BIOGRAPHY>
In the beginning.....
Gareth Langdon, or 'Big G' as he's become known, is a bass guitarist, sound engineer and photographer,originally from Liverpool, UK, now residing in Cape Town, South Africa.Throughout his childhood, music was always a large part of his life, and on several occasions he attempted to play his father’s '50s Hofner semi-acoustic guitar. At the age of 17 he started to learn to play guitar more seriously, but soon discovered bass guitar. Once He discovered this wonderful instrument, there was no turning back. Shortly after, he teamed up with some friends (including his acoustic guitar teacher) to form his first rock band 'Testimony' in '92. Whilst having several line-up changes and even a name change to 'Kontayjus' during its 12 year span, this band served to spur Gareth on to learn other aspects of the music industry, and during 2000/01 he went on to study BTEC Sound Engineering specialising in Studio Recording. During his studies he co-managed a local recording studio and worked as both producer and engineer on several recordings for local artists including his own band 'Testimony'. He had also found himself playing bass for the Keneniah choir group for a number of years, before becoming their ‘go to’ sound guy.
In ‘01 Gareth started working in a further education College, teaching the practical aspects of Music Technology. This often called for his bass skills too, requiring him to support his student’s throughout their coursework and many college charity events. Around this time he also found himself steadily getting busier with musical projects, playing several fundraising gigs with a charity blues band, and rocking it out with local metal outfit ‘Seraphim’, alongside his ongoing commitment to ‘Kontayjus’. Throughout this time, Gareth also played several 'sessions' for other local projects and charity events.
In '04, Gareth, and his wife, Genevieve, had their first child, and also made the decision to move out to Cape Town, RSA. This was a difficult decision, especially since it required him to pull out of all musical projects that he was currently involved in. Once Gareth and his young family finally settled into life in Cape Town, Gareth started playing bass in his new churches worship team, where he was given the nickname 'Big G'. He also played for the Cape Town Baptist Seminary's graduation service for two consecutive years. Quite an experience in itself! In addition to this, he was tasked with coordinating the Sound Team at his local church, which he still manages today, and enjoys working alongside other musicians.
Since arriving in Cape Town, he has taken a great interest in the local music scene, initially involving himself as a regular photographer at several events, which gave him the opportunity to meet other musicians and sound engineers around Cape Town. He is passionate about mentoring young musicians and sound engineers, and aims to encourage their talents where ever possible, whether this is through musical direction, or advising on the best equipment to use within a given budget.In Aug 2011, Gareth joined 'Lost Property'. The bands mission is to donate 50% of any profits made to charity. Whilst playing for Lost Property, the band shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the South African music industry, including Watershed, Arno Carstens, Prime Circle and Freshlyground.
In April 2012, Gareth pulled out of Lost Property to pursue other avenues. He is currently exploring the possibilities, busily writing new material in his home studio, as well as playing 'sessions' for other artists where required, and is excited about what the future holds. As a result of this new direction, Gareth often finds himself spending as much time on acoustic or electric guitars, as he does on bass, but his true passion will always be bass playing, and at this point he is not prepared to hang up his 5 strings for the 6 stringed cousin.... Not unless it’s a 6 stringed bass!
Gareth endorse's Markbass bass amplification, VOX guitar amplification, and Pigtronix pedals.