Dunlop Presents Bass Freq's

Many of the guests who’ve come on the Bass Freq’s Podcast showed promise from an early age before being hailed as child prodigies on their way to amazing careers. This week's episode gives host Josh Paul the chance to talk to once such phenomenon while he is actually at the start of his meteoric rise. Aron Hodek, a 12-year old bass player from Slovakia, is already racking up chops, fans, and accomplishments that would be highly impressive for a player two or three times his age. Here, Aron tells us all about how he caught the bass bug and what steps he took to be able to get recognized, who he's playing with, the gear he digs, and how he still works his best to balance the important work of just being a kid while continuing to build a career that seems limitless.

Blue DeTiger is one of the shining stars among a new crop of highly skilled bass players on their way to becoming the icons of the future. She's been dedicated to the craft since the age of seven, but instead of following the traditional routes to success, she took advantage of the new medium of our age—social media, through TikTok—to make her biggest impact on the scene. On this week’s episode of the Bass Freq’s Podcast, she shares her story, inspirations, insights on gear, and what's on the horizon with host Josh Paul.

Respected performer and educator Rufus Philpot wears his love of the bass guitar on his shirt sleeves. He’s studied, taught, recorded, and performed at the highest levels, and in this conversation with host Josh Paul, Rufus dishes on that entire range of experience without holding back. Through stories about his influences, how hard he worked to make a name for himself, and the techniques and gear that aid him in his constant effort to take his art to the next level, Rufus’ passion for his instrument is evident in every word he speaks.

This week on the Bass Freq’s Podcast, we hear from LA-based award-winning bass player Pete Griffin. His resume includes some of the most respected acts in music, from Dweezil Zappa and Steve Vai to Stanley Clarke and Jean Luc-Ponty to name just a scant few. On top of being a top-tier journeyman of the stage and studio, Pete is a highly sought-after online educator. Here, he treats host Josh Paul to his own brand of eloquent wit and wisdom across a range of topics, from navigating the industry, getting and keeping gigs, and his approach to techniques and tones.

This week, we’re joined by yet another Grammy Award-winning artist to its roster—Tommy Sims. Launching his career as a session-and-touring bass player in the late 1980s, he has contributed not only his accomplished bass grooves but also his chops as a songwriter, producer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist to a long list of artists that includes Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Michael Bolton, Kelly Clarkson, the Neville Brothers, and many more. Speaking with host Josh Paul, Tommy fills us in on his journey from starting out through cultivating his varied skills and performing at the highest level with some of the biggest names of the business. Add in a touch of gear talk as well as great advice for up and coming bassists, and you have another classic episode of Bass Freq's.

Nathan East’s tasty bass grooves have been making the hottest pop records pop for decades. He’s worked with the world’s top recording artists, from Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder to Sting and Daft Punk—and that’s not even the half of it. On top of that, Nathan is a founding member of the prolific jazz group Fourplay, and he’s put out three of his own records as a solo act. On this week’s episode of the Bass Freq’s Podcast, he chats with host Josh Paul about discovering the bass through and impromtu gig at a church, getting his start in Los Angeles with Barry White, many of the historic sessions he was part of, how to get great tone, and more.

Frank Brunot is s professional session and touring bassist who approaches his craft with a solid foundation of groove honed during his upbringing playing Gospel but counters that with his strong love the melodic nuances that a make a song stand out in any genre he applies himself to. Host Josh Paul gets to chat with Frank about getting his start, techniques, his thoughts on navigating the music business, and of course gear.

This week, we put the spotlight on Oskar Cartaya this week, yet another guest who possesses immense talent and exhibits unwavering dedication, to his craft. His unique style has garnered him an impressive list of credits playing, composing, arranging, and serving as musical director for the likes of Spyro Gyra, Herb Albert, Jennifer Lopez, Celia Cruz, Rubén Blades, Tito Puente, Robbie Robertson, Willie Colon, and Dave Valentin. Oskar chats with host Josh Paul about his beginnings in the music schools and clubs of Puerto Rico, the life experiences that have informed his career, and of course the tools of the trade that he relies on to get the job done.

