MusicMusic Interviews

Now That’s Bass

Pete Roythorne

Now That’s Bass is a podcast about the real world of professional bass playing.

Hosted by bassist Pete Roythorne, the show features frank conversations with working bass players — touring musicians, session players, educators and gospel players — about what it actually takes to sustain a career in music.

No fantasy. No gear flexing. Just the reality of the job.

The podcast is also part of a personal mission.

Just before Christmas Pete was made redundant. Approaching his 60th birthday, he decided it was time to stop talking about doing something serious with his bass playing and actually do it.

So he’s getting back out into the bass world.

Each episode features honest conversations with bass players who’ve built real careers — touring internationally, working in sessions, teaching thousands of students, and sustaining a life in music for decades.

Along the way Pete asks the questions many musicians want answered:
What does it actually take to make a living playing bass?
How do you build a reputation?
And how do you stay in the game long term?

If you’re serious about bass — not just the instrument but the long game of being a musician — this podcast is for you.

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S1 · E28
Monday · 1 hr 8 min
Nick Owen on the Bass Centre, Gary Barlow and Vintage Bass Bargains
Nick Owen spent ten years at London’s Bass Centre during an era when it brought together bass players from around the world. He remembers the famous names who passed through, the clinics, the unlikely encounters and, above all, the community that formed around a shop where people could try an instrument and talk to someone who knew it inside out. What did working there teach him about basses and the people who play them? And could a place like that exist again? Chapter guide 00:00:00 Nick Owen’s Unusual Bass Career00:05:46 Inside the Bass Centre00:15:25 Clinics and Bass Centre Legends00:23:06 From a Dep Gig to Sway00:29:11 The Jeff Beck Audition00:41:17 Music and the London Taxi00:48:11 Basses Kept, Sold and Remembered00:59:37 What Nick Would Do Differently Nick’s story goes well beyond the counter. He talks about the dep that led to nearly 30 years with Sway, work with Ronan Keating, Gary Barlow, Bonnie Tyler and Dirty Vegas, a daunting Jeff Beck audition, and the complicated freedom of driving a London taxi alongside a playing career. The final part is a treat for gear lovers. Nick discusses the basses he misses, the boutique instruments that left him cold, and what years of handling vintage Fenders taught him about judging an old bass on more than its age or price. If you visited the Bass Centre, we’d love to hear your memories.
S1 · E27
September 23 · 1 hr 8 min
Guy Pratt: Pink Floyd, Madonna & the Truth About Making It as a Bass Player
Guy Pratt has played bass with Pink Floyd, David Gilmour, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Bryan Ferry, Robert Palmer and some of the biggest names in music. But behind that extraordinary CV is a much more interesting story about confidence, instinct, relationships — and what it actually takes to survive for decades as a professional musician. In this episode of Now That's Bass, Guy talks candidly about the imposter syndrome he felt working alongside the world's elite session musicians, why Bernard Edwards asking for him still seems extraordinary, and why being good in the room may have been as important to his career as being good on the bass. Want to jump to the cool stuff? 00:34 Why bell ringing got Guy more press than playing bass03:22 How Guy first found the bass07:29 Learning by ear and making music without reading09:56 When playing bass became a possible career11:32 The first jobs: making a living with no plan B20:49 Why people kept calling Guy back23:40 Does imposter syndrome ever go away?26:31 What Bernard Edwards meant to Guy32:00 From band member to session player35:13 Murder on the Dancefloor and the bass line you barely notice37:08 Guy’s process for creating a bass part40:34 Has the music business become harder for working players?43:38 What Guy would tell his younger self about a music career47:38 The relationships that disappear between tours49:32 How to handle life when a tour ends51:22 Bass lines Guy wishes he’d written54:35 The bass part Guy is proudest of56:28 The bass players who give Guy stage fright58:47 How Guy became a stand-up storyteller1:01:43 Recording with Robbie Robertson1:04:41 The time Michael Jackson hid in the studio1:07:21 One bass line every player should learn Still want to read more... We get into how Guy actually creates bass parts in the studio, why he sometimes starts with absolutely no idea what to play, the 17-minute session that produced his bass part on Murder on the Dancefloor, and why he believes a great bass player can sometimes be like a great waiter: you barely notice them, but everything gets done. Guy also reflects on an industry that has changed almost beyond recognition. He explains why the music business may look bleak while opportunities for working players aren't necessarily as bad as they appear, why personal relationships matter so much to making great music, and the huge amount of downtime that nobody sees behind a successful touring career. Plus: playing with Bernard Edwards, being wound up by David Gilmour before a Pink Floyd bass solo, recording Earth Song and Like a Prayer, working with Robbie Robertson, the bass lines he wishes he'd written — and why bell ringing has somehow generated more media attention than almost anything else he's done. Subscribe to Now That's Bass for honest conversations with professional bass players about playing, careers and what it really takes to make a life in music. #GuyPratt #BassGuitar #BassPlayer #PinkFloyd #DavidGilmour #NowThatsBass #madonna
