In this interview I sit down with SBL faculty members, Adam Neely and Evan Marien, to discuss how social media has changed the game for everyone in the music business.

In this interview I dig a little deeper into the bass playing of Dirty Loops bassist, Henrik Linder!

In this interview NYC resident, James Quinlan, talks us through his evolution as a bassist.

In this interview I catch up with one of the bass world’s rising stars - Brad Miller.

In this interview I talk to Moto Fukushima about his breathtaking technique and his stellar trio.

In this interview I talk to Oteil Burbridge about his drum-rooted rhythmic approach and how he’s taken the 6-string bass to new heights.

Today’s interview with Kevin Scott is one of our greatest of all time! Or at least, that’s how I remembered it. ;-)

In today’s podcast I talk to Gail Ann Dorsey about gigging with some of popular music’s all-time greats…

In our 100th episode of the SBL podcast we find out what makes one of the UK’s most revered rhythm sections tick.Warrior Charge is bassist Wayne Nunes and drummer Perry Melius who have been working together as a rhythm section and as producers for over twenty years. The talented duo have written, recorded, produced and remixed tracks for the likes of Tricky, Nick Rhodes, Billy Ocean, Rico, Amy Coco, Ghetto Priest and Mobo Award finalists, Kola, not forgetting the movie Bad Company, with Chris Rock and Anthony Hopkins. “Music is a painting and it represents two people throwing colours at a canvas and only showing the pieces we like,” says Wayne. Let’s get into it!In this episode you're going to learn:How Wayne developed his rhythm section partnership with Perry Melius.Wayne’s top tips for success in the music business.All about Wayne and Perry’s solo project, Warrior Charge.Why he sometimes likes to step out of his comfort zone.And much, much more…

In today’s podcast John Bird talks us through his upcoming tour with One Direction star Niall Horan.Building a career in London as a full-time musician is more often than not a balancing act between being as true to your creative instincts as possible and paying the bills, but for all of the tough economic circumstances, John Bird’s daily survival tactics have been tempered somewhat by gigs with the likes of Hudson Taylor, Jack Savoretti and Niall Horan who’s currently readying himself for a world tour. Touring can make your career, if it doesn't break up your band. In this episode John explores the ups and downs of life on the road.In this episode you're going to learn:How John preps for life on the road.Why he’s NEVER late for soundcheck.His guide to surviving as a touring bass player.Why Tokyo is his favourite city.And much, much more…

The new year has brought more than just new resolutions! In today’s podcast we find out what lies ahead for SBL.The past 12 months have been a whirlwind ride for everyone here at ScottsBassLessons, but that hasn’t stopped us thinking big for 2018. As you probably already know, SBL is one of the most comprehensive online platforms for bass education in the world, and it’s our job to determine the most effective way to create exciting new content and resources that mean something to students, differentiate us from the competition and capture the imaginations of everyone we hope to reach. Let’s take a look at what’s in store…

In today’s podcast Renell Shaw talks about his upcoming EP and his gig with drum and bass act Rudimental.Renell Shaw is perhaps best known for his work with the likes of Maverick Sabre, Speech Debelle, Carleen Anderson and Rudimental, along with his perceptive bass tone. Renell’s latest solo offering, Bass Monk, was inspired by African grooves, electronic beats, jazz chords and by his discovery of the original meaning of the word Kung Fu - “any skill achieved through hard work and practice.” The result is a visual EP trilogy telling the story of a fictional character caught in the rat race of city life.

In today’s podcast we meet up-and-coming double bassist Matthew Read.Having caused quite a stir with the launch of his trio’s debut album back in 2016, the new year sees Matthew build on that success with a new album, Anecdotes Vol 2, which features 11 original compositions drawing on jazz, folk, country, hip-hop, dance music, spirituals and both European and American church music. As you might expect, there’s a lot more to leading a jazz trio than merely booking rehearsals, learning the material and getting to grips with the live performances. Luckily, with a First Class honours Degree in Jazz from the Guildhall School of Music and having already been awarded the prestigious Alec Dankworth Prize for Big Band composition and arranging, a talent as significant as Matthew’s is built to last, so catch him when you can…

