7 Questions with Alicyn Yaffee
Succinct and preferring to let her music and playing speak for her, Alicyn Yaffee enjoys a career that has been elevated since relocating from the West coast to the East.
As a guitarist, bassist, and vocalist, do you find that one satisfies a different need or scratches a different itch that the others do not?
I actually don’t consider myself a bassist, but I love to play and try to arrange and write on bass. I love drop tunings on guitar and low notes, so bass brings me joy in terms of that. Singing gives me a chance to express lyrics, which is always fun.
Can you comment on the effect that the move from California to New York had on your career? Are certain kinds of work more available or easier to be involved with in each location?
I play a lot more gigs at a higher level and pay rate in New York, in general. All different styles of gigs, as well. In California, musicians had a lot more time to get together and practice, so I do miss that.
What qualities or features do you look for in amplification – and what are your least favorite things an amplifier can do with your particular tone?
I look for an amp that enhances the natural sound of the guitar, while giving it warmth. Henriksen amps help me get the exact tone I want. There is nothing worse, in my opinion, than an amp that sounds like a bad speaker, and takes away from the warmth of the instrument.
What music would fans of your own be surprised to learn you enjoy and/or listen to regularly?
I write such weird music, I’m not sure it would surprise the people that have heard my music – but I’m obsessed with Zakk Wylde’s guitar playing!
Do you have any really stand out funny, bad, or incredibly unusual gig stories to share?
One gig, I was flown out to Grenada and took a boat to a private island; it was $55,000 to rent part of the island, and the people who had this event rented the whole thing. I guess people like Justin Bieber would visit the island sometimes. I fake played guitar (not plugged in) in angel wings and huge high heels – I thought my feet were going to break!
How did your relationship with Henriksen Amplifiers begin?
I used a Henriksen for the first time at the bar next door and fell in love with the sound. I had needed a light weight amp for awhile, and during the pandemic, I bought my Bud. I love it and it’s pretty much the only amp I ever use.
What do you enjoy most in life – completely outside of the realm of music?
I love spending time with my pets, partner, and friends. I also love to cook and improvise in the kitchen.