September 11 · 52 min
“Playing Music Shouldn’t Feel Like Work” | Nathan Mays on Music, Burnout & Finding a Better Way
What happens when the career you spent years building starts taking away the thing you loved about music in the first place? Nathan Mays has been playing bass for more than 23 years, working across country, variety bands, musical theatre and more experimental music while also studying music composition to Master's level. But after years of gigging, Nathan found himself becoming increasingly disillusioned with the professional music scene. Music was becoming a job — and, in his words, "playing music shouldn't feel like work." So he stepped back. Today, Nathan's focus is increasingly on music education, where his experiences as a player, composer and teacher have come together in his own approach to learning bass: Feel, Form and Function. In this episode of Now That's Bass, we talk about: • Why Nathan stepped away from the professional music grind • The darker side of the music world that musicians don't always talk about • What real gigs teach you that music school can't • Why chops don't matter if you can't actually do the job • The problem with collecting information instead of actually learning • Why so many bass players practise without a target • Whether "feel" can really be taught • Why pocket changes depending on the music you're playing • Nathan's Feel, Form and Function approach to bass • Why recording yourself could transform your practice • The problem with cookie-cutter music education • Why young musicians need to learn to take criticism • And why Nathan thinks every bass player should learn "Chameleon" It's a conversation about bass, but also about something bigger: what happens when your definition of being a successful musician changes. If you enjoy honest conversations about the realities of building a life around the bass — not just gear and chops — subscribe to Now That's Bass for more interviews with working bass players, educators and musicians. #NowThatsBass #NathanMays #BassGuitar #BassPlayer #BassLessons #BassEducation #MusicEducation #BassPractice #WorkingMusician #BassPlayers
August 28 · 49 min
“They Made Me an Offer I Couldn’t Refuse” | Morgan Nicholls on Muse, Gorillaz & 30 Years of Saying Yes
Morgan Nicholls has built the kind of music career that's almost impossible to plan. From starting out with Senseless Things to playing with The Streets, Gorillaz and ultimately spending 15 years onstage with Muse, Morgan's story is one of versatility, relationships, being in the right place at the right time — and being ready when the phone rings. In this episode of Now That's Bass, Morgan talks about being "relegated" from guitar to bass, learning his craft through relentless gigging, discovering the bi-amped bass sound that changed his playing, and the phone call that gave him just days to learn a Muse set after Chris Wolstenholme broke his wrist. We also get into his first terrifying Muse show, how a temporary bass dep turned into 15 years with the band, the chaos of early gigs with The Streets, performing with Gorillaz, and why getting on with people may be one of the most important skills a professional musician can have. Morgan also shares what he wishes he'd learned when he was younger, the bass lines that influenced him, the instrument he'll never sell — and somehow we end up with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Elton John and a packet of Old El Paso tacos. A brilliant conversation about longevity, adaptability and building a life in music without ever really having a master plan. In this episode: Being "relegated" from guitar to bass 150 gigs a year with Senseless Things Why Live at Leeds changed Morgan's approach to bass Finding his bi-amped bass sound The unexpected call from Muse Learning Chris Wolstenholme's bass parts in days What went wrong during Morgan's first Muse show How a temporary dep became 15 years with Muse Playing with Gorillaz and The Streets Why personality matters on tour The importance of treating the crew as part of the band What Morgan wishes he'd learned when he was younger Glastonbury, Arnold Schwarzenegger and tacos at Elton John's house #MorganNicholls #Muse #BassGuitar #BassPlayer #NowThatsBass #Gorillaz #TheStreets #SenselessThings #ChrisWolstenholme #BassPlayers #ProfessionalMusician #TouringMusician #SessionMusician #MusicPodcast #BassPodcast #MusicianLife #BassCommunity #BassGuitarist #BritishMusic #MusicIndustry
August 19 · 56 min
“Bass and Drums Aren’t Two Instruments… They’re One” | Smiley Barnard | The Rhythm Section
