When it comes to recording, everyone has their own way of getting in the zone. Sure, spontaneous magic can sometimes happen, but being prepared for what you're about to do is the best way to really get fired up! In today’s episode, I look back at what I learned and what I did (my creative process) when I went in to record my upcoming solo album. From dealing with pre-studio jitters, to my one big regret. In this podcast you're going to learn: What to expect from my new album. How I learnt the tu...
Sep 25, 2023•32 min
Back in May, we went to the studio to record the first SBL album project. Originally it was going to be a pretty straightforward release… but having read through a bunch of comments, we decided to change things up. In today’s episode, I reveal some key takeaways from that first studio session, what you can expect over the coming weeks, and how you could win the bass I used to record with! In this podcast you're going to learn: Why Scott’s a massive “jazz fusion nerd.” How he chose the right bass...
Sep 18, 2023•38 min
What a stupid question, right? As bass players, there are few things more satisfying than pulling the trigger on a new bass, but would we be better served expanding our amp collections instead? Will a new amp really make your bass sound any better? In today’s episode Ian and Scott talk you through a couple of different viewpoints that will help you determine how you might spend your hard-earned money. A new bass, or a better amp? In this podcast you're going to learn: Why every studio has an Amp...
Sep 11, 2023•57 min
There’s a reason more people listen to Guns N’ Roses than Victor Wooten, and it’s not because Duff McKagan is better at playing arpeggios! But still, good technique is something that every bassist should add to their skill set, and in this episode, I’m answering all of your questions surrounding our Technique Accelerator. I hope it gives you a little extra time to check out the course – and to find your next breakthrough on the bass! In this interview you're going to learn: Why are we talking up...
Sep 04, 2023•53 min
In this week’s episode, Ian tells us about his experience playing with a full orchestra and navigating the social and musical intricacies he encountered, including confronting his imposter syndrome around classical musicians, the challenges of reading standard notation perfectly and everything in between. Additionally, he goes on to break down the basics of what you need to know around DI’s - Direct Inputs! In this episode you're going to learn: About confronting imposter syndrome when playing i...
Aug 28, 2023•1 hr 5 min
We love the bass community and will always maintain that it is THE best community in music to be a part of. BUT. Every now and then even our community members show an uglier side. In the world of content and running (online) businesses in particular, garnering hate online is almost too easy and, unfortunately, we did have a bit of a run-in with just that a little while ago. But, lessons can be learned in every scenario and we hope you’re able to take away as much from this as we did! In this epi...
Aug 22, 2023•1 hr 11 min
Are Fenders really the best option, especially when you’re looking to play professionally? Maybe not? In today’s podcast, we’re exploring why your bass doesn’t HAVE to be a Fender and some alternatives that can come close in sound and vibe. AND why you may not want a Fender style instrument at all! Is there such a thing as the perfect sound? The perfect bass? Can you love a sound on someone else but not yourself? Does it, in fact, actually all come down to technique , rather than the bass you’re...
Aug 18, 2023•1 hr 14 min
A veteran of the Nashville studio scene, Amos Heller has occupied the bass chair for Taylor Swift’s backing band The Agency since 2007. Whether you’re a Taylor Swift fan or not, when Amos agreed to check in with SBL after the record-breaking Eras tour, we knew we were in for one of our most fun and entertaining interviews to date! In today’s episode, we get a full run down on Amos Heller’s gig with one of the biggest pop stars in the world. Amos Heller YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@A...
Aug 10, 2023•1 hr 34 min
We were delighted to welcome Wil DeYoung, Carey Nordstrand, Spencer Lull and Joe Zon at our luthier panel discussion at Bass Space 23 this year. The session was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the summit and a true pleasure to attend, as four masters of the field dug into all of the different aspects of being a bass builder. In this episode you're going to learn: How much tone wood truly affects your tone Some solid entryway strategies for getting into building your first bass What to keep ...
Aug 03, 2023•2 hr
When it comes to naming bass players with a unique style and approach to the instrument, Ra Diaz is well and truly up there. Having formed one of Suicidal Tendencies’ most exciting rhythm sections alongside legendary Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo, Ra’s work with nu metal band Korn is also indelibly etched on the rock landscape for all to see. Sounds like the perfect guy for anyone looking to improve as a bass player. In this episode you're going to learn: How being a real fan is always the first ...
