Why Bass? with Donivan Blair

Donivan and Matt talk about his secret origin in Michigan that led to him joining Blue October, his studio, producing and life in general. They discuss the magic that is Level 42, Rocket From The Crypt and ....hey...did they just become best friends? Listen and find out. Blue October Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full force of your guitar and bass s...

On todays episode Casey Orr shares his journey as a bassist, influenced by his brother and the iconic bands they grew up with. Donivan and Casey discuss the formation of Casey's previous band Rigor Mortis and his entry into the world of GWAR. Casey talks about the impact of musicians like Mike Scaccia and his collaborative experience with notable artists like Ministry and the Burden Brothers. The...

In the episode Donivan and Rancid's Matt Freeman delve into Matt's personal collection, the significance of signature basses, and the affordability of instruments for aspiring musicians. The discussion turns to why only badasses were born on April 23rd, they share humorous anecdotes about meeting musical icons and discuss the impact of Kathy Valentine and John Entwistle. Matt talks about the Bass...

In this episode Doni & Rob talk about getting booed, and why it is bad; why MusicMan basses aren't for everyone, (especially if you're short), Rob's beginnings as a drummer and how he joined Bowling For Soup. Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full force of your guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BES...

Today Donivan interviews Dominic "Rocky" La Roche, the bassist for his favorite band, the iconic Voivod. They discuss Rocky's life in music, his early influences, and the evolution of Voivod's sound. Rocky shares personal anecdotes about his first bass, his first show with Voivod, and the impact the band has had on his life and career. The conversation highlights the importance of perseverance, in...

Donivan interviews Eva Gardner, exploring her musical journey influenced by her father's legacy as a bass player. They discuss the significance of instruments, early lessons, and personal preferences in bass guitars, while also delving into recording experiences and the nuances of tone in music. They explore the formation of Mars Volta, discuss various collaborations, and share insights on gear pr...

Jay Bentley is the bass player and a founding member of Bad Religion. Jay shares his journey from a young guitar player to a prominent bassist in the punk rock scene. He discusses his musical influences, the evolution of his playing style, and the dynamics of being in a band. Bentley reflects on the challenges of live performances, the impact of technology on music, and the creative process behind...

Rob Marchant the bassist for Slowride, Saboteur, Drakulas, Riverboat Gamblers and is one of Donivan’s best friends. In this episode Donivan and Rob discuss the beginning of Rob’s bass playing as a young punker and his love for Mani from The Stone Roses/Primal Scream. Rob shares the story of joining Texas legends The Riverboat Gamblers and the two share their love for the undisputed champion of bas...

Eric Bootow, the creator of the Punk Rock Bass Players Community shares his journey as a bass player Fourth In Line, Jugheads Revenge and creating PRBP, an online community for punk rock bass players to communicate, trade gigs and support one another. In this conversation, Donivan and Eric delve into their experiences growing up in the punk rock scene, discuss the influence of iconic musicians, th...

On this first episode of ‘Why Bass?’ We welcome Joe Principe of Rise Against! The two discuss Joe's journey through the his music scene, particularly the Chicago punk and thrash. Joe discusses his unexpected start in music, the influences that shaped his career and the vibrant community that fostered originality. They talk about the politics of dancing and mmmmm feelin’ good and why Lars Frederiks...

Ruinous Media would like to welcome Why Bass? Why Bass? Is a podcast that shifts the focus from a bass players history and curriculum vitae to that age old question - why would anyone want to play the bass guitar? Donivan Blair asks this question with bassist’s of all styles and ranges on each episode and allows the guest to tell the audience in their own words who inspired them, why they chose th...