The Rhythm Section: Smiley Barnard What do bass players look like from the other side of the drum kit? Welcome to The Rhythm Section, an occasional Now That’s Bass series where I turn the tables and talk to drummers about the bass players they’ve worked with, what makes a great rhythm section — and what bass players can do to make drummers love playing with them. And there aren't many better people to start with than Steve “Smiley” Barnard. Smiley's career has seen him play with Robbie Williams, Joe Strummer, The Alarm, The Boomtown Rats, From The Jam, Archive and The Stranglers — putting him alongside an extraordinary list of bass players including Jean-Jacques Burnel, Bruce Foxton, Pete Briquette, Derek Forbes, Jonathan Noyce, Tony Visconti, Yolanda Charles, Dale Davis, Lee Pomeroy, Matt Round and many more. We talk about what separates the truly great bass players, why Smiley believes you can tell whether a bassist can play within the first five bars, and why feel, space and personality matter far more than showing everyone how clever you are. Smiley also explains why playing with a Chaka Khan bassist taught him to stop playing drum fills, why Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr may be the ultimate rhythm section, why Adam Clayton deserves far more respect — and why the bass player is the “pivotal glue” that completes a track. Plus: J.J. Burnel, Bruce Foxton, James Jamerson, Sting, Mani, Tina Weymouth, Joe Strummer, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, U2, The Beatles and the perils of musicians who simply won't stop playing between songs. This is The Rhythm Section — bass players, seen from the drummer's seat. #NowThatsBass #TheRhythmSection #BassPlayer #BassGuitar #Drummer #RhythmSection #BassPlayers #Drummers #Musicians #PaulMcCartney #RingoStarr #AdamClayton #TheStranglers #JoeStrummer #TheAlarm #robbiewilliams
August 15 · 38 min
“You Can’t Just Be a Bass Player” | Marcel Pusey on Building a Life in Music
Bass player, composer, producer, educator and music entrepreneur Marcel Pusey has built the kind of career that rarely gets talked about enough. Rather than relying on one gig, one band or one big break, Marcel has spent decades creating a sustainable life around music — performing with Bassistry, composing for television and media, developing music education programmes, working in music technology and taking his work around the world. In this episode of Now That’s Bass, Marcel talks about starting out playing rock and learning largely by ear, blagging his way through reading gigs, discovering jazz and fusion, and finding his place in London's music scene. But the bigger story is how he learned to make music pay without giving up the music he actually wanted to make. We talk about why jam nights were crucial to building his network, why musicians need to understand the business side of their careers, the importance of creating multiple income streams — and what happened when Marcel said yes to opportunities he wasn't entirely sure he was ready for. There’s also a gloriously painful story involving an orchestra, a piece in 7/8 and the moment his sight-reading bluff was very publicly called. In this episode: Why learning music by ear remains such an important skill What old-school learning gave musicians that YouTube sometimes doesn't How jam nights helped Marcel build his career Why networking works best when it doesn't feel like networking Creating multiple income streams as a working musician Why your band doesn't necessarily have to make money to be valuable The business skills musicians often overlook Saying yes before you're completely ready Dealing with imposter syndrome Why getting something wrong can still move your career forward Marcel's advice to young musicians: go for the goal, but stay flexible If you're trying to build a sustainable career around playing music rather than simply waiting for the perfect gig to arrive, there's a lot in this conversation. #NowThatsBass #MarcelPusey #BassGuitar #BassPlayer #BassPlayers #BassCommunity #WorkingMusician #ProfessionalMusician #MusicCareer #MusicBusiness #SessionMusician #BassLife #MusicianLife #MusicEducation #Bassistry
August 10 · 1 hr 11 min
“Nobody Cares About Your Degree” | Philip Mann on What Actually Gets Bass Players Hired
What actually gets a bass player hired — qualifications, chops, contacts, versatility… or something else entirely? Philip Mann has spent nearly 30 years building a career across performance, education and publishing. He studied with Jeff Berlin, has worked with artists including Van Morrison, Leo Sayer and Billy Bragg, performed in West End shows, written extensively for the bass press and developed his own With Bass In Mind educational platform. But in this conversation, Philip is refreshingly candid about what he believes actually matters if you want to make a living from music. We talk about why collecting qualifications doesn't automatically make you employable, how studying with Jeff Berlin completely changed Philip's approach to the instrument, and why bass players can spend 90% of their practice time working on the 10% they'll rarely use professionally. Philip also explains why getting older doesn't necessarily mean fewer opportunities — but it may mean understanding where you now fit in the industry — and why a sustainable music career increasingly means developing multiple income streams. We get into the reality of competition for professional gigs, networking without manipulation, using social media strategically, the importance of investing in the right skills, and why relationships matter more than many musicians realise. And to finish, Philip makes the case for one of Britain's most underrated bass players: Queen's John Deacon — and explains why every bassist should take a closer look at "Killer Queen." In this episode: • Why Philip originally picked up the bass out of "100% jealousy" • Studying with Jeff Berlin and why it transformed his career • Why qualifications alone won't get you hired • Practising the 90% you're actually going