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Upton Bass – Ending The Usual Struggles Of Musical Artists

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Music has a rich history as old as time itself. Dating all the way to the time of ancient Greek musical performances have been the shining stars of any royal or dignified gathering. Kings and emperors have always been on the lookout for musical talents that can provide them with optimum entertainment. Creating musical masterpieces requires the artist to be driven to perfect the art. It entails putting in long hours of hard work to groom one’s musical talent. However, another imperative factor is overlooked when gauging someone’s musical talent.

Similar to how the performance of a professional race car driver is dependent on the type of car driven, a musician’s performance is also greatly influenced by the quality of instrument used by them. Keeping their instruments in immaculate condition is crucial to perform at their best for any artist. But maintaining one’s instrument is easier said than done. A musical instrument is a delicate tool that requires the touch of a professional. Not everyone can mend and perform maintenance on such delicate tools, and instruments of the stringed nature are even more so hard to tend to. Artists have always experienced difficulty finding a quality contact that can care for their instruments with top-notch quality. Upton Bass is one company putting an end to the constant troubles and struggles of the artists regarding their instrument maintenance in the sting instrument industry.

The only one who can understand a professional’s true troubles is a similar professional of a relevant field. Unbeknownst to many people maintaining and retaining musical instruments is a field where very few flourish. Tending to musical instruments is a field of work that one cannot master by only going through company-mandated training. One can only become a master of this trade after spending some time surrounded by this melodious art. 

Gary Upton founded Upton Bass in 1999. After spending some time as an accomplished bassist, Gary observed a key issue in the industry for similar bassists and other artists like him. A recognized artist had a pre-determined schedule, usually with performances scheduled to cover the complete year. However, problems and mishaps always arise at the most inconvenient time for an artist. After playing with their preferred instruments for a long time, each performer becomes familiar with them and tries to avoid replacing them. Gary understood the troubles of an artist having to face them on numerous occasions and decided to provide a way to lessen the burdens of a musical artist. After its founding, Upton Bass String Instrument Company provided a place where artists could expect their instruments to get the care they keep using them. Affordability was a trait Upton Bass boasted off. They prided themselves in providing instrument maintenance and upgrading the instruments at very affordable prices.

The business started its operations from their first-ever shop that was located in Jewett City, CT. Immediately after starting, the business experienced a huge surge in business. As Gary was famous in the music industry, the news of him starting a maintenance and sales shop spread fast and reached the ears of various active performers. Knowing that he would provide the quality of service they search for as a fellow artist, Upton Bass soon became the number one choice of service provider for many musical professionals. As the business grew, so did the need for a more hands-on deck, and Upton Bass moved to a bigger location in Downtown Mystic, CT, in 2004. After some time there, they again experienced the need to add to their small family of instrument maintenance professionals and therefore shifted to an industrial park in Stonington, CT. Although providing an adequate work environment, their new location did not sit well with Gary and his business partners. Although functional, the location lacked a certain charm and nuance that was the essence of their business. Therefore they continued operations temporarily while actively looking for a location that had that spark they were looking for. After searching high and low, the answers that ultimately came to them were rather obvious and convenient for the owners. The property owned by Gary and his wife included an old barn that was once a thriving industrial site. All partners agreed that this location would be convenient and provide a suitable environment where their business could flourish. The company moved to its new home location after making required renovations in October 2013. 

Currently, Upton Bass employs ten employees, out of which eight are working full-time and two part-time. For the superior quality of service  Upton Bass has received many notable mentions and awards such as the 2009 Silver Medal for best overall tone by the International Society of Bassists and the 2013 Certificate of workmanship by the International Society of Bassists. Upton Bass was founded with a goal to eliminate all the day-to-day hurdles an artist has to face providing ease of accessibility and affordance for all.

Michelle has been a part of the journey ever since Bigtime Daily started. As a strong learner and passionate writer, she contributes her editing skills for the news agency. She also jots down intellectual pieces from categories such as science and health.

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Entertainment

Notes from the Heart: Lartist Yan on Music, Motivation, and ‘Second Chance’

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Photo courtesy of Lartist Yan 

By Mj Toledo 

US rising singer, songwriter, producer, and beatmaker Lartist Yan has always believed that music is a universal language, and his recent rise in the industry proves he’s fluent in it. With his new hit song “Second Chance” and upcoming tour, fans nationwide eagerly anticipate his old-school soul and contemporary flair, as Lartist Yan blends genres such as Country Blues, Reggae, Pop, RnB/Soul, Ballad, Folk, and Soul/Blues into his captivating performances. The rising star discusses his songwriting process and how he is turning real-life challenges into chart-topping hits that speak to the soul.

Q: Can you share the creative process behind “Second Chance”? What inspired the melody and lyrics?

Lartist Yan: Of course. “Second Chance” was quite an experience for me. It all started one night when I was sleeping, and I suddenly heard this melody playing in my ears, as if someone was playing it to me from afar. It was a mysterious, compelling melody that demanded to be heard. I immediately woke up and started working on it, trying to capture the essence of what I had heard in my dream.

The lyrics were born from a personal experience of betrayal and disappointment. I had been let down by someone I loved at the time, and this song became a way for me to process those emotions. 