In today’s podcast Erick "Jesus" Coomes lends an insight into every funk bassist’s dream gig.Known for their incendiary live shows and die-hard fans, revered funk collective Lettuce brings forth a new vitality to classic funk music. Comprised of a stellar group musicians (drummer Adam Deitch, guitarists Adam Smirnoff and Eric Krasno, bassist Erick "Jesus" Coomes, keyboardist and vocalist Nigel Hall, saxophonist Ryan Zoidis, and trumpet player Eric Bloom) the band continues to cement their reputation as an unmissable live act. Released last year via Lettuce Records, Witches Stew is their most recent album, which was recorded in tribute to Miles Davis.

In today’s podcast Adam Neely talks us through his brand-new course for the SBL Artist Series.We first heard of Adam Neely and his awesome YouTube Channel a few years back and have been keeping close tabs on him ever since (Adam has 304,315 YouTube subscribers on the day of our interview). His new course for SBL, which is the latest addition to the SBL Artist Series, captures his incredible take on the study of harmonics and metric modulation along with some other pretty advanced concepts and ideas that will literally blow your mind! If you're already a member at SBL you have instant access to the new course. Click here to get started! If you're not a member yet, no sweat, just grab your 14 day free trial here and you'll be good to go!

In today’s podcast we’re talking to one of the London session world’s most wanted.Since his first session at Abbey Road aged just 15, Trevor Barry has amassed a CV that reads like a who’s who of popular music stars from both stage and the big screen. James Morrison, Freddie Mercury, Shirley Bassey, Burt Bacharach, West End shows Jesus Christ Superstar and We Will Rock You, the BAFTA Awards… the list goes on and on. Trevor even played on the theme tune to the James Bond film Casino Royale. Fans of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing are sure to have spotted him strutting his stuff with the show’s house band.

In today’s podcast Evan Marien lifts the lid on his brand-new course for the SBL.A recent addition to the SBL faculty, Evan Marien has been turning heads ever since he was named as an ‘Exciting New Player’ in Bass Player Magazine’s 2009 Reader’s Choice Awards poll (he actually made the top 3 alongside Esperanza Spalding and Hadrien Feraud!). Aside from joining what would become guitarist Allan Holdsworth’s final tour back in April 2017, and unveiling his latest solo release as EMAR, Evan has also been busy creating content for SBL and his latest course is now live within our course library! If you're already a member you have instant access to the new course. Click here to get started! If you're not a member yet, no sweat, just grab your 14 day free trial here and you'll be good to go!

In today’s podcast we’re talking to Jimbo Hart of American Southern Rock band Jason Isbell and The 400 UnitIt’s so often the case that a great rhythm section lies behind almost every great band, and Jimbo Hart is the kind of bassist whose playing provides a solid link between Jason Isbell’s vocals and the rest of the band. Hailing from the Muscle Shoals region of Northwest Alabama, Jimbo has been busy honing his bass playing on Isbell’s new record, The Nashville Sound, which is his first with the 400 Unit since 2011.

In today’s podcast we’re talking to the man who’s been providing the low end for the Devin Townsend Project.Brian 'Beav' Waddell is busy gearing up for shows with The Devin Townsend Project, who are about to hit the road with Clutch and The Obsessed as part of the “Psychic Warfare” tour. Having released 24 studio albums in the last 22 years, Devin is one of the most prolific artists in any genre of music. A seasoned pro himself, it’s Brian’s intuition that has often proved as valuable as his musicianship. And with a new album, Transcendence, to promote and a packed touring schedule stretching ahead of the band, fans can expect plenty of more of his brutish bass riffs.

In today’s podcast we’re talking to Billy Sherwood from legendary prog-rock group YES.Yes remain one of the most influential, ground-breaking and respected progressive rock bands in the world. 2018 marks half a century since their formation and to celebrate this remarkable milestone they will embark on a 13-date UK/European tour next March - #YES50. Having been a founding member back in 1968, Chris Squire, who died in 2015, wanted the band's legacy to continue, and personally chose Billy Sherwood as his successor.