to use • Why professional bass playing is about serving the song • Building relationships and putting yourself in the right rooms • Getting older — and finding the gigs that fit you now • Why musicians need a portfolio career • Is there really less work, or simply more competition? • Using social media to show people what you can do • The career decisions Philip would change if he were 20 again • Why maintaining relationships matters • John Deacon, "Killer Queen" and playing the right notes at the right time If you're trying to become a better bass player — or work out how to build a career around playing music — there's a huge amount to take away from this conversation. Let me know in the comments: what's the biggest lesson you've learned about getting — and keeping — gigs? #BassGuitar #BassPlayer #PhilipMann #MusicCareer #ProfessionalMusician #BassLessons #NowThatsBass
August 3 · 1 hr 3 min
The Bass Found Me | Dan Hawkins on Building a Life in Music, Teaching & Never Stopping Learning
What does a sustainable career as a professional bassist really look like? In this episode of Now That's Bass, Pete sits down with bassist, educator and online creator Dan Hawkins to explore the journey from an 11-year-old schoolboy discovering the bass to performing in the West End, touring with major artists and teaching thousands of bass players around the world. Dan shares how incredible teachers shaped his playing, why reading music opened doors throughout his career, and how adapting to technology helped him build a successful online business without ever losing his love of performing. They also dive into practice, motivation, overcoming plateaus, balancing family life with music and why the best bass players never stop learning. Whether you're an aspiring professional, a weekend player or somewhere in between, this conversation is packed with practical advice and honest insight. In this episode: How one music teacher completely changed Dan's life Getting Grade 8 bass in just two years Learning from West End session musicians Why reading music still matters Following a professional bassist for work experience Building a career through teaching, sessions and live work Playing Les Mis, Martha Reeves and Katie Melua Creating a successful online bass business Why deliberate practice beats endless noodling The biggest mistakes bass players make when learning Life after moving from London to Singapore The importance of adapting your career over time If you enjoy these conversations with professional bass players, please Like, Subscribe and share the episode. It really helps the channel grow. #bass #bassplayer #bassguitar #musician #musiccareer #basslesson #basspractice #musiceducation #danhawkins #nowthatsbass
July 27 · 1 hr 8 min
The Secret Isn't Talent, It's Consistency | Jimmy Sims on building a lasting bass career
Everyone talks about getting "the big break." Jimmy Sims doesn't believe it exists. Having toured and recorded with artists including George Ezra, Brian Ferry, Amy Macdonald, Mika and Dido, Jimmy has built one of the UK's most respected freelance bass careers—not through luck alone, but through years of quietly building relationships, saying yes to opportunities and constantly improving his craft. In this episode Jimmy shares what touring is really like, why community matters more than networking, how the legendary Bass Centre helped launch his career, and why being a professional musician is often about handling the uncomfortable moments rather than the glamorous ones. If you're trying to build a sustainable career as a bass player—or as any musician—this conversation is packed with practical wisdom. In this episode we discuss: Building a career without a single "big break" How the Bass Centre became Jimmy's music college Touring with Mika, Brian Ferry and Amy Macdonald Why community beats networking The realities of life on tour Mental health and looking after yourself on the road Why versatility creates opportunities How to become the musician people recommend Learning theory without losing your creativity Why every rejection is simply another brick in the wall 🎸 Subscribe for weekly conversations with the world's best bass players. #NowThatsBass #BassGuitar #BassPlayer #MusicianLife #SessionMusician #TouringMusician #MusicCareer #BassCommunity #JimmySims #GeorgeEzra #BrianFerry #AmyMacdonald #Mika #Dido
July 20 · 1 hr 13 min
Nobody Owes You a Gig | Chris Horrocks on Building a Modern Bass Career
What does it actually mean to be a professional bass player in 2026? Chris Horrocks (That Guy On Bass) joins Pete to talk honestly about building a sustainable music career that combines session work, weddings, content creation, YouTube and podcasting. From getting made redundant and deciding to go all-in on music, to balancing gigs with running a successful business, Chris shares a refreshingly realistic look at life as a modern working bassist. Along the way they discuss networking, soft skills, learning songs without charts, social media, tone chasing, content creation and why simply being someone people enjoy working with is often more valuable than being the flashiest player in the room. Whether you're an aspiring session musician, weekend gigger or full-time pro, this episode is packed with practical advice that every bassist can use. In this episode: Chris's journey from guitarist to professional bassist Why redundancy became the best thing that ever happened The realities of today's wedding and function scene Why soft skills matter more than technical ability Building multiple income streams as a musician Content creation vs live performance Learning songs without charts Why audiences don't care about perfect note-for-note covers Tone chasing—and why Chris is trying to stop Advice for younger musicians The one song every bassist should learn If you enjoy these conversations, don't forget to Like, Subscribe and Share. #bass #bassplayer #bassguitar #sessionmusician #thatguyonbass #inthepocketpodcast #musician #musiccareer #basspodcast #nowthatsbass