This week's guest is Jonas Hellborg. Drawing from a diverse range of influences that includes eclectic jazz, Arabic music, and improvisational psychedelic rock, Jonas burst onto the scene in the late 1970s and stunned audiences with his command over the electric bass. He quickly established himself with gigs such as the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Bill Laswell, and Ginger Baker, and he has continued to inspire and astonish audiences and fellow musicians with his greatly varied and prolific projects ever since.Speaking with host Josh Paul, Jonas dishes all about his history, his inspirations, and his approach to musical challenges as well as a good dose of in depth gear talk.

Miles Mosley is a captivating artist whose unique stylings have invited many to refer to him as the Jimi Hendrix of upright bass. Combining a solid groove and improvisational prowess with his upright, bow, and an array of effects pedals, Miles has contributed his innovative tones to top acts from Chris Cornell and Kendrick Lamar to Korn’s Jonathan Davis and Rihanna—and that’s alongside his own solo records and work for film soundtracks. On this week’s episode, host Josh Paul goes in depth with Miles on his story, style, and playing philosophy which—despite its unconventionality—speaks to any musician with a passion for playing music and a need to be heard.

This week’s guest is Jacob Umansky, a bass player who demonstrates the powerful potential of playing with both great chops and killer tone. Jacob’s resume includes studying under the direction of such luminaries as Victor Bailey at Berklee College of Music and playing as part of masterful prog metal band Intervals. While his 6-string wonder of an instrument from Dingwall signifies his epic chops, Jacob is committed first and foremost to the most important role of the bass player—holding the band together with groove and authority. Speaking with host Josh Paul, Jacob gets deep with all things bass and more.

This week's guest Rich Brown. Hailing from Canada, Rich is a highly accomplished performer, composer, producer, and educator. He's recorded three albums as band leader and has been featured on over 70 recordings covering a wide range of musical genres. Rich has played, toured, and recorded with some of the most distinguished musicians on the planet, from James Blood Ulmer, Vernon Reid and Steve Coleman to Rudresh Mahanthappa, Angelique Kidjo, and David Clayton Thomas—just to name a few. Host Josh Paul talks to Rich about his upbringing, his performing and teaching style, and his philosophy on what it takes to be a multi-faceted musician in today's age.

Every episode of the Bass Freq’s Podcast brings you bass players from different walks of life, different genres, and different musical philosophies. But all are united by a true love of their craft and a dedication to pushing themselves to new levels of expression. This week's guest, the frighteningly talented fretless specialist Gary Willis, exemplifies that spirit. Known for his role as co-leader of the band Tribal Tech, Gary's career spans more than four decades and includes countless collaborations with many jazz and improvisational legends such as Wayne Shorter, Allan Holdsworth, Hubert Laws just to name a few. Here, Gary treats host Josh Paul to the story behind the player, what he’s working on, and his "outside the box” approach to composing, performing, and selecting gear.

This week, Josh speaks with Fernando Rosa. Hailing from São Paulo, Fernando’s deep appreciation and comprehension of the soul groove has developed and matured ever since he first learned to play bass as a child. Many sessions and tours later, he is truly a master of his craft. In recent years, he’s gained an online following through simple-yet-creative videos showing just Fernando and his bass as he explores his favorite musical realms. Here, he goes deep with host Josh Paul on a number of topics, from getting his start to how he approaches playing and his love of all things bass.

When Dave Grohl formed the Foo Fighters back in 1994, he tapped Nate Mendel to hold down the low end—and he’s carrying that groove to this day. Host Josh Paul speaks with Nate about starting out, stories from the road, what inspires him and how he approaches songwriting, and—of course—the gear that makes it all possible. This interview was recorded just prior to the tragic passing of Nate's Foo Fighters bandmate, drummer Taylor Hawkins which is why he is referred to in the present tense at certain moments. Out of respect for the Foo Fighters family this interview was held off until they felt it appropriate for it to be released.