In today’s podcast we meet Scott Reeder, of Kyuss, Sound City: Real to Reel and Fireball Ministry fame.Speaking to us on the run up to some packed live shows in support of a new Fireball Ministry album, bassist Scott Reeder tells us that life in the band is turning out to be something of a blast. In the grand tradition of the desert rock scene, his unique blend of giant riffs have taken him to international acclaim amid the hard-rock community. High points of his career are many, including making headway with Kyuss in 1994 with their esteemed album Welcome To Sky Valley, auditioning for Metallica following the departure of Jason Newsted and winning a Grammy Award for his contribution to the soundtrack of the Dave Grohl documentary Sound City.

In today’s podcast we’re talking to Daniel Peate from instrumental three-piece Flightless Birds.Regarded by many as ‘one to watch’, Dan Peate has been busy making a name for himself in the North West of England. Having recently finished studying at the Royal Northern College of Music, we’re pleased to report that his instrumental trio, Flightless Birds, is also dong well. Their latest EP shows just how well the group has gelled. Instrumentally they’re solid and boundlessly energetic, while the guitar playing of Alex Dineen is packed with infectious melody, marking the arrival of an ambitious young band with a big future ahead of them.

In today’s podcast we chat to Rick Barrio Dill, bassist with Vintage Trouble.Vintage Trouble have been busy wowing audiences right across the globe with their high-energy brand of 1960s-style rhythm and blues. The LA-based four-piece have opened for the Rolling Stones in London’s Hyde Park, toured North America and Europe with The Who, not to mention the likes of Bon Jovi, Queen’s Brian May, AC/DC, The Dave Matthews Band and Lenny Kravitz. They’re even signed with legendary rock 'n' roll manager Doc McGhee (who's helped guide the careers of bands like KISS, Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, Guns N' Roses, Skid Row, and Hootie & The Blowfish).

In today’s podcast we’re talking to a bass player who’s taken the art of groove playing to a whole new level.Jonathan Maron has developed a reputation as one of the New York bass scene’s most reliable musicians. D’Angelo, Maxwell, Tupac Shakur, Jewel, India Arie, Donny McCaslin, Anoushka Shankar, Kurt Rosenwinkel and many others have recruited Jonathan at one time or another. His best-known gig has always been with the legendary Groove Collective, who acquired a cult following among club goers in the early 90s with their eclectic mix of jazz-inspired funk. His recorded catalogue grows more impressive and more dialled in from album to album, and the great news is, we've just released his first ever course into the SBL Course Library.

In today’s podcast we chat to Tom Peel, bassist with English singer-songwriter James Bay.James Bay shot to stardom with the release of his debut album, Chaos and The Calm, back in 2015. Recorded at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, the album debuted at number one in the UK and cemented Bay’s reputation as an incredible songwriter. But as with all bands that emerge as if from nowhere, the backstory often proves more extensive than you might expect. Tom Peel’s journey has been a steady and assured one, from a natural inclination towards music as a young lad through to playing festivals and rock arenas all over the world.

In today’s podcast we meet Henrik Linder, bassist with YouTube sensation Dirty Loops.First thing’s first; Dirty Loops aren’t dirty and they don’t use loops! But if you’ve seen anything of the Swedish trio’s YouTube channel then you will know all about the funky, head-bobbing swagger of bassist Henrik Linder. He slaps and plucks with the utmost precision, making faces of both concentration and sheer joy in doing so. To execute technical lines of that calibre, Henrik confidently trusts his 6-string signature model to steady the growl - a bass designed by Swedish luthier Anders Mattison.

In today’s podcast we talk modes with 6-string bass pioneer Rich Brown.Having recently released a brand-new course into the SBL course library, this week’s podcast sees Rich Brown take centre stage. Rich is one of those players who regularly pushes the instrument to its limits, and sometimes beyond. He has performed and recorded with some of the finest musicians on the planet including Dapp Theory, Steve Coleman & 5 Elements, Vernon Reid, Bruce Cockburn and David Clayton Thomas (of Blood, Sweat, & Tears). Rich is also on the verge of stepping out with his own duo project featuring Snarky Puppy drummer, Larnell Lewis.