July 8 · 57 min
From Postman to Paul Weller | Andy Lewis on saying yes to everything
Most musicians spend years trying to plan the perfect career. Andy Lewis did something different. From discovering bass through Mod music, soul and funk... to becoming Paul Weller's bassist almost by accident... to building a hugely varied career as a producer, DJ and songwriter, Andy's story is a masterclass in following opportunities rather than chasing status. In this episode of Now That's Bass, Andy talks about learning by ear, why groove matters more than technique, the emotional side of music, life inside Paul Weller's band, and why saying "yes" has opened more doors than any long-term career plan ever could. This is a fascinating conversation about musicianship, creativity and building a life in music that lasts. In this episode we discuss: How Andy first discovered bass guitar Why listening is more important than reading TAB Learning music by ear The relationship between bass and drums How DJing shaped his understanding of groove The unexpected journey into Paul Weller's band Life touring at the highest level Producing records after Weller Why emotion always beats technical perfection Advice for young bass players The importance of staying curious The bass players everyone should study If you enjoy conversations about bass, musicianship and building a career in music, don't forget to Like, Subscribe and Share. #BassGuitar #BassPlayer #PaulWeller #AndyLewis #NowThatsBass #MusicPodcast #BassPlayers #Groove #MusicCareer #Producer #SoulMusic #FunkMusic #Mod #NorthernSoul
June 26 · 57 min
How Bass Players ACTUALLY Build Careers in 2026 | Jenn McCarron (Savage Fridays)
In this episode of Now That's Bass, Pete Roythorne sits down with bassist, producer, creator and Savage Fridays founder Jenn McCarron to explore what it really means to build a music career in 2026. After years touring with bands, Jenn stepped into the corporate world before making the bold decision to return to music full-time. Today she's built one of the fastest-growing bass channels on YouTube while producing music, creating content and proving that modern musicians don't have to wait for opportunities—they can create them. This isn't just a conversation about bass playing. It's about creativity, resilience, entrepreneurship and finding your own voice in an industry that's changing faster than ever. Whether you're an aspiring professional bassist, a content creator, or simply trying to build a career doing what you love, Jenn shares honest advice, practical lessons and plenty of inspiration from her own journey. In this episode we discuss: Jenn's unconventional journey into bass guitar Why she left touring for corporate life—and why she came back Building a career through YouTube and the creator economy Why consistency beats perfection The importance of finding your own musical voice Touring versus creating content Learning from criticism instead of fearing it Why community matters more than follower counts Balancing creativity with earning a living Multiple income streams for today's musicians Why every musician should stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them If you're serious about building a career in music, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 👍 If you enjoy the conversation, please like the video, subscribe to the channel and let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments. About Jenn McCarron Jenn McCarron is a bassist, producer, songwriter and content creator best known for her growing Savage Fridays YouTube channel, where she shares bass demos, music production insights, gear reviews and honest conversations about life as a modern musician. Subscribe for more interviews with great bass players. #bass #bassguitar #bassplayer #musiccareer #musician #creator #youtubecreator #musicindustry #basscommunity #savagefridays
June 20 · 43 min
I Almost Didn't Get the Amy Winehouse Gig: Dale Davis on Persistence, Bass & Finding Your Own Sound
Dale Davis is one of the UK's most respected bass players, best known as the bassist and musical director behind the Amy Winehouse Band. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Dale has worked with artists including Paul Young, Tina Turner, Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim), Freak Power and many more. Chapters 02:23 Where did your bass journey start? 