Sugababes, Stormzy, Emeli Sandé, and Freya Ridings – just some of the huge names that British bassist Arran Powell has played with! Raised on a rich diet of gospel music, Arran has carved out an incredible reputation on the global touring circuit for his immaculate groove.
We caught up with Arran shortly after a run of European shows to talk about his musical roots, meeting his heroes, why it pays to be nice on tour, and why his Cosmic Ears C8As go everywhere with him!
What was the first album you ever bought with your own money, and did it influence your playing style?
I’m a church kid, so most of my upbringing involved listening to gospel albums. The first record I ever bought was Diary of a Psalmist by Marvin Sapp, and it’s the exact reason I play the bass today. There was a track on it called "You Are God Alone". I remember sitting on my aunt’s bed, playing air drums while listening to it, when something magical completely caught my attention. The bass player started playing these incredible riffs and chords, and I just couldn't stop rewinding it. Back then, in 2003, I was using a portable CD player, so I might have accidentally scratched the disc and blamed someone else! But that was without doubt the biggest turning point in my early musical life.
Who was your biggest musical hero growing up, and have you ever had the chance to meet them?
My biggest bass influence was a guy called Darrell Freeman. He was the reason I decided to play the bass. He was the bass player from the track I was speaking of. His sound and creativity captivated me immediately and planted a seed that just kept growing and growing.
I did get to share a stage with him as an opener in South Africa a couple of years ago and I did get a chance to meet him in person. He was a little withdrawn but to be honest he was in the middle of watching a NFL game so he was a little busy watching that. But I totally get it - I’m the exact same when Manchester United are on. You disturb me whilst they’re playing and you might see Jesus earlier than expected!! 😜
Can you tell us about your first-ever professional gig?
Ah man, the first gig I ever did was actually an audition for an artist called Stacey Skeete at a small venue in Croydon. I remember it so clearly. I had just bought my first professional bass – a Peavey Cirrus – from a close friend of mine, Michael Hamilton. I was so excited to play. I’d just had my hair done, wore a brand-new jumper, and fresh trainers. But I forgot the one crucial thing I actually needed: a jack cable! It wasn't a great start, but thankfully the venue had spares. Happily, I remembered all my parts, and it went brilliantly for the whole team. Great memories.
Was there a particular moment or gig that felt like a major turning point or breakthrough in your career?
Yes, absolutely. It happened on my second-ever gig. I had tagged along with my older brother, Gavin, to his rehearsal for Jake Isaac. As I sat there, I was soaking up everything the bass player was doing, completely amazed. When the day of the show arrived, the bass player unfortunately got stuck in terrible traffic, and suddenly everyone turned to look at me. Jake said he needed a massive favour: "Al, can you do it? I need you, bro."
I don't know where that boldness came from, but I felt like I was ready. To this day, it remains one of the best experiences of my life. I went out there and just played with so much freedom. I remembered everything the bass player had done in rehearsals and added a bit more. There was a crowd of musicians watching from the side of the stage, and while I was playing, all I could hear were their screaming reactions every time I mimicked a riff my hero, Darrell Freeman, had played only a couple of months prior. It was incredible!
What are essential items you can't tour without?
I can't narrow it down to just one, so I’ll give you three. First is my Bible. As a Christian, reading the Word of God and spending time with Him is essential to my everyday life. Second is my headphones. I’m a bit of an introvert, so I love to retreat into my own space with my headphones on – whether I’m listening to music, a podcast, or even spa music. It really helps me stay calm and relaxed before hitting the stage. Finally, and most importantly, my colognes and oils! Man, you only get one chance at a first impression, and most people who know me will tell you, "You can smell Arran before you see him." I really pride myself on smelling and feeling good!
What's the best piece of touring advice you've ever received, and how has it stayed with you?
The best piece of advice I got during my early days on the road was to "work on your character and don’t make touring hard for others." It’s tough being on the road with people who make it difficult to enjoy the working environment, but unfortunately, it happens. Touring with my older brother for my first proper run was a brilliant experience because he really drummed it into me to stay likeable, kind, even-tempered, and, most importantly, humble. He told me never to let the attention, the money, or the gigs go to my head. I’ve really held onto that and have tried my absolute best to stay grounded ever since.
I also think it’s vital to stay connected to your family and loved ones while you're away. Being on the road isn't easy, and missing home can easily impact your mood and behaviour. In my opinion, staying in regular touch with friends and family keeps you anchored.
If you could travel back in time to any era of music, which would it be and why?
I’m a '90s baby, so I would definitely head straight back to that decade. I would love to play some of those old-school R&B gigs. That is hands down my favourite genre and era of music.
What was your very first experience using in-ear monitors?
My first experience with in-ears was a pair of Shure SE215s. They were a decent starter set, but I couldn’t hear everything clearly, and they kept falling out while I was performing! As soon as I saved up my first few invoices, I took the plunge and invested in a proper pair of custom IEMs. It was completely life-changing; suddenly, I could hear details in the live mix that I didn't even know existed before.
Which Cosmic Ears model are you currently using, and what do you love most about the mix you get from them when you're on stage?
I’m currently using the Cosmic C8As, and they are an absolute game-changer. I love everything about them – from the design and the fit to the crystal-clear definition and their ability to handle low-end bass tones. I can hear so many intricate elements of the show while keeping my own bass at a solid level in the mix, and the monitors handle it effortlessly.
I play with quite a thick gauge of strings, so I know it’s not the easiest job to pull clean definition out of those low frequencies while balancing multiple keyboard parts, guitars, drums, and vocalists. Yet, the sound remains incredibly punchy and crisp. You never know, after this interview, I might just have to order another pair!
How have your custom IEMs changed or improved your performance on stage?
They've helped immensely. The custom fit is so precise that it seals in all the music I need to hear while blocking out the chaotic stage bleed. That isolation allows me to lock in perfectly with the drums, which keeps the overall groove massive and consistent night after night.
If you had to describe the sound profile of your Cosmics in just three words, what would they be?
Clean. Punchy. Warm.
You're curating your ultimate dream festival. Which three artists (dead or alive) are headlining the main stage?
Wow, what a question! Right, I think it would have to be:
- Usher – hands down my favourite R&B artist of all time.
- Jamiroquai – one of my earliest musical influences. I still watch his Abbey Road sessions to this day!
- Michael Jackson – no words needed for the King of Pop. That would be an incredibly fun gig to play.
Which band or artist would you most like to write the soundtrack to your biopic, and who would play you in the film?
Haha, another brilliant question. For the leading role, I think I get a lot of my comedic personality from Will Smith, so he’d be a really good shout. Plus, he’s a similar height to me, which definitely helps! As for the music, I’d have to choose Hans Zimmer. The man is an absolute genius, and I listen to his cinematic scores all the time. My all-time favourites have to be The Prince of Egypt, Inception, and The Lion King.
Keep up to date with Arran's latest tours, gear setups and news via his Instagram page.
And if you want to see some masters at work, check out this Nord Live Session featuring Arran Powell on bass. This video showcases Arran Powell delivering a masterclass in live bass performance alongside Mike Patrick and Dexter Hercules.
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