This week's guest is Daric Bennett. Not only a well-respected and consistently touring-and-recording bass player, Daric is also a great influence on the up-and-coming generation of players who take advantage of his popular online bass lessons. Speaking with Josh Paul, Daric shares how he discovered his calling as an educator as well as how he taught himself to play in church bands and embarked on a career as a professional musician.

Becoming part of music history takes talent, no doubt. But being in the right place at the right time also plays its own part, and prolific bassist Nate Watts has a perfect score on both counts. He grew up next door to Motown Studios in its heyday, watching the one-and-only James Jamerson walk to work from his window. This proximity to musical greatness and inherent musical gifts of his own lead to an amazing career backing up some of the biggest names in soul, R&B, and funk—and he’s been Steve Wonder's bass player ever since playing on 1976's Songs in the Key of Life. On this week’s episode, Nate speaks with host Josh Paul and shares many stories about his career, the artists and songs he's played on, and what his gear preferences are along with sage advice about surviving in the business.

This week, we’re joined by John Myung, a bass player whose high-school friendship with one John Petrucci would lead to the formation of one of the most successful and long-running prog metal bands of all time—Dream Theater. Speaking with host Josh Paul, John tells us all about the band’s origins at the Berklee College of Music, his discovery of the 6-string bass, how he constructs his bass lines to fit into the group's intricate symphonies, and more.

Get an insider's view of the Nashville session scene with this week's Bass Freq's guest Tully Kennedy who is first call bassist for studio work as well as the bassist and long time collaborator for country music artist Jason Aldean. Tully speaks with host Josh Paul about how he got his start, gear, recording, performing, and tips on how to sustain a career which demands a delicate balance between fitting in and standing out.

Another episode of Bass Freq's means another intimate conversation with an award-winning and influential bassist. This time, we feature Andrew Gouché, a player who cut his teeth in the church gospel band and quickly became a first-call session and touring musician for some of biggest names in soul and R&B. Andrew enlightens host Josh Paul with stories of his early days, his affection for certain gear including his new signature products, and invaluable advice for working with artists and sustaining a satisfying career in a competitive industry.

Award-winning Canadian-born bassist Rhonda Smith has been the driving force behind an amazing list of acts for the past two decades—Prince, Jeff Beck, Beyonce, Chaka Khan, and Erykah Badu just to name a few—not to mention great success standing out on her own as a singer and songwriter. This week, she speaks with Josh to cover all the ground, including her work with some of aforementioned artists, how she approaches songwriting, and the essential gear talk.

This week’s episode features Scott Devine, a bass player whose pocket is as deep as his knowledge. He’s a respected veteran of the studio and the road, and over the last several years, he’s turned to sharing his low-end wisdom via Scott’s Bass Lessons, one of most successful online bass teaching sites around.

This week, host Josh Paul is joined by Trevor Dunn, whose unique approach to playing and composing have made him a perfect fit for collaborations with Mike Patton, avant-garde producer/composer John Zorn, and Secret Chiefs 3. Speaking with Josh, he shares his insights and perspectives on his playing style, work with those artists, and much more.

This week’s episode of the Bass Freq’s podcast features Guy Pratt, a player whose career spans three decades and a long list of credits that includes such luminaries as Pink Floyd, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and many more. Speaking with host Josh Paul, Guy tells tales of the stage, the studio, and quests for the perfect tone —all delivered with a rapier wit that’s as sharp and unique as his technique.

On this episode of the Bass Freq’s Podcast, we’re joined by David Swift, one of the UK’s top bass players. A respected session musician, instructor, and lecturer, David breaks away from his wildly busy schedule to talk with host Josh Paul about breaking into the business, how to make the most of life as a bass player, and plenty of groovy gear talk along the way.