05:37 Northern soul influence 10:08 Working with Paul Young 13:27 The Amy Wnehouse Gig 17:35 Beats International 19:29 Where the opportunities came from 20:34 The Hofner relationship 27:14 Finding your own sound 30:39 Did you ever have a plan B? 31:54 Where should people focus their attention to get more gigs? 34:16 Advice to the young Dale? 39:11 One bass line to rule them all? In this episode of Now That's Bass, Dale shares the remarkable story of how a love of Northern Soul, relentless gigging, and trusting his own musical instincts helped shape a career that has taken him from local pubs in Reading to stages around the world. We discuss finding your own voice as a bass player, why playing with people matters more than practising alone, the importance of perseverance, how he landed the Amy Winehouse gig, and why he believes making mistakes is one of the most valuable parts of becoming a musician. Whether you're a beginner, aspiring professional, or simply love hearing how great musicians built their careers, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration. In this episode: • How Dale discovered bass after seeing Danny Thompson live • Growing up on Mod, Northern Soul and classic rock • The importance of saying yes to gigs early on • Why playing with people accelerates your development • Building a unique sound instead of copying others • Working with Norman Cook, Freak Power and Paul Young • Getting the Amy Winehouse gig (after initially not getting it!) • The role of perseverance in a music career • Why mistakes can be your greatest teacher • Advice Dale would give to his younger self • Learning by ear versus formal music education • The bass lines and players that shaped his approach If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to Like, Subscribe and share it with another bass player. #NowThatsBass #BassPlayer #BassGuitar #AmyWinehouse #DaleDavis #SessionMusician #BassLessons #MusicCareer #BassCommunity #MusiciansLife
June 13 · 44 min
Play the Gig, Learn the Lesson: James Eager on Bass, Growth & Opportunity
James Eager has built a career that spans West End shows, function bands, jazz clubs, teaching, entrepreneurship and creating one of the world's largest online bass education communities through E Bass Guitar. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe and share with another bass player. Chapter timings 01:07 Where did your bass journey start? 04:10 When did you realise you could make this work as a living? 09:41 Did you ever get out of your depth on gigs? 12:44 Are you only as good as your last gig? 16:59 How has the industry changed for today's bass players? 21:26 How important is it for musicians to have business skills? 28:02 Are the opportunities still there for younger bass players? 33:49 The importance of authenticty 38:54 What advice would you give your younger self? 43:35 One bass line everyone should learn In this episode of Now That's Bass, James shares the reality of building a sustainable career in music. From saying yes to every gig in his twenties, to overcoming imposter syndrome, developing resilience, embracing entrepreneurship and finding his authentic voice, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for any bass player trying to make their way in today's music industry. Whether you're an aspiring professional musician, a working bassist, or someone navigating the challenges of a creative career, James offers honest insights into what it really takes to build a long-term life in music. What we talked about: • How James transitioned from guitar to bass • Studying jazz at Trinity College of Music • Building a career through teaching and gigging • Why saying yes to opportunities matters • Imposter syndrome and surviving difficult gigs • Lessons learned from the West End • The changing music industry in 2026 • Why musicians need entrepreneurial skills • Social media, authenticity and finding your voice • Building E Bass Guitar from the ground up • Mental resilience and self-development • Why employability matters more than virtuosity • The importance of entertaining an audience • Advice James would give his younger self • The one bass line every player should learn
June 6 · 48 min
Dream Big, Prepare Hard: Vicky Warwick on Building a Global Bass Career
Vicky Warwick has built the kind of bass career many musicians dream about. From London to New York and now Los Angeles, she's toured the world with artists including Charli XCX, Big Time Rush and Maisie Peters, performed on Saturday Night Live, Jimmy Kimmel and The Graham Norton Show, and built a reputation as someone people genuinely want to hire. But this conversation isn't about fame. It's about what actually happens behind the scenes. Chapters 00:00 Start 00:44 Handling the travelling 03:26 Starting her bass journey 06:33 Realising this is a career 08:22 First big break 12:22 First taste of serious touring 15:16 How do you keep getting hired? 20:11 Does it help to play multiple instruments? 22:06 Are BVs essential these days? 25:08 Re-establish a career in different cities 30:11 Biggest lessons you've learned 3 3:50 Coping with the realities of touring 39:05 Most honest piece of advice about music career 40:12 What advice would you give your younger self? 46:38 Bass line everyone should learn and why? We discuss networking, auditions, mentorship, touring, moving countries, building a reputation, and why being a great bass player is only part of the equation. If you're serious about building a career in music, this episode is packed with practical advice from someone who has done exactly that. In this episode: • How Vicky accidentally discovered the bass • Why a careers advisor told her not to pursue music • The audition that changed everything • Landing the Charli XCX gig • Why networking isn't a dirty word • The real secret to successful auditions • How to build a music career in London, New York and Los Angeles • Why versatility matters more than ever • Learning bass and backing vocals simultaneously • The truth about life on the road • The importance of mentors • Why most music careers are never just one thing • The one bass line every player should learn If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with another bass player. #BassGuitar #BassPlayer #MusicCareer #CharliXCX #SessionMusician #TouringMusician #BassLessons #NowThatsBass #MusicIndustry #BassCommunity