But more than just expressing pain, I wanted “Second Chance” to offer hope. The message is that everyone deserves a second chance and that failure can often be the beginning of something great. 

Q: Your music is like a combination of various genres. How do you balance these different influences in your songwriting?

Lartist Yan: What an interesting question. I really do not have a strict formula. I just let my inner self guide me. Listening to so many genres gave me a broad musical palette to work.

When I write a song, I naturally draw from these influences, picking elements that best express the emotion or story I am trying to convey.

We should not confine music to rigid genre boundaries. Instead, I aim to create a sound that is authentic to me, often resulting in a fusion of styles. For example, in “Second Chance,” you will hear elements of old-school RnB mixed with modern pop production techniques. This honors my musical roots while also creating something fresh.

Q: “Second Chance” has quickly climbed the charts in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK). Why do you think listeners love it so much?

Lartist Yan: I believe the universal theme of hope and redemption in “Second Chance” resonates most with listeners. We have all experienced setbacks in life, and the idea that we can bounce back and deserve another opportunity speaks to people. I am truly humbled and grateful that “Second Chance” has touched so many people and found its way onto the charts.

Q: You have mentioned multiple times that your music addresses real-life challenges. How do you translate personal experiences into chart toppers? 

Lartist Yan: Translating personal experiences into universal themes is at the heart of my songwriting process. I believe that even though our individual experiences are unique, many often share the emotions we feel. 

When I write about a personal challenge or situation, I focus on the emotions and the broader lessons learned rather than getting caught up in specific details that only apply to me.

For example, with “Second Chance,” I think about how others might relate to my feelings and what words or melodies might resonate with them. It is about finding the common thread in our human experiences so listeners can see themselves in the music, even if their circumstances differ.

Q: Can you tell us about your upcoming single, “The Wave of Love”? How does it differ from or build upon “Second Chance”?

Lartist Yan: While “Second Chance” focuses on themes of redemption and new beginnings, “The Wave of Love” explores the power of genuine, true love and how authentic love can impact our lives.

Musically, “The Wave of Love” builds upon the soulful foundation of “Second Chance” but introduces new elements that reflect the song’s theme. You will hear a more expansive sound. I cannot wait for everyone to listen to it and experience this new aspect of my artistry.

Q: You’ve won several prestigious awards before releasing your first single. How have these accolades impacted your career?

Lartist Yan: Winning those awards in Russia was a turning point for me. It was not just about the recognition; it also gave me a huge confidence boost in my abilities as a performer.

When starting, you often doubt yourself, wondering if you have what it takes. But standing on those stages, receiving the Golden Voice of Russia and the other awards, was like a confirmation that I was on the right path.

Those accolades also opened up a lot of doors for me. I got to share the stage with some major stars in Moscow, which was an incredible learning experience. It exposed me to a broader audience and helped me understand what it takes to perform consistently at a high level. But more than anything, it fueled my passion to keep pushing, improving, and bringing my music to an even bigger stage – which is why I am so excited about my move to the U.S. market now.

Q: As both a songwriter and beatmaker, how do you approach the production process for your tracks?

Lartist Yan: It is very organic and intuitive. It usually starts with a feeling or an experience I want to express. Sometimes, like with “Second Chance,” the melody comes to me in a dream, and I build from there. 

Other times, I will start with a beat or a chord progression that captures the emotion I am trying to convey. I do not like to force the process. I believe the best music comes when you let it flow naturally.

Q: How do you balance creating personally meaningful and commercially appealing music?

Lartist Yan: That is a great question, and I think about it a lot. For me, the key is to always start with authenticity. If a song is significant to me, if it comes from a genuine place of emotion or experience, then it has the potential to connect with others. That connection is what makes music commercially appealing in the long run.

Of course, I am not naive about the realities of the music industry. I pay attention to trends and what is resonating with audiences. But instead of trying to copy what is popular, I look for ways to incorporate those elements into my style. 

Q: You’re preparing for your first U.S. tour. What can fans expect from your live performances?

Lartist Yan: I am incredibly excited about my first U.S. tour. Regarding the setlist, I’ll perform songs from my debut album, including ‘Second Chance,’ some memorable covers, and tracks from my debut EP. I also plan to include interactive elements to connect with the audience.

My band and I have been rehearsing extensively to guarantee that we deliver a tight, energetic show that brings the studio recordings to life. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to my music, I promise an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

We will start the “Discover Me” Tour in Los Angeles, then head to Washington, D.C., and New York City. After that, we will be in Seattle, Chicago, and wrap up in Dallas in 2024-2025.

Q: What are your long-term goals as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Lartist Yan: My long-term vision is to become a global artist who can touch people’s lives through music, regardless of where they are from or what language they speak. I also want to create music that entertains and brings positive change. 

To achieve these goals, I am focusing on a few key things. First, I am constantly working on my craft – writing, producing, and performing as much as possible to keep improving. I am also very committed to building genuine connections with my audience through music and platforms like social media. 

The upcoming tour is a big part of this strategy. It is about getting out there and connecting with people face-to-face. It is a long journey, and I am excited about every step of it.

For longtime fans and new listeners, the upcoming US  artist’s music provides a fresh take grounded in real experiences. With a new song and an upcoming tour in the pipeline, the world is about to get a “Second Chance” at falling in love with music all over again through Lartist Yan. 

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