Sean Gaisford On The SA Metal Scene, Midnight Energy, And Playing Bass

We recently had the chance to sit down with talented South African bassist Sean Gaisford. Sean is one of the more prominent members of the alt scene, being the co-owner of a successful production company called Midnight Energy that played a massive role in putting together the acclaimed Wacken Metal Battle Documentary. He has also played in some of South Africa’s biggest bands, like Raptorbaby and Facing the Gallows, and played Ramfest with Gallows this weekend, filling in for Ray James on bass. In this exclusive interview, he shares his journey into the world of bass, his love for metal, and his insights into Midnight Energy.

The Birth of a Bassist

Sean's journey into the realm of bass began under the guidance of his older brother, Ashley. At the tender age of 13, Sean's desire to follow in his brother's musical footsteps was met with a twist of fate.

‘I first became interested in playing bass through my older brother, Ashley. I was 13 or so at the time, and my brother already played guitar. I wanted to start on guitar like him, but I remember him saying something along the lines of there being already too many guitarists around locally (he was playing in a band in high school at the time) and not enough bassists or good bassists, so he suggested to our parents that they get me a bass, and luckily they did. I got a little Washburn knock-off for Christmas and have been addicted ever since. I still have that bass.’

Why Metal?

As for his metal fixation, Sean credits his brother, Metal Hammer magazines, the internet, and friends for opening the doors to the genre.

‘What drew me to the metal genre was my brother, metal hammer magazines, the internet, and friends. My brother used to work at Phase 2 CDs back in the day, which meant we could browse and listen to literally anything on the shelves. It was during the time of burning and sharing CDs while Myspace was happening, so it was a perfect combo to get exposed to crazy stuff.’

Crafting Basslines In The Metal Maelstrom

Metal is known for its intricate bass lines, and Sean doesn't hold back in explaining his approach to creating bass parts that mesh seamlessly with the genre's heaviness.

‘In terms of recording bass and creating music, the biggest thing I've been taught is to do what serves the song first, especially as a rhythm or bass player. Generally, how it goes is: learning the guitar sections, following and getting that down, then, if you have time, assessing what else is happening. Looking at what patterns the drums or vocals are doing can help give ideas for dynamics, or I just like to feel the song out and what space I have to work with, and something usually comes to me that could be usable to compliment the song.’

SA Metal Favourites

We couldn't resist asking Sean about his top three favourite South African alt/metal bands.

‘BCUC, Sunken State, Thorns of Ivory—there are too many.’

Midnight Energy

Sean is also the co-owner of Midnight Energy with Zainab Hoseini, a production company with a mission to create alternative content that fuels and grows the metal scene.

Sean says, ‘Midnight Energy as a company exists to create alternative content the best we can to contribute and grow the scene for everyone. It's been something that both myself and our co-owner, Zainab, have been wanting to do in our own lives for as long as we can remember. It was only recently, when we met and found out we shared the same passion and vision for this, that we decided it was time to get going. My background in the metal genre greatly influences what we do, create, and share with people. Being fans first, and both of our full-time day jobs being in film and media, it helps us create quality content that we know we would want to see.’

Midnight Energy x Wacken Metal Battle

One of Midnight Energy's proudest moments was their involvement in the Wacken Metal Battle in Africa.

‘Our most recent project that we are quite proud of is that we got to do coverage and produce a documentary for the Wacken Metal Battle in Africa. The battle consisted of nine African bands competing for an opportunity to go to one of the largest metal festivals ever. We were given the opportunity to film the event, interview all the bands, and ultimately create a short documentary that was published on Wacken TV for the world to view.’

Advice for Aspiring Metal Media Producers

To wrap up our interview, we asked Sean for some sage advice for aspiring media producers looking to specialise in creating content for the metal scene. His four-point manifesto is both insightful and practical.

‘1) Create what you would like to see. If you see something lacking in the scene or there's something you would like to see or hear more of, do it. Don't wait.

2) Collaborate and do your best to make connections within your local space. If you want to create quality content and start doing something but feel like you either can't do it on your own or don't have the skillset to do so, ask.

3) Involve yourself in the scene as a supporter. Go to shows, support bands, and find out what's happening around you. There are plenty of people working hard to uphold and progress the metal scene; see where you can help and fit in.

4) Don't be a d*ck. The metal scene is small enough to have a strong sense of community and fulfilment for everyone, especially if we keep working at it together, enjoy it, and be kind.’

And There You Have It

Sean Gaisford's journey from a 13-year-old bass enthusiast to a prominent figure in the South African metal scene, his involvement in Midnight Energy, and his wisdom for aspiring media producers Stay tuned for more electrifying interviews and metal madness on Sludge Underground. Keep up with all things Sean Gaisford and Midnight Energy here.

Images by Wayde Flowerday Photography, Henry Engelbrecht, Alexander Wolf