Jul 27, 2023•1 hr 5 min
Is buying a bass guitar online a bad idea? If you’re anything like us, you probably browse the guitar sections of both brick-and-mortar stores and online fairly often! Also in today’s episode; we explore the pros and cons of digital and analog stompboxes, and walk you through the tactics we’re using to grow our YouTube channel. In this episode you're going to learn: Buying basses online… why it sucks! Did Scott really choose a Tokai Jazz over a Fender? Analog vs digital pedals: who wins? Who wou...
Jul 20, 2023•53 min
Whether you know him best as part of Mr Big, Talas, The Winery Dogs or as the guy from David Lee Roth’s Eat 'Em and Smile, Billy Sheehan is one of the most recognisable rock bassists of his generation. In this special interview from Bass Space 2022, Billy talks us through the ins and outs of his rock roots, how he likes to plan his practice and how he developed his ferocious string bending skills. In this episode you're going to learn: - How Billy maintains his three-finger technique. - The one ...
Jul 13, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Any signature bass guitar is one of a kind and unique. However, it entirely depends on what side of the fence you are. In today’s episode Ian unveils his own collaboration with Mike Lull Custom Guitars! Scott also speaks about his recent studio project and shares some early details about the next one! In this Episode you're going to learn: Why Ian has launched his own signature bass. And how many minutes it took to sell out! What bass Scott used in the studio. Some of the challenges he faced. Wh...
Jul 06, 2023•1 hr 28 min
Ever since Jack Casady first used an Alembic to hot-wire his bass sound with Jefferson Airplane, boutique builders have maintained legendary status throughout the bass world. But can the right player make any bass sound good? In this episode, we discuss one of the most recognisable and idolised bass guitar designs of all time (and Scott’s new bass hero who played it. In this episode you're going to learn: Why we’ve called out Alembic in recent episodes. Who is Scott’s new bass guitar hero? Do vi...
Jul 04, 2023•1 hr 15 min
For some bass players, there's no better way to capture the legendary sound of their idols than bagging a signature axe with their name on the headstock, but are things about to change? In today’s episode we dig into what the future holds for signature basses. In this episode you're going to learn: How signature models help manufacturers sell more basses. Who was the first bass player to get one? What made them a standard perk of bass stardom. Are they a blessing or a curse? Why Irn-Bru is nothi...
Jun 29, 2023•1 hr 31 min
Learning about jazz might not be at the top of your to-do-list, especially if the only time you hear it is when you go to Starbucks! BUT if you want to get really good at bass then jazz is the ultimate genre of music to learn. In this episode, Scott explains how learning some jazz can unlock a musical superpower! In this episode you're going to learn: Why all musicians should study some jazz. Why Scott used to suck at functional theory. Why you don’t need to be a Jazzer to take part in our Jazz ...
Jun 28, 2023•42 min
Can you play heavy metal and smooth jazz and pop, all in one day? Or are you strictly the bassist for one act and one act only? It used to be taught that versatility would equal more opportunity for success in your bass playing career, but is that still the case? In today’s episode we ask if it’s actually better to flip this idea on its head and focus your energy in just one direction! In this Episode you're going to learn: Why Ian has always valued versatility. How to know which path is right f...
Jun 22, 2023•49 min
A bass player’s worst nightmare is traveling with their bass and having it lost or broken. Even with airlines allowing guitars as a carry-on, it can still be up to the staff to decide to allow it or not. In today’s episode, we share our air-travel horror stories and our top hacks for traveling with your bass safely! In this episode you're going to learn: What’s the best way to fly with your bass? Pro tips for getting through TSA airport security. What’s a pink tag? And why you should always ask ...
Jun 15, 2023•46 min
Bootsy Collins, Robert Trujillo, Cliff Williams, Krist Novoselic, Sting – they all relied, or still rely, on tube amps for their signature bass sound. And yet, the decision between solid-state vs tube amps is not one we take lightly. In today’s episode we examine the key differences between the two, covering areas like tone, cost and practicality, to help you figure out what might be best for you. In this Episode you're going to learn: Why Scott’s a massive fan of tube amps. The key differences ...
Jun 08, 2023•53 min
Rob Mullarkey has mastered the worlds of groove and odd-time signatures on the bass guitar, but how do those skills translate when playing with a drummer? In today's episode, we sit down with Rob and one of the most unique drummers in hip-hop and drum ’n’ bass, Richard Spaven. And did I mention there are a few tips of the hat to J Dilla? And exclusive performances? Yep, click here to watch. In this episode you're going to learn: How Rob approaches odd time signatures and beat displacement. What ...