In today’s podcast we catch up with Morten Ehlers, the self-confessed bass junkie from Denmark.Having enjoyed a ten year career as the driving force behind the bass department at TC Electronic, Morten Ehlers is currently amassing an Aladdin’s Cave for bass players. Look around his new bass store and you sense immediately that this is no ordinary shop. Bass Buddha sells instruments from a number of luxury and boutique luthiers – Marleaux, Stenback, Dingwall, Sadowsky and Overwater among them. Morten is clearly a man happy in his work.

In today’s podcast US bass ace, Mike Bendy, gives us an insight into his signature tone.From Kenwood Dennard and Roy Hargrove to the Hipster Assassins, Brooklyn-born bass player Mike Bendy is forging a reputation as one of the bass world’s most exciting players. His formative days were spent listening to bands like Metallica (‘Cliff Burton was my first bass hero’) and then Primus and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, while toying with his Ibanez CT Series bass and dreaming of joining a band. As Mike’s professional career began to take shape, he formed a solid musical and personal friendship with Felix Pastorius, who he currently shares the stage with at New York’s famed 55 Bar in their group Hipster Assassins.

In today’s podcast The Darkness bassist talks us through the band’s brand-new album.Frankie Poullain has been entertaining crowds with The Darkness for years. Since hitting the big time with their 2003 debut album, Permission To Land, he’s hardly had time to catch his breath. This year has been a busy one for the band, who are fresh off shows with Guns N’ Roses and a run of European festivals. The new album is a masterclass in retro rock, a feast of big riffs, killer guitar tones and searing vocals. More importantly it crackles with the raw, spontaneous energy of a live show, something often absent from many modern rock albums.

In today’s podcast Steve Jenkins tells us all about his new course for the SBL Academy and the secrets behind his killer tone.As many of you will already know, earlier in the year the SBL team descended on New York’s coolest borough to rub shoulders with some of the most exciting bass players on the planet. We captured some fantastic behind-the-scenes footage and we’ve been bringing you exclusive monthly courses ever since. Our most recent course features the amazing Steve Jenkins who walks you through a mix of modern groove concepts with drummer Kenny Grohowski. Steve’s best known for his stints with Vernon Reid (Living Colour) and Dave Fiuczynski in Screaming Headless Torsos, but he’s not lacked ambition in his solo career, with Steve Jenkins and the Coaxial Flutter his second album and most focused to date.

In today’s podcast we talk to US luthier Joe Zon – a must-watch for anyone interested in the art of bass building.Joe Zon’s open-minded approach when it comes to design has led to some incredible basses, such as the headless VB model, the Sonus and Micheal Manring’s signature Hyperbass, which features a three-octave fretless neck and is capable of something around 10,000 tunings! Completely self-taught, Joe honed his craft at a time when there was little, if any, literature on how to build bass guitars or fix them, largely relying on his own intuition to further his progress. His handiwork has since drawn praise from the likes of Troy Sanders (Mastodon), Billy Gould (Faith No More), Liam Wilson (The Dillinger Escape Plan) and Dick Lövgren (Meshuggah).

In today’s podcast we meet the man pulling the bass strings with UK breakthrough act the Ezra Collective.One of the few left-handed bassists around today, TJ Koleoso is currently making a name for himself with the award-winning Ezra Collective. Sonically inspired by the likes of Flea, Bobby Watson and Fela Kuti’s Nweke Atifoh, the basic template is jazz, but there are so many elements bubbling under the surface that it’s impossible to slap any single genre tag onto TJ’s instinctive bass playing. Having recently recorded their second EP at London’s Abbey Road Studios, The Ezra Collective have found a sound to redefine a genre.

In today’s podcast we track down top US bass player Uriah Duffy…For many years, Uriah Duffy has remained the ‘bass players’ bass player’, working with artists ranging from Whitesnake, CeeLo Green, Christina Aguilera, The Family Stone, Toni Tony Toné and Alicia Keys. As a seasoned sideman, producer and musical director, Uriah’s ability to leave his own musical ego and stylistic preconceptions at the door has proved essential. While his trademark grooves and outstanding musicianship are at the heart of his ongoing success as a bass player for hire. When we caught up with Uriah he was busy preparing for his next gig with 2017 Grammy Award Winner Fantastic Negrito...