May 30 · 1 hr 39 min
Make The Music The Thing: Steve Lawson on Art, Audience & Authenticity
Steve Lawson: Building a Music Career Without Chasing Fame What if the goal wasn't more followers, more views, or a bigger platform? What if the real goal was building meaningful music, genuine community, and a sustainable creative life? In this episode of Now That's Bass, Pete Roythorne sits down with bassist, educator, writer, technologist and PhD holder Steve Lawson for one of the most thought-provoking conversations on the channel so far. Chapters for easy listening! 00:16 Introduction 02:48 How did you come to playing the bass? 09:11 What was the turning point for you in your bass career? 16:10 What was the catalyst for your evolution into solo bass? 25:31 How did you start to embrace technology to develop your career? 50:02 Is it easy today to push the boundaries of bass? 01:03:36 Why we need to more than chase clicks and algorithms 01:11:56 What's you advice for bass players coming into the industry today? 01:28:33 What bass line should everyone go away and listen to? 01:34:18 How did your PHD influence your attitude to music? Steve shares the lessons he's learned from four decades of bass playing, pioneering solo bass performance, embracing technology before most musicians had even heard of it, and building a career entirely on his own terms. The conversation explores everything from creativity and community to social media, attention spans, music education and what it really means to build a life in music in 2026. Whether you're a bass player, musician, creator or simply interested in how artists navigate the modern world, this episode is packed with insight. In this episode: Steve's journey from beginner bassist to solo artist How a broken arm changed his approach to music Why John Peel was one of his biggest influences Playing bass in duos and expanding the role of the instrument The origins of Steve's solo bass career Lessons learned from Michael Manring, Victor Wooten and Tony Levin Building an audience before social media existed How Steve used forums, blogs and online communities to create a sustainable career Why Bandcamp became the foundation of his business model The difference between community and audience The dangers of chasing algorithms and viral success Why social media rewards performance rather than artistry Practical career advice for aspiring bass players Trust, professionalism and reputation in the music industry The relationship between creativity, audience and meaning How Steve's PhD changed the way he thinks about music Key Takeaway "Make the music the thing." A powerful conversation about building a career around purpose, community and creativity rather than chasing validation. #SteveLawson #BassGuitar #BassPlayer #NowThatsBass #MusicCareer #Bandcamp #SoloBass #BassLessons #MusicianLife #IndependentMusician #BassCommunity #BassEducation #VictorWooten #MichaelManring #TonyLevin
May 26 · 1 hr 3 min
Network Like a Demon: Mike Brooks on Bass, Survival & Staying Hireable
Bass player, journalist, reviewer, YouTuber and working musician Mike Brooks joins Now That’s Bass for a brutally honest conversation about what it really takes to survive as a professional bass player over three decades in the music industry. From discovering bass through Duran Duran and landing his first professional gigs in the ‘90s, to building a long-term career through covers bands, networking, journalism and YouTube, Mike shares the realities most musicians never hear about. This episode dives deep into how the music industry has changed, why communication matters more than chops, the collapse of traditional gig circuits, and the mindset required to build a sustainable life in music in 2026. No fantasy. No gear flexing. Just the reality of the job. In this episode: How Duran Duran inspired Mike to pick up bass Turning professional in 1995 The truth about surviving on covers gigs How one dep gig changed his entire career The collapse of traditional live circuits Why networking matters more than ever Lessons from Bass Guitar Magazine and The Basist Why communication gets musicians fired The importance of versatility and backing vocals Bernard Edwards and the genius of Good Times Follow Mike Brooks / Brooksy’s Bass Corner YouTube: Brooksy’s Bass Corner Instagram #bassplayer #bassguitar #brooksysbasscorner #musicindustry #sessionmusician #basscareer #bernardedwards #chic #basspodcast #nowthatsbass
May 16 · 45 min
Right Thing, Right Time: Andrew McKinney on Pulp, JTQ & the Art of Being Hireable
