Dunlop Presents Bass Freq's

As the co-founding bass player and primary songwriter of Motley Crue, Nikki Sixx was the foundation of one of the most iconic rock bands to come out of the 1980s. Recently, he sat down to talk with Bass Freq’s host Josh Paul, and we’re super excited to share that conversation with you here. Nikki took Josh on a journey through his whole story, from his start in Idaho to the barroom floors, stages, and backseats of cop cars in Los Angeles, to his unique approach to bass playing and songwriting, how he’s managed to survive in the in...

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...

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 to...

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...

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...

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 o...

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...

Miles Mosely 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 an...

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...

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...

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. He...

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...

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 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 1...

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.

The Bass Freq’s Podcast, hosted by experienced recording and touring bass player Josh Paul (Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves, Daughtry), features in-depth discussions with some of the top bassists working today. 

This week, we bring you an insider's view of the Nashville session scene courtesy of Tully Kennedy. He’s a first-call for studio work and a long-time collaborator for country music artist Jason Aldean.

Speaking with Josh, Tully tells us all about how he got his start, what gear he uses, and  how to sustain a career that demand...

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.

A world-renowned bassist, Grammy® Award winning producer, and composer, An...

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.

The Bass Freq’s Podcast, hosted by experienced recording and touring bass player Josh Paul (Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves, Daughtry), features in-depth discussions with some of the top bassists working today. 

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.

Speaking with Josh...

The Bass Freq’s Podcast, hosted by experienced recording and touring bass player Josh Paul (Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves, Daughtry), features in-depth discussions with some of the top bassists working today. 

This week, we’re 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, Trevor shares his insights and perspectives on his playing style, working with the aforementioned artists, and much more. 

The Bass Freq’s podcas...

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, hosted by experienced recording and touring bass player Josh Paul (Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves, Daughtry), features in-depth discussions with some of the top bassists working today. 

This week, we shine the spotlight on the incomparable Billy Sheehan. Playing an integral role in bands such as Mr. Big and Talas and sharing the stage with countless icons such as Steve Vai and David Lee Roth, Billy developed a 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...

The Bass Freq’s Podcast, hosted by experienced recording and touring bass player Josh Paul (Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves, Daughtry), features in-depth discussions with some of the top bassists working today. 

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 modern era’s preeminent bass player. Simply put, the man is a livin...

The Bass Freq’s Podcast, hosted by experienced recording and touring bass player Josh Paul (Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves, Daughtry), features in-depth discussions with some of the top bassists working today. 

This week’s guest is Ian Martin Allison, a bona fide Bass Freq by any measure—his unapologetic love and exuberance for all things bass is infectious to anyone who tunes into his FX explorations informative online lessons.

Here, Ian chats with Josh about a range of subterranean subjects, from in-depth gear talk to his work as a touring...

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 F...

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...

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 ro...

This week’s guest is Chris Chaney, a first-call player widely respected for his untouchable groove and uncanny sense for putting the notes just where they need to be. His well-earned reputation brought him from the classrooms of Berklee College and the beer-soaked floors of Los Angeles clubs to the world’s biggest stages and top recording studios, including work with Alanis Morrisette, Jane's Addiction, Taylor Hawkins, and numerous film scores.

Speaking with Josh Paul, Chris discusses his musical journey, insights on playing and getting gigs, as well as the fun world of gear. List...

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...