This week, Bass Freq’s host Josh Paul sits down with Robert “Bubby” Lewis, a prolific player who has thrown down grooves for an impressive host of such acts as Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Lupe Fiasco, and Stevie Wonder. Bubby takes a compositional approach to playing, paying careful mind to when he should lay back in the pocket or step out in front with jaw-dropping chops on his trusty 6-string bass. Speaking with Josh, Bubby takes us into his world with insightful anecdotes and advice that span recording, touring, gear, and staying inspired.

This episode of the Bass Freq's Podcast brings you Paolo Gregoletto, bassist for hard working metal music makers Trivium. Speaking with host Josh Paul, Paolo fills us in on how he got started, how he crafts his tone and bass lines for the band, what life is like on the road and in the studio, and—of course—a healthy dose of gear talk.

This week, Bass Freq's features Will Lee, a first-call master who’s paid his dues with tasty grooves, deep technical skill, and an uncanny ability to play any type of music. Longtime low-ender for The Late Show with David Letterman, Will has built a storied career that includes a nigh-endless list of collaborations with award-winning artists. Here, he joins host Josh Paul for some great stories, insights, and advice from a bass player who has seen it all.

The Bass Freq's Podcast returns to shine a spotlight on the incomparable Billy Sheehan, whose technical prowess, unique playing style, and vigorous stage presence that have earned him a top spot among rock ’n’ roll’s most esteemed and respected bass players. Speaking with Josh Paul, Billy discusses his journey from humble beginnings to grand stages along with a deep dive into gear.

With his groundbreaking style and carefully cultivated sound, Marcus Miller has created a unique and massively influential musical voice. His distinguished work with everyone from Miles Davis and Luther Vandross to Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey as well as a universally acclaimed solo career have further cemented his status as the preeminent living bass player. Simply put, the man is a living legend. In this season finale of the Bass Freq’s Podcast, Marcus joins host Josh Paul for an intimate conversation with that covers not just the usual tone talk but also in-depth stories about his hardworking start in the studios and clubs of New York, his musical and life philosophies, and his journey from session back-up musician to producer, composer, and signature artist.

The title of "Bass Freq" is particularly applicable to Ian Martin Allison , whose unapologetic love and exuberance for all things bass is infectious to anyone that tunes into his informative online lessons and effect pedal explorations. Host Josh Paul gets to have a one-on-one with Ian to dive deep into gear talk but also get insight on how he carved out a niche for himself in the industry in addition to the more traditional roles of session and touring musician.

Evan Marien is a man of many roles—bassist, multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer—but at the heart of it all is musician who truly loves creating music and has relentlessly tread the path to make that happen. He joins Josh Paul for a discussion about his career journey, his projects and collaborations, his insights on the creative process, and the gear that makes it all happen.

This week’s episode features the highly respected first-call session bassist Sean Hurley. What does it take to get to that spot as a professional musician and have your work heard on literally thousands of songs and soundtracks world wide? It’s not always what you expect. Sean breaks all of it down in for host Josh Paul with a highly engaging, informative, and entertaining walk through his process, experiences, and the knowledge of the craft he’s acquired over the years. There’s plenty of great gear talk, too—from strings and pedals to the creation of his signature Fender Custom Shop bass.

A prodigy who began her career at 11, Mohini Dey's talent, technique, and passion for music helped her shatter the preconceptions of what was possible for a female bass player hailing from Mumbai’s music scene. In the years since, she has earned herself a place among the upper echelons of world-renowned bassists. She tells her awesome story to host Josh Paul and offers insights into her approach to musicianship, the music industry, and gear.

Bass Freq's continues to bring you into the intimate world of some of the top bass players in the business, and this week is no different. Host Josh Paul gets on the line with Henrik Linder from his home in Sweden. A founding member of The Dirty Loops, Henrik has in a relatively short time earned worldwide acclaim for not only his technical skills but also his compositional prowess. Speaking with Josh, Henrik covers all of the important topics, from his earliest days idolizing Flea and first trying to slap to the gear he uses and what he's working on now.