In this episode of Now That’s Bass, Pete talks to Andrew McKinney, current bassist with Pulp and The James Taylor Quartet, course leader for performance at BIMM London, and a player whose career has taken him through TV, theatre, funk, soul, session work, education and major international stages. Quick Links to Chapters 00:31 Introduction 04:15 How did your bass journey start? From Cello to BassTech 07:17 How did your first bits of session work come in? 14:03 How did your first break come about? 15:58 At what point did you think I can make this work? 17:18 How have you managed to sustain your career? 20:23 How do you stand out as a bass player? 23:19 Who's the most important person in a band to connect with? 25:46 How is it playing in bands as diverse as Pulp and JTQ 27:43 Imposter syndrome and the route into Pulp 36:14 Three things people should focus on to get more gigs 42:45 What advice would you give your younger self? 44:28 The bass line everyone should know and why? Andrew talks honestly about how a cello-playing school kid became a professional bass player, why depping has been central to his career, what it really takes to be a “safe pair of hands”, and how he dealt with stepping into very different musical worlds — from the groove-heavy James Taylor Quartet to the textural, creative demands of working with Jarvis Cocker and Pulp. This is a conversation about preparation, taste, confidence, imposter syndrome, musical relationships, and why being hireable is about far more than chops. In this episode: Andrew’s early journey from cello to bass Studying at BassTech and choosing music over science How early gigs turned into long-term career opportunities The importance of depping and supporting other bass players Why preparation and attitude matter as much as ability Getting the call for The Richard Blackwood Show Playing with James Taylor Quartet Working creatively with Jarvis Cocker Joining Pulp and touring Australia and New Zealand Imposter syndrome and learning to adapt What makes a bass player hireable Why “the right thing at the right time” matters The bass album Andrew thinks every player should study Subscribe for more honest conversations with working bass players about building a real career in music. #BassPlayer #AndrewMcKinney #Pulp #JamesTaylorQuartet #BassGuitar #NowThatsBass #SessionMusician #BassCareer #JarvisCocker #Bassist
May 9 · 48 min
Gearing Up: Jonny Dibble on P Basses, Pedals & Becoming a Bass Content Creator
Jonny Dibble has built a loyal following in the bass world by doing something surprisingly rare: making bass gear feel honest, relatable and genuinely useful. In this episode of Now That’s Bass, Pete sits down with the bassist, YouTuber and co-host of the In The Pocket podcast to talk about affordable basses, social media, gear obsession, bass culture and what it really takes to build an audience online as a musician. Jonny shares how a Harley Benton review during lockdown accidentally launched his content career, why he believes flashy playing can actually make gear demos less useful, and why most bass players misunderstand what social media is actually good for. There’s also plenty of bass nerdery along the way — including P Basses, StingRays, SansAmps, preamp pedals, tribute bands, favourite bass lines, and why The Lion King contains one of the most underrated bass performances around. Whether you’re trying to grow a music channel, build a bass career, improve your tone, or just love talking gear, this is a refreshingly honest conversation about modern bass playing and online music culture. In this episode: How Jonny Dibble got started on bass Why affordable bass gear matters Building a bass YouTube channel during lockdown The truth about Instagram for musicians Why relatable playing matters in gear demos P Bass vs StingRay philosophy The importance of musical and gear reference points Why every bassist should consider a preamp pedal Bass gear as creative inspiration Jamiroquai, Disney bass lines and underrated musical influences If you enjoy the show, please follow, rate and share Now That’s Bass wherever you listen to podcasts.
May 2 · 38 min
Why Feel Beats Flash: Matt Round on Getting Gigs... AND Keeping Them!
In this episode of Now That’s Bass, Pete talks to professional bassist Matt Round, known for his long-running work with James Morrison, as well as playing with Archive, Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook, and currently holding down bass duties on the spectacular ABBA Voyage show. Matt brings a refreshingly honest, funny and grounded perspective on what it really takes to build a long-term career as a working bass player. From the pressure of auditions and the realities of rejection, to why “always be good” matters on every gig, this is a conversation packed with practical advice for bassists who want to work, improve and stay employable. There’s also plenty for bass nerds: ABBA bass lines, Carol Kaye, The Chain, the beauty of whole notes, and why playing less can often make you more valuable. In this episode Playing bass on ABBA Voyage Why ABBA bass parts are “bonkers and brilliant” How Matt landed the ABBA gig Why auditions are such a strange way to choose musicians Handling rejection without bitterness Why every young musician needs thick skin Finding your lane as a player Building a career by saying yes early on The importance of networks and real relationships Why social media is now a musician’s calling card Matt’s long relationship with Ashdown Why being reliable matters as much as playing ability The two biggest rules for getting more gigs What bass players should learn from good drummers Why bass is a supportive instrument The art of playing for the song Why whole notes can be harder than flashy runs Bass lines everyone should study, from Carol Kaye to Fleetwood Mac YouTube hashtags #NowThatsBass #MattRound #BassPlayer #BassGuitar #ABBA Voyage #JamesMorrison #BassPodcast #WorkingMusician #SessionMusician #BassLessons #BassCareer #MusicCareer #BassGuitarist #BassPlayersOfYouTube #CarolKaye #TheChain #AshdownEngineering

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