James Johnston (Scottish musician)

Infobox musical artist
Name = James Johnston


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Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = James Roberto Johnston
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Born = Birth date and age|1980|4|25
Died =
Origin = Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland
Instrument = Vocals, bass guitar
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Occupation = Musician, songwriter
Years_active = 1995 – present
Label = Beggars Banquet
14th Floor
Associated_acts = Biffy Clyro
Marmaduke Duke
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Notable_instruments = Fender Jazz Bass

James Roberto Johnston (born on 25 April 1980 in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland) is a bassist, vocalist, and songwriter, best known for his work with Scottish group Biffy Clyro.

Early life

Johnston was born and raised in Kilmarnock with his twin brother Ben (who became the drummer for Biffy Clyro), and his younger brother, Adam Johnston (who is now Biffy Clyro's drum tech ["Puzzle" Album Booklet, p.2] ). The first gig he ever attended was "Rancid" in Glasgow Barrowlands in 1995 when he was fifteen.

Career

Biffy Clyro

Having previously played bass with schoolfriend Simon Neil and brother Ben Johnston in a band called Screwfish in 1995, [http://www.beggars.com/us/biffyclyro/index.html Beggars Banquet USA – Biffy Clyro Biography] ] the trio moved to Glasgow, and were soon discovered by manager Dee Bahl, and then signed to Beggar's Banquet, in 2001.

Marmaduke Duke

Johnston plays bass guitar when the conceptual rock duo Marmaduke Duke plays live.

Personal life

Johnston is fond of cycling, and can often be found cycling around the hills of Ayrshire. ["Kerrang!" #1159, p.21] He has said the song "Shady Lane" by Pavement makes him cry. ["The Sunday Herald", 20 February 2005]

Musical equipment used

The following is a list of musical equipment used by James Johnston.

Bass guitars

Johnston's basses are usually tuned to Biffy Clyro's preferred tuning of (DADG), but sometimes (BADG) for "Pause it and Turn It Up" and (CGCF) for "Living is a Problem Because Everything Dies".
* Fender Jazz Bass [http://www.biffytabs.biffierthanthou.com/e_jay.htm BiffyTabs Equipment – James] ] – Lake Placid Blue USA model with upgraded pickups.
* Fender Jazz Bass – White USA model with tortoise shell plate.
* Fender Precision Bass [http://www.fender.co.uk/news/index.php?display_article=157 Fender Interview with Biffy Clyro] ]
* Ernie Ball MusicMan Stingray

Effects pedals

* Tech21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Preamp
* BOSS LS-2 Line Selector
* BOSS ODB-3 Overdrive
* BOSS TU-2 Chromatic Tuner

Amplifiers

* Ashdown ABM 900 Head
* Ashdown Classic Cabinets

Other

* .96mm bass pick

Notes