Justin Meldal-Johnsen is an acclaimed bass player whose driving, energetic bass lines have earned him spots on stage and in the studio with a wide variety of the world’s top acts, from Beck and Nine Inch Nails to St. Vincent and M83. He’s also an accomplished songwriter, producer, and musical director with enough credits from those roles to rival those he’s earned as a bassist. This week, he visits with host Josh Paul and shares some fantastic insight on his creative process, working with artists, what gear he uses, and great stories from the studio and the road.

Chris Chaney's devotion to the bass began early. Hard work and dedication to his craft brought him to the classrooms of Berklee College as well as the beer-soaked floors of Los Angeles clubs. Hundreds of shows and recordings later—including work with Alanis Morrisette, Jane's Addiction, Taylor Hawkins, and numerous film scores—Chris is first-call for laying down just the right groove and putting the notes right where they need to be. On this episode, Josh Paul talks to Chris about his musical journey, insights on playing and getting gigs, as well as the fun world of gear.

To look upon Leland Sklar's discography is to unfurl a nearly endless scroll of iconic artists and historic albums. The tasteful bass lines he skillfully crafted as part of the Asylum Records’ house band during the ’70s and ’80s are woven into the fabric of popular music. In this episode, Leland treats host Josh Paul to all his his wit and wisdom through session stories, his approach to playing and gear, and the musical drive that has allowed him to retain his vibrant creativity and enthusiasm for playing through the years.

This week's guest is Tim Lefebvre, a player prized for his ability to deliver impassioned and inventive performances both in the studio and under the stage lights while backing up an incredible list of artists that spans many genres. From the carefully sculpted grooves of David Bowie's Black Star to the soulful jamming of the Tedeschi Trucks Band to the wild improvisations of Wayne Krantz, Tim's bass lines always give the songs exactly what they need. Here, he talks with host Josh Paul about working with some of the aforementioned artists, his journey from learning the instrument to finding his own voice, and all of the many tools of the trade that he relies on.

This week's episode, host Josh Paul gets on the line with Eric Fortaleza, a hard-working bassist who’s made the long trek from Sydney, Australia to Nashville, Tennessee where his driving bass lines are matched only by his drive to strengthen his musical community. He goes into depth on his recently developed non-profit organization called Pitch Meeting, which provides aspiring Nashville singer-songwriters with opportunities to perform, record, and get their music heard. He also drops some great insights on playing and the gear that gets the job done.

Duff McKagan's 40-year career has been an epic one, from the hundreds of stages played to the millions of albums sold. On this week’s episode, he takes a time out from getting ready for a show to speak to host Josh Paul about getting his start, what he’s up to now, how to sustain life both creatively and emotionally as a touring musician, and what his favorite gear is.

Grammy Award-winning artist Oteil Brubridge visits with Bass Freq's host Josh Paul from a place he is very much accustomed to—the road. His 30-year career is marked by countless collaborations with rock and blues stars such as the Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton, Santana, Billy Gibbons, the Tedeschi-Trucks Band, and members of the Grateful Dead in the group Dead & Company. In this discussion with Josh, Otiel speaks from the heart about starting out, his dedication to the craft, his appreciation of the experiences he's had and what he's learned, and—of course—the gear that gets the job done.

Each Bass Freq's guest comes equipped with an inspiring resume built from hard-earned experience and unique insights into their craft, and that holds especially true for this week’s guest—Darryl Jones. Throughout his long and fruitful journey, he's collaborated with numerous greats from Miles Davis and Eric Clapton to Sting and B.B. King. Oh, and did we mention he’s been touring and recording with The Rolling Stones for nearly 30 years? Speaking with host Josh Paul, Darryl shares his approaches to music and touring and discusses his insatiable thirst for continuing to learn and grow as a player, his gear choices for the studio and the stadium, and the story behind his newest venture into the creation of electric basses.

