This is an interview with Stu I did in February 1999
What basiacally happenned was that I sent him the questions and he replied with his answers. So see what it looks like now:

• What music affected your songwriting most? (what are your other favourite bands/players/composers?)
  Weather Report and Miles Davis and Stanley Clarke were probably my biggest inflyuences, but I would also have to credit Steely Dan, Yes, The Who as well. I listen to a lot of classical music. Wagner, Debussy, Chopin, Bach, Beethoven string quartets. I also like alot of 20th centery composers like Alfred Schnitke and John Adams.
  
• As a bass player, who were your child-hood "heroes"?
  John Entwistle.Chris Squire,Paul McCartney, Stanley Clarke,Jeff Berlin and then I heard Jaco and my life was transformed.
  
• As you participated in the Rush tribute album and Alice Cooper tribute album, does their music mean a lot to you?
  I never listened to much Rush and only some Alice Cooper, the sessions were a chance for me to record with Vinnie Calioutta and Gregg Bissonette.
  
• What was(is) your favorite music artist(s) to work with?
  Joe Satriani is great to work with because he is such an outstanding musician.I really enjoyed recording the Gambale/Hamm/Smith record, it was very challenging musically.
  
• What's next? What project are you working on currently? When will the next SOLO album appear?
  I am working on tunes as we speak, just trying to pick 10 tunes in a similar direction of what I want it to sound like and trying to find the right label.The next record will probably be more melodic and less rock than my previous ones.
  
• Track 6 -- Wrong and Strong is phenomenal, any tips on how to play that song, both slap and tap parts?
  The main riff is in 29/4 time signature, 3 bars of 7 and 1 of 8. It will be a little to complicated to explain in this format, guess you'll have to wait for the transcription book!
  
• What is your current setup in the studio and on-the-road?
  I use 2 Hartke 7000's powering 4 4x10 cabinets that I have had a long time. Sometimes varios pedals, mostly a digitech bass whammy pedal .In the studio I'm mostly direct, and will try any amp or speaker to see what works.
  
• Which of your songs would you recommend to a person who is beginning to investigate the possibilities of tapping on the bass?
  Flow my Tears and Terminal Beach use alot of tecniqes that might open your imagination.
  
• How has the advent of affordable personal studio equipment (as opposed to paying for big studio time) affected your compositions?
  Wtiting has become cheaper to do and you can be better prepared when you get into the big studio.
  
• What are the most important features (for you) of the Fender 'Urge' bass? What other basses (in your opinion) may stand close to 'Urge' in terms of the quality of the sound?
  The versatility of the tones available and the playability are what we tried to achieve. A Bass that could sound like a P or J bass and a Modern active bass with 24 frets. The new version UrgeII is a long scale 34 inch version with updated and quieter electronics.
  
• Do you have students? Have you considered teaching at Berklee or other schools for an extended period?
  I have taught brifly at Berkeley and MI a few years back, but I don't see it happening again soon.
  
• When will the official Stu Hamm web site appear?
  UUUHHHHHH........
  
• When your career has ended, what is it that you wish to look back on, and say that you did for music?
  That people were entertained , maybe moved, and had a smile on their face.
  

So that's basically it. I'd also like to mention that this interview would nevere have happenned without the questions you sent me, I'd like to thank all the people who sent their questions to me, and particularly Oliver Sampson, Kaine and Michael Dixon who contributed the best questions. Thank you all very much for your patience and stay tuned for the new interview that might happen some time.