In today’s podcast we’re catching up with Richard Yale, bassist for Dead Can Dance, and Tour Manager/Backline Tech for the likes of Muse, Metallica and the Brand New Heavies.Formed in Melbourne by Brendan Perry and Lisa Gerrard, Dead Can Dance de-camped to London in 1982 and began creating some of the most far reaching goth music you are ever likely to hear. At this point, Perry and Gerrard became the core nucleus of the band supported by an ever-expanding cast of guest musicians. In 2011 bassist Richard Yale was tasked with holding down the low end of DCD’s breathtakingly hypnotic songs for a 2011 comeback tour. Richard also works as a backline tech/tour manager for bands like the Brand New Heavies, Muse and Metallica – which should tell you all you need to know about the calibre of musicianship he requires…

In today’s podcast we’re talking slap bass with SBL’s very own Phil Mann.Having already made waves among the SBL audience with his first academy course on slap bass, Phil Mann is back with the next instalment that takes a closer look at some of his trademark slap techniques. Be it the polyrhythmic tapping and slapping of Victor Wooten or Mark King’s ‘chugging’ rhythms from Level 42, slap bass sounds great and looks impressive, but getting it right can be frustrating, let alone getting a good sound. So if the thought of combining slaps, pops, hammer-ons and fretting-hand slaps makes you feel decidedly uneasy, tune in to this podcast and be prepared to chill out.

In today’s podcast we catch up with chiropractic physician and acupuncturist, Dr Randy KertzIf you’re anything like me, you’ve experienced more than just blood, sweat and tears when it comes to playing the bass. We put our bodies through a lot of punishment while we’re out gigging and eventually our performance could suffer because of it. Luckily, guys like Randy are here to help us get in shape and stay motivated. Randy has treated countless musicians over the years and lectured on the subject of musician’s injuries and health education. He also attended the Bass Institute of Technology in 1989 and has written a book on injury management and prevention.

In today’s podcast Eva Gardner talks us through her inspired bass work with some of the biggest names in pop.The daughter of Creation bassist, Kim Gardner, Eva Gardner may not be a household name in some corners of the bass world, yet Pink, Moby, Cher, Gwen Stefani and many others among the pop world’s elite have called upon her services as a first-call touring musician at one time or another. Eva got her start playing as a teenager and quickly worked her way through a slew of gigs and bands in LA, where she polished and mastered her craft. She has been a member of Pink’s band since 2007. In Eva’s case it’s an awareness of what it takes to make a situation work, together with an impulse to keep things simple, that allows her to communicate the crucial feeling of a song so decisively.

In today’s podcast we marvel at the awesome bass playing of Cameron Dawson.Mamas Gun are a London-based five-piece that’s been gathering critical acclaim and an international audience since 2008. Cameron Dawson took up bass duties in 2012 and has been at the heart of the band’s dazzling pop and wicked grooves ever since. Commitments with Mamas Gun have taken up most of Cameron’s time for the past few years, but he’s still found time to finish a university degree, play numerous sessions, as well as write stacks of material for his experimental jazz group, Vels Trio, who’s new album, Yellow Ochre, has just been released.

In today’s podcast we’re talking to Damian Erskine, author of our latest SBL Academy course, Contemporary Groove Techniques.Having honed his chops with some of the best musicians the West coast of America has to offer, Damian Erskine is the real deal. A player of both strength and depth, he more than matches the hard-swinging grooves of his counterparts, not to mention his exceptional soloing. Being the nephew of drummer Peter Erskine, who formed a formidable rhythm section with Jaco Pastorius in the late ‘70s, Damian is well positioned to take the lead in the latest Artist Course from SBL.

In today’s podcast we meet the man behind Nordstrand Guitars.Carey Nordstrand has established a fine tradition for building top-of-the-range guitars and basses. Nordstrand Audio also boasts a pretty comprehensive range of specialist pickups, with the likes of Tim Lefebvre, Evan Marien, Jamareo Artis and Abe Laboriel all getting in on the act. But that’s not all that’s been keeping Carey Nordstrand busy of late. Not content to be constrained to a life as a master craftsman, Carey has joined forces with vocalist Edward Heppenstall to release an alternative rock album under the moniker of Moba Jones.

