The Bass Nerds

Tommy McKenzie of The Flaming Lips sat down with us at Fret12 inside The Salt Shed in Chicago to talk about his path into the band, his early Oklahoma days, his favorite basses, and what life is like on the road with one of the most unpredictable live shows in the world. We get into his rig, his approach to learning the Lips catalog, and the chaos and creativity that come with touring nonstop.

Welcome Ollie, bassist of High Fade, as he takes us behind the scenes of life on tour across the US. Hear about the challenges of the road, the band’s unique busking approach to building a fanbase, and get insider tips on bass gear and tone. Ollie also reveals how they capture their live energy in the studio. Whether you’re a bass player or music fan, this episode is packed with valuable insights and stories to inspire your own musical journey.

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Bakithi Kumalo’s bass playing helped define one of the most iconic albums of all time: Paul Simon’s Graceland. But his story goes far beyond those legendary fretless lines. In this episode of The Bass Nerds, Bakithi talks with Marc and Jody about his early days in South Africa, finding his voice on the bass, and what it was like recording with legends like Simon, Herbie Hancock, and Harry Belafonte. He also shares insight into his gear, his musical instincts, and how he continues to mentor the next generation of players while staying deeply rooted in joy and groove.

We're excited to welcome Kevin Scott to the Bass Nerds Podcast. Kevin is a dynamic and innovative bassist known for his work with Govt Mule, Warren Haynes band, Wayne Krantz, Col Bruce Hampton, Jimmy Herring, Forq, and many others. In this episode, we sit down to talk about his musical journey, the evolution of his tone and technique, and the mindset behind his unique style of playing. Kevin shares insights on his early influences, his approach to improvisation, and what it's like collaborating with some of the most respected names in the music industry. Whether you're a bassist or simply a fan of great music and conversation, this episode offers an inspiring look into the world of a modern bass artist.

On this episode of the Bass Nerds Podcast, we sit down with the legendary Horace Panter, bassist for the iconic ska band The Specials. Horace shares stories from his early days, the rise of 2 Tone, and how he crafted his unmistakable bass style that helped define a genre. We dive into his influences, gear, and the creative process behind some of the band's biggest tracks. Whether you're a fan of ska, bass guitar, or music history, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!