ABOut
Christopher "Kiki" Zabel is a passionate and versatile bassist and musician based in Berlin. His musical journey began at age six with a Die Toten Hosen concert, sparking a lifelong love for music. He started playing bass at age 15, later adding piano and double bass.
By 18, Christopher started touring, experiencing the thrill of a live performance. Music has always been a way of channeling his emotions, from wanting a CD player at the age of 6 to the excitement he felt when he played on stage.His instrumental prowess spans the electric bass, upright bass and synth basses. Currently, he is actively touring, performing various concert, theaters and recording. Balancing a vibrant musical career with family life, he lives in Berlin with his partner and daughter.In 2020, Christopher was the first time in charge of recording and producing an album, showcasing his ability to bring musical ideas to life. His production work spans from punk rock to acoustic folk, highlighting his versatility and creative range.
Influenced by punk rock, hard rock, metal and progressive rock, bands such as Tool, Iron Maiden, Nightwish and Epica inspire his work, as does the rich musical tapestry of the 60s, including artists such as The Grass Roots and The Supremes, as well as legends such as Carol Kaye and James Jamerson.Key mentors such as Heiko Schramm, Henry Mex, Mary Killian and Simon Pauli have played significant roles in shaping his musical journey.
WORK
Christopher "Kiki" Zabel is actively playing and touring with various Artists. He is engaged in a diverse array of musical projects, demonstrating his versatility and dedication to his craft.
As the live bassist for The Adicts since 2018, Christopher has performed at major festivals such as Coachella in California, Wacken Open Air, Poland Rock and Altavoz in Colombia. He has toured extensively across the USA, South America and Europe, bringing his dynamic playing style to enthusiastic audiences worldwide.He is part of the ensemble of Stars in Concert, a highly versatile and professional show in Berlin that demands exceptional flexibility and musicianship.As a founding member and bassist of Kiki and the Heartbreakers, Christopher arranges Brazilian pop classics for the trio, showcasing his ability to adapt and innovate within various musical styles.His involvement extends to playing with the trio Bassonor, where he explores new music and continues to push the boundaries of his musical expression.
He is engaged as a bassist in various show productions, including shows, film music ensembles and symphonic pop/rock shows.In addition to these projects, Christopher frequently steps in as a substitute for jazz ensembles, gala bands, big bands and pop groups.The diversity of these genres continually inspires him to learn and discover new musical facets, improve his skills as a bassist and musician.Whether playing punk rock, performing in high-caliber shows, interpreting film scores or arranging Brazilian pop, Christopher’s commitment to excellence and his passion for music shine through in every performance.
Media
Find a variety of Videos and recordings over the last years, including Live Recordings, studio work, production work and so on.
Production Work
Christopher "Kiki" Zabel is not only a skilled musician but also a dedicated producer, bringing his own vision to each project he undertakes.
Here are some examples;
For the acoustic album by Tom Schwoll, alias Fleur de Malheur, they traveled to Denmark to record the basic tracks and continued refining the project back in Berlin. The objective was to create an album with a specific mood that complemented the lyrics. The result is a beautifully sparse record that conveys a lot with minimal instrumentation.
Christopher co-produced the album for the Berlin-based punk band "Bei Bedarf" alongside a colleague. They tried capturing their raw, unbridled energy during recording and mixing, to convey the band's intensity and spontaneity, resulting in a powerful and authentic punk record.
With his own band, Jawa, Christopher collaborates with two colleagues to explore a unique path in rock music. They handle everything from songwriting to mixing themselves, aiming to fuse their diverse experiences and influences into a distinctive sound.
Christopher’s approach as a producer is to deeply understand and expand the artist's vision, using his own musical influences and ideas to create something unexpected.He believes that music is universal and that experiences from one project can enrich the next. Considering all the time how all elements fit together, from arrangement and recording to the final mix, ensuring that the initial ideas are amplified and made more impactful.
Gear
Christopher is part of the G&L family and proud to play these great instruments. The support of G&L saved the night more then one time on tour. Over the years he explored his love for little and bigger boxes, making it possible to dig deeper in many sounds.
Find a list below.
Basses:
G&L Asat Bass Semihollow
G&L M2500
G&L L2500 Fretless special edition
G&L Kiloton
Fender Precision 1972
Dingwall NG3, modified
Läkland DJ5
Squier Jazzbass, modifiedUpright Bass, unknown, ca. 1910Keys:
Nord Electro 4
Behringer Pro 800
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3Amps:
Ashdown ABM 1000
Ashdown CTM 100
Ashdown ABM610
Ashdown ABM 210
GallienKrueger MB112DI:
REDDI A-Design Tube DI
WR Gnome Tube DI
Radial J48
Tech21 SansAmp
Darkglass AlphaOmicronUltra
FX (a.o.):
Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Bass
Boss CS2Proco The Rat
Electro Harmonix Double Muff
MXR FullboreMetal
Darkglass AlphaOmicronUltraDigitech Whammy
Dunlop BassWahWah
Boss OC2
EBS Octabass
Yamaha SPX 90
MXR M148 Micro Chorus
Boss MO2
Boss TR2Strymon TimelineMXR 10 Band EQLehle Mono Volume
Lehle Little Dual
Boss ES5
Boss LS2
Boss TU2