In today’s podcast we’re talking to Sam Lord, bassist with electro-pop outfit Aquilo.Since gaining recognition on the UK airwaves with the single ‘You There’ some four years ago, Aquilo have gone on to have more success across the pond, even finding time to pen hits with the likes of Vanic (‘Losing You’ was released onto YouTube in 2015 and has accumulated over 7.5 million plays on SoundCloud to date). We find out how Sam got the gig with Aquilo, what it’s entailed so far and how he’s adapting to life on the road.

In today’s podcast we’re talking to double bassist and long time supplier of the low-end for Lamb, Jon Thorne.It’s been 20-odd years since Jon Thorne came to some prominence as bassist with experimental trip hop duo Lamb. But Jon has also played alongside folk guitar genius, John Smith, written and recorded an album, Watching The Well, in tribute to his mentor Danny Thompson and recorded and performed with artists as diverse as Robert Miles, Scott Matthews, Gilad Atzmon, Liam Bailey, Steve Lawson and Robert Fripp. Look out for Jon’s third solo album, which has been signed for a 2017 release by Static Caravan. You’ll also catch him on Lamb’s 21st Anniversary Tour and at the Glastonbury, Latitude and Green Man Festivals with his indo-jazz trio Yorkston/Thorne/Khan.

In today’s podcast we get up-to-speed with one of the founders of thrash, Megadeth bassist David Ellefson.As founding member of US rockers Megadeth, David Ellefson needs little introduction as one of the founders of thrash. Having appeared on countless Megadeth releases including the bands 1985 debut, Killing is My Business… And Business is Good!, right through to 2002’s Rude Awakening, Ellefson is rightly regarded as a pioneer of thrash metal bass playing. Back with a new album, Dystopia – Ellefson’s punchy bass tone and his ridiculous picking-hand chops are sounding better than ever.

In today’s podcast we get the lowdown on a stunning new album featuring Jaco Pastorius live in New York City.Released on May 26th, Jaco Pastorius - Truth, Liberty & Soul - Live in NYC showcases a previously unreleased performance by Jaco and the New York incarnation of his Word of Mouth Big Band. The original recording engineer, Paul Blakemore, was onboard to revisit the original 24-track tape reels, having first captured the gig on June 27th 1982 for a NPR Jazz Alive! radio broadcast, but this is the first time that the entire concert has been made available. Including over 40 minutes of material not aired on the original broadcast, the release also features a massive 100-page book with interviews from the likes of John Pastorius, Peter Erskine, Bob Mintzer and Randy Brecker.

In today’s podcast we chat to the man behind the award-winning Brooklyn-based collective Snarky Puppy.Always pushing the boundaries with an unbending work ethic, Snarky Puppy are tighter and better oiled than ever before. Inspired by Michael League’s earth-shattering bass playing, their recorded catalogue grows more impressive from album to album. And now Michael’s back with a newly formed project called Bokanté, which looks set to shape the next phase of instrumental world music.

In today’s podcast we meet the man pulling the bass strings with UK breakthrough act Inglorious.Colin Parkinson has found himself in a surreal situation that most bassists only dream about, joining a band that’s already being billed as a shrine to classic rock. Larger-than-life frontman Nathan James of TV talent show The Voice fame joins Colin onstage, and while the young bass prodigy may seem like an unassuming addition, his calm demeanour, technical ability and attention to detail have made his transition into the spotlight seamless.

In today’s podcast we sit down with Keith Duffy, long-serving bassist with The CorrsFollowing a fine tradition set by the likes of James Jamerson and Joe Osborn, as a modern-day session player Keith Duffy’s awareness of what it takes to make a situation work, together with an impulse to keep things simple, has has proved essential, allowing him to communicate the crucial feeling of each song so decisively. The Corrs have produced a number of international hits and multi-platinum albums, but despite all this success, for Keith it all comes down to holding down the groove and serving the song.