Host Josh Paul catches Michael League, Grammy Award-winning artist and leader of innovative musical collective Snarky Puppy, while he's on tour in Europe. They discuss Michael's unique compositional approach to playing bass, how to stay inspired and survive as an artist with your own vision in the music industry, and of course the go-to gear that gets him his highly coveted and carefully crafted tones.

Host Josh Paul hears from bass player Amos Heller, a veteran of the Nashville scene and longtime member of Taylor Swift's band. Along with dishing on his current work reviewing cool gear, Amos gives us a glimpse of both the good times and the bumpy times at the start of his career and lets us in on what it takes to be able to get on—and stay on—the tour bus (hint: it takes more than great chops and primo equipment).

Rise Against bassist and co-founder Joe Principe sits down with host Josh Paul to discuss everything from how he got started playing bass and the origins of the band to what inspires their music, how he plays, and which gear he uses.

Ever since his earliest days playing for his church band as a youngster, Eric Smith has been committed to laying down the thickest and most stable groove possible. His rocksteady rhythm and penchant for the pocket propelled him past flashier players into work with major acts, from Shelia E to Janet Jackson, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, and Lalah Hathaway. On this episode of the Bass Fred’s Podcast, "Pik Funk" breaks it down for host Josh Paul on how he got his start, and he provides some invaluable advice for bass players who want to turn their passion into a career.

Session musicians are often the unsung heroes of legendary recordings, and among their ranks is James “Hutch” Hutchinson, whose illustrious career spans five decades. In this episode of Bass Freq’s, host Josh Paul gets Hutch to talk about how he got his start, life in the recording studio, and how he still stays inspired to play every chance he gets.

Born and raised around the LA music industry, bassist Eva Gardner is no stranger to the world of performing at the highest level—whether as a solo artist in the studio or backing up international acts on stage. In this episode, she gets to catch up with her old music school buddy and Bass Freq’s host Josh Paul, filling him in on how she broke through in the business, what life has been like for her as a touring musician, and, as always, what gear she’s into.

The band 311 was formed in 1988 and is still grooving thanks in part to its bassist Aaron “P-Nut” Wills who is always finding ways to be inspired and find joy in applying his craft to the band and many other collaborations. Host Josh Paul gets to hear how he got his start and love of the instrument, band life, and as always ample gear talk.

Longtime bass player for legendary international funk and acid jazz crew Jamiroquai, Paul Turner has spent his career performing and recording with numerous other icons—from Tina Turner to Tom Jones. Here, he chats with host Josh Paul about his work with these artists as well as his creative process, gear, and the excitement of playing live even when things don't always go as planned.

Whether it’s prog metal, R&B, dub, or just about everything else in between, Steve Jenkins brings a true love for the music and technical mastery to everything he plays. On this episode of the Bass Freq’s Podcast, host Josh Paul gets Steve’s experienced insights on technique, gear, teaching, and coffee.

Host Josh Paul catches up with the talented new school thrasher Nick Schendzielos on technique, gear, and ways to stay inspired and collaborate with others.

UK bassist, producer, and engineer Adam “Nolly” Getgood gets deep with host Josh Paul on a range of topics, from obsessing over the perfect bass tone and honing his picking technique to gear, music production, and working with Periphery.

A multiple Grammy Award winner and true innovator of the electric bass, Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck; SMV) sits down with Bass Freq’s host Josh Paul to talk about starting his career at the tender age of 2 as well as his technique, gear, and some of the life lessons he’s picked up while holding it down.

Bryan Beller is a bass player, composer, and clinician whose work ethic, technical prowess, and tasteful ear have made him a first-call guy for numerous guitar heroes. Host Josh Paul takes you into Bryan’s world, where you can learn how he started his multi-faceted musical journey, what he thinks about gear, and much more.

Host Josh Paul has an in-depth discussion with legendary bassist Doug Wimbish about everything from his work with Sugar Hill Records and Living Colour to his musical philosophy and his advice on how to get the most out of your gear. Check out more upcoming episodes of Bass Freq's to get unique perspectives and fresh insights from the backbone of every band—the bass player.