re-joining a family. It's funny where life takes you.

Here is the question every musician hates: How would you describe King Konga's sound?
We get asked this all the time, and we have just started realizing our sound ourselves. On the first record, we ranged in musical styles from reggae to ballads to rock to funk, and where we stayed true to the style, we never really had a sound. We became more focused on the next record and got closer to what we were looking for. Now, with our third record (due out this fall), we've changed again. Our band is an acoustic-percussion pop band. I know that doesn't tell you much, but imagine Paul Simon and Peter Gabriel having a discussion at a Sting show wearing a Dave Matthews T-shirt. That's our sound.

How many CDs does King Konga have out?
We currently have two CDs in print, one out-of-print, and a new one on the way. Our two available discs are monkey see. monkey groove and Halo. Both are available on our website, along with every major retail site on the web. They can also be ordered from any music store through the MUZE ordering system. Our discs are also sold at our shows.

Of all of the King Konga songs, which one is your favorite?
"Made for Two" from our monkey see… record is my choice for top KK song. When we play it live, I think it showcases the individual talents in the band, as well as being a great song. Many kudos to Dan for writing it.

There is quite a buzz going around the industry about your band, and it is rumored that several major labels are bidding for you. Where does King Konga stand now on the quest to get signed?
Talking about getting a record deal is as easy as talking about cold fusion. You know it exists in theory, but nobody's come forward with any answers. We've showcased several times, talked to a boatload of A&R reps, been wined and dined, but with no real results. Is it frustrating? Of course. Does it discourage us? Not really. It just makes us want to work that much harder. We've been offered several deals already. Well, let me rephrase that. We've been offered several high-interest loans from labels. We haven't found the right fit. It sounds cliché, but our career is very important to us, and we don't want to be a flavor of the week. Our band isn't a cookie-cutter product, and the bottom line for labels is the bottom line. We have a tremendous following in the South and Midwest, and one of the things we look for in a label is getting us out to the rest of the world. We have a great core in place as far as publicity, promotions, touring, graphic/web design, and fan base. We just want to stretch it out a little.

How do you think getting signed will change your life?
I know that getting signed isn't the end of the work we do-it's actually the beginning. Bands get signed and expect Ferraris to magically appear in the driveway and the shows are all at Madison Square Garden. We have talked about this several times in our organization, and I have consulted other very successful artists on this subject. We all agree to tour even harder than we do (if that's possible), and basically stay on the road for the first 2 years. The goal is to play for as many people as possible, while (hopefully) selling a few records and seeing some different parts of the country. Not to mention find some new golf courses... As far as a lifestyle change, I'm not sure. I'm not home now, so that aspect really won't change. Hopefully I can find somebody to haul my gear. That would be the nicest change.

Let's get to the gear. What basses do you currently have?
I currently play a Thumb Neck-through, a Streamer Stage II, and a Streamer Pro-M fretless, all 5-strings. The Stage II is amazing. As we record this next record, I can't believe how good it sounds. The Pro-M has a tremendous growl to it, and the Thumb has been my bread and butter for three years.

When did you first hook up with Warwick and why?
King Konga had just put out its first real record, and we had the opportunity to play two shows with Edwin McCain. The first night was ok, I mean, who really hangs out with the opener, right? The second night, Edwin's band actually watched our whole opening set, and I had the chance to sit down with Scott Bannevich (McCain's bassist) and discuss bass with him. It turns out we had so much in common it was scary, and he turned me on to Warwicks. I asked him how he got "his sound", and he just smiled and pointed to the Thumb bass. Go back and listen to Edwin's "Honor Among Thieves" and you can hear what I'm talking about. I wanted to have that sound in our band, too. Anyways, he told me to give them a call and see what happens. From there I found a family of outstanding people who represent a tremendous product. It's a great family to be a part of.

King Konga is one of the hardest touring bands that I have ever heard of. What are some of the must have items that a road warrior like you always travels with?
As far as the road goes, make sure you take several things. The obvious stuff would be extra everything. Strings, straps, cables, etc. Socks and underwear fall in this category as well. Make sure you have something to occupy your time, whether it's a Gameboy, a book, or just a notebook to jot down ideas. You find yourself with a lot of time on your hands. Use it wisely. You should also remember to bring postcard stamps (Moms and girlfriends like to get mail), and always take a bathing suit. You never know. I used to take golf clubs, but the rest of the band hated pulling them out of the trailer every show. I know some of you are like "C'mon! Golf clubs?", but we did 236 shows last year. I needed to do something to relax. This isn't music related, but make sure the van is running well. He is a member of the band, I assure you. Last but not least-make sure there is paper BEFORE you sit down.

You are currently a Product Specialist for Warwick. What does that job entail?
I basically visit music stores and talk to them about Warwicks. I educate the salespeople on why these basses are so great, and that in turn, helps the general public understand them a little more. It's a great job for me, because I truly believe in these basses, so talking about them is not hard at all. I visit stores when I'm on the road as well, which I like because I get to meet other musicians around the country, and sometimes check out their bands.

If someone asked you what makes Warwick basses so special, what would you say?
There isn't just one thing that makes Warwick basses so special, but several. They are extremely well made, look great, and the different woods Hans uses are beautiful. If you combine all that, you get the most important thing of all-the sound. I get asked about my tone all the time, and when I show players my EQ, they can't believe it. It's set flat, and the bass does all the talking. It's that Warwick "growl".

Do you have your eye on getting a new Warwick bass?
I would love to expand my bass collection to include a Streamer LX and a Streamer Jazzman in the very near future. I love the LX design, and I really like the pickup configuration on the Jazzman. It opens up a lot of tonal possibilities. I also asked the guys at Warwick for that Kermit-green Dolphin bass, but with no response. Wonder why?

This is a busy and exciting time for you. Before saying goodbye, is there any bit of advice you can give a band that is looking to get signed?
If you want to get your band signed, get new clothes and move to Orlando. Backstreet what?? Just kidding. Three words of advice: Gig, gig, gig. Play as much as you possibly can, then play some more. Play every hot dog stand from here to Seattle. Get on the web, it's the greatest marketing tool invented. Talk with your fans after a show. Get to know them. They are the ones that cook you dinner and let you crash on the couch when you make $50 opening for some lame polka-rap cover band 15 hours from home. Be smart with your money, and when you are ready, get a decent demo to shop. The lawyers and management will do the shopping for you. The most important thing, though, is to be happy. Record deals will come and go, and you may hate the guys in your band, but this, right now, is the best time of your life. Enjoy it.

If you have any questions for Steve Cook, please email him at steve@kingkonga.com. If you would like to order King Konga's new CD, "Something Good" please visit www.awarerecords.com.