Why Bass? with Donivan Blair

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 Bunker, Rancid, playing a Rickenbacker in Charger and why you must watch what you say when meeting celebrities.

Matt Freeman's Bass Bunker

Rancid

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 BEST in pedals, effects, picks, and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

Kingston Union- Your source for the original Wino

Mentioned in this episode:

Jim Dunlop

Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/

Schecter Guitars

Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/

We have a banger of an episode here. The amazing Becky Baldwin! Doni and Becky discuss their love for Rickenbackers, the beauty of metal and Becky shares the best origin story since some nerd got bit by a radioactive spider...tune in and learn what this all means.

Becky Baldwin

Mercyful Fate

Delilah Bon

Fury

Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit.

Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

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 Frederiksen from Rancid doesn’t want to talk about bass. Joe and Doni highlight the importance of personal connections, how live music experiences shape a musician and the unique characteristics of the Chicago music scene.

Donivan and Joe have been friends and fellow bass nerds for 26 years. They also share a brother in guitarist Zach Blair. Enjoy!

Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit.

Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

• Rise Against
• Papa Roach
• 88 Fingers Louie
• Good Riddance
• The Offspring
• Fat Records
• Hopeless Records
• Screeching Weasel
• Naked Ray Gun
• No Use For A Name
• Daily Grind
• Floyd
• The Vindictives
• Anti-Flag
• Minor Threat
• The Damned
• SNFU
• D.R.I.
• Operation Ivy
• The Descendents
• Alkaline Trio
• AFI
• MXR
• Jim Dunlop

Mentioned in this episode:

Jim Dunlop

Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/

Schecter Guitars

Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/

Why Ricks?- Donivan discusses WHY he plays Rickenbackers, the answer is Why Not? The discussion includes the person who's been there for his entire 4003 obsession , his brother Zach. They argue over the pronunciation of Rickenbackers, Celtic Frost and sometimes agree to discuss the topic at hand. Enjoy!

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 BEST in pedals, effects, picks, and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

Kingston Union- Your source for the original Wino.

Mentioned in this episode:

Jim Dunlop

Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/

Schecter Guitars

Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/

This is a big one. What more to say than its Kira! Once again Donivan gets to talk to an inspiration and hero. He asked Kira every question a 17 year old Donvian wanted to ask and more. We hear what she's up too and whats in her bass playing future. See how long Kira puts up with Donivan's fanboyage.

Kira Roessler

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 BEST in pedals, effects, picks, and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

Kingston Union- Your source for the original Wino.

Mentioned in this episode:

Schecter Guitars

Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/

Jim Dunlop

Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/

This week Donivan talks with Matt Reilly, bass player for Avril Levigne. The two discuss the job of the rhythm section, both in terms of driving the song and the power of its absence. Matt shares how a 5 minute meeting leads to the gig of a lifetime and why coffee is so goddamn amazing.

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 BEST in pedals, effects, picks, and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

Kingston Union- Your source for the original Wino

Mentioned in this episode:

Schecter Guitars

Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/

Jim Dunlop

Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/

Donivan and Patrick discuss Patrick's journey as a bassist, The Vandoliers new record, and how awesome Flying V basses are. They explore the importance of individuality in music, the ongoing debate between using picks or fingers, andthe significance of gear choices in achieving the desired sound. The two also share insights into their collaborative projects and the influences that shape their musical journeys, culminating in a passionate discussion about the legendary band King's X.

The Vandoliers

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 BEST in pedals, effects, picks, and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

Kingston Union- Your source for the original Wino

Mentioned in this episode:

Jim Dunlop

Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/

Schecter Guitars

Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/

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 set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks, and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

Kingston Union- Your source for the original Wino

Mentioned in this episode:

Jim Dunlop

Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/

Schecter Guitars

Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/

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 conversation also touches on the challenges faced by artists, including threats and the evolution of heavy metal and punk rock in the North Texas music scene. The two delve into the evolution of live music in Texas, reflecting on the legacy of iconic metal bands and the personal impact of loss within the music community. Last Casey shares details of his forthcoming signature Schecter bass.

GWAR

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 BEST in pedals, effects, picks, and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

Kingston Union- Your source for the original Wino

Mentioned in this episode:

Jim Dunlop

Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/

Schecter Guitars

Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/

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 BEST in pedals, effects, picks, and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

Mentioned in this episode:

Schecter Guitars

Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/

Jim Dunlop

Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/