Jun 01, 2023•1 hr 10 min
More music is being produced today than ever before. In 2022, 22 million new singles hit Spotify. That’s a new song every 1.4 seconds! In today’s episode, we dig into some tips and tricks to help you stand out from the crowd in 2023. In this Episode you're going to learn: How to reward people for listening to your music. Do you need a pre-launch strategy? Why some fans enjoy feeling like part of the process. How Scott and Ian are preparing for their own album projects. And much, much more!...
May 25, 2023•1 hr 30 min
Unsure about how much to spend on your next bass? In this episode, we dig into the reasons why some bass guitars are so expensive and other guitars are more affordable - and what this means for the modern bass player on the hunt for a new axe. In this Episode you're going to learn: Are expensive bass guitars really worth it? How simple guitar mods can transform a budget-friendly bass. Is there an affordable alternative to a Rickenbacker? Can a Peavey Cirrus really compete with a Ken Smith? And m...
May 18, 2023•1 hr 17 min
For today’s episode, we catch up with Henrik Linder to talk about his gear, his awesome band Dirty Loops, and how he developed his monstrous bass technique! In this episode you’re going to learn: Some of Henrik’s trickiest bass parts from Dirty Loops! Including Just Dance, Baby and Circus. How he learned to slap. Why Hadrien Feraud loves his hair! And much more.
May 11, 2023•47 min
Bolt-on? Neck-through? All bass guitars are essentially the same, right? Wrong! Many bass players say that bass guitars with bolt-on necks have a punchier attack than neck-through designs. In today’s episode, we’re going to highlight the pros and cons, so that you can decide which you prefer – or maybe you should have one of each! In this Episode you're going to learn: Why do most people start out with a bolt-on bass? Why neck-through basses are more expensive. The neck join that was popularised...
May 04, 2023•1 hr 25 min
Every year, the world's rock 'n' roll music equipment manufacturers, distributors and retailers descend on the town of Anaheim, California, to attend the NAMM show. It's a pure, unadulterated gear fest, showcasing everything that's planned for the coming year. In today’s episode we talk through all the new bass gear and goings-ons you need to know about! In this Episode you're going to learn: What made the pick of the crop from this year’s show. The reason Ian couldn’t test a Rickenbacker 4001. ...
Apr 27, 2023•45 min
We could quite happily tell anyone who will listen that Weezer are our favorite band. Scott Shriner has held the bass chair since 2001 and has always stood out among the group’s history of bassists. His rock-solid pocket playing brings an extra edge to Weezer’s tone, which is why we think you’ll love this episode as we dive into Scott’s bass playing and career with Weezer. In this episode you’re going to learn: How Scott got the gig with Weezer. What it’s like sharing a stage with frontman River...
Apr 20, 2023•1 hr 37 min
When it comes to bass guitars, there’s a massive scope in style and sound for you to explore. It can be subjective, sure, but certain styles of music tend to work best with certain kinds of basses. In today’s episode we delve into what makes a bass guitar perfect for the gig. In this episode you’re going to learn: The backstory behind Scott’s new album. Which star-studded musicians he has invited to take part. Why he needs a new bass for the project. Why it has to be a 5-string! And much more!...
Apr 13, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Blu DeTiger, bassist and social media star with 1.4 million fans on TikTok, recently took to the stage to announce her first full-length album, which is due to drop later this year. Bursting with talent, Blu has amassed millions of views with thumping bass covers of hits by Prince and Megan Thee Stallion. In this episode, we sit down with Blu to uncover her story, how she got started and her upcoming partnership with Fender. In this episode you’re going to learn: Why Blu left New York University...
Apr 06, 2023•1 hr 9 min
If you’re a bass player and you feel ready to earn some extra cash by passing on your skills to others, setting up as a teacher could be a really good move. But how do you become a bass teacher? What credentials do you need? In this episode, we walk you through the minimum requirements for teaching as well as some steps to get you started. In this episode you’re going to learn: Why you should become a bass teacher. Do you need a qualification? How do you get students? What’s the first thing you ...
Mar 30, 2023•1 hr 35 min
Is a signature instrument still a standard perk of modern bass stardom? Janek Gwizdala has attracted his fair share of signature models over the years, including basses for Fodera in 2012 and Mattisson Basses in 2017. In this episode, Janek explains why he has since turned his back on endorsement deals, and why he’ll never make music just for social likes. In this episode you’re going to learn: All about Janek’s new F Bass How he became ‘the pedal guy’ Why Janek deleted all of his social media W...
Mar 23, 2023•2 hr 1 min
