Now That’s Bass

Pete Roythorne
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  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS

Now That’s Bass is a podcast about the real world of professional bass playing. Hosted by bassist Pete Roythorne, the show features frank conversations with working bass players — touring musicians, session players, educators and gospel players — about what it actually takes to sustain a career in music. No fantasy. No gear flexing. Just the reality of the job. The podcast is also part of a personal mission. Just before Christmas Pete was made redundant. Approaching his 60th birthday, he decided it was time to stop talking about doing something serious with his bass playing and actually do it. So he’s getting back out into the bass world. Each episode features honest conversations with bass players who’ve built real careers — touring internationally, working in sessions, teaching thousands of students, and sustaining a life in music for decades. Along the way Pete asks the questions many musicians want answered: What does it actually take to make a living playing bass? How do you build a reputation? And how do you stay in the game long term? If you’re serious about bass — not just the instrument but the long game of being a musician — this podcast is for you.

Episodes

  1. Gearing Up: Jonny Dibble on P Basses, Pedals & Becoming a Bass Content Creator

    1 DAY AGO

    Gearing Up: Jonny Dibble on P Basses, Pedals & Becoming a Bass Content Creator

    Jonny Dibble has built a loyal following in the bass world by doing something surprisingly rare: making bass gear feel honest, relatable and genuinely useful. In this episode of Now That’s Bass, Pete sits down with the bassist, YouTuber and co-host of the In The Pocket podcast to talk about affordable basses, social media, gear obsession, bass culture and what it really takes to build an audience online as a musician. Jonny shares how a Harley Benton review during lockdown accidentally launched his content career, why he believes flashy playing can actually make gear demos less useful, and why most bass players misunderstand what social media is actually good for. There’s also plenty of bass nerdery along the way — including P Basses, StingRays, SansAmps, preamp pedals, tribute bands, favourite bass lines, and why The Lion King contains one of the most underrated bass performances around. Whether you’re trying to grow a music channel, build a bass career, improve your tone, or just love talking gear, this is a refreshingly honest conversation about modern bass playing and online music culture. In this episode: How Jonny Dibble got started on bass Why affordable bass gear matters Building a bass YouTube channel during lockdown The truth about Instagram for musicians Why relatable playing matters in gear demos P Bass vs StingRay philosophy The importance of musical and gear reference points Why every bassist should consider a preamp pedal Bass gear as creative inspiration Jamiroquai, Disney bass lines and underrated musical influences If you enjoy the show, please follow, rate and share Now That’s Bass wherever you listen to podcasts.

    49 min
  2. Why Feel Beats Flash: Matt Round on Getting Gigs... AND Keeping Them!

    2 MAY

    Why Feel Beats Flash: Matt Round on Getting Gigs... AND Keeping Them!

    In this episode of Now That’s Bass, Pete talks to professional bassist Matt Round, known for his long-running work with James Morrison, as well as playing with Archive, Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook, and currently holding down bass duties on the spectacular ABBA Voyage show. Matt brings a refreshingly honest, funny and grounded perspective on what it really takes to build a long-term career as a working bass player. From the pressure of auditions and the realities of rejection, to why “always be good” matters on every gig, this is a conversation packed with practical advice for bassists who want to work, improve and stay employable. There’s also plenty for bass nerds: ABBA bass lines, Carol Kaye, The Chain, the beauty of whole notes, and why playing less can often make you more valuable. In this episode Playing bass on ABBA Voyage Why ABBA bass parts are “bonkers and brilliant” How Matt landed the ABBA gig Why auditions are such a strange way to choose musicians Handling rejection without bitterness Why every young musician needs thick skin Finding your lane as a player Building a career by saying yes early on The importance of networks and real relationships Why social media is now a musician’s calling card Matt’s long relationship with Ashdown Why being reliable matters as much as playing ability The two biggest rules for getting more gigs What bass players should learn from good drummers Why bass is a supportive instrument The art of playing for the song Why whole notes can be harder than flashy runs Bass lines everyone should study, from Carol Kaye to Fleetwood Mac YouTube hashtags #NowThatsBass #MattRound #BassPlayer #BassGuitar #ABBA Voyage #JamesMorrison #BassPodcast #WorkingMusician #SessionMusician #BassLessons #BassCareer #MusicCareer #BassGuitarist #BassPlayersOfYouTube #CarolKaye #TheChain #AshdownEngineering

    39 min
  3. From Yorkshire Pubs to Bassist of the Year: Danny Sapko on Punk, Playing & Finding His Lane

    25 APR

    From Yorkshire Pubs to Bassist of the Year: Danny Sapko on Punk, Playing & Finding His Lane

    Danny Sapko joins Now That’s Bass for a frank, funny and insightful chat about punk bass, originality, YouTube, AI, and the reality of building a career in music. From his early love of McCartney and the Stranglers to becoming one of the most distinctive voices in the online bass world, Danny talks about finding success by finally being himself — Yorkshire accent, humour, opinions and all. We also dig into the harder side of modern musician life: session work, side hustles, wedding gigs, copyright blocks, AI-generated music and why more players need to protect the human side of art. Topics covered: Finding your voice as a creator Punk bass and lead-line playing Influences: McCartney, Bruce Thomas, Graham Maby, Norman Watt-Roy and more Why Danny never had a bass lesson The pressure of being known as “the comedy guy” Bass playing vs content creation YouTube, gear demos and copyright strikes AI in music and visual art The real economics of being a working musician Advice for younger players #behs #DannySapko #NowThatsBass #BassGuitar #BassInterview #PunkBass #BassistOfTheYear #BassPlayerLife #MusicianLife #BassYouTube #WorkingMusician

    51 min
  4. The Bass Player’s Superpower: Yolanda Charles on Feel, Leadership & Career Longevity

    18 APR

    The Bass Player’s Superpower: Yolanda Charles on Feel, Leadership & Career Longevity

    What does a 35+ year career as a working bass player really look like? In this episode, I sit down with Yolanda Charles MBE — one of the UK’s most respected session bassists, whose credits include Paul Weller, Robbie Williams, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Jimmy Somerville, and work alongside legends like Brian May and Hans Zimmer. We get into the real story behind that career — from random phone calls that led to major gigs, to the relationships and reputation that kept the work coming for decades. Along the way, Yolanda shares hard-won insights on musical feel, why bass players are often the true bandleaders, and the skills that actually separate working musicians from everyone else. This is an honest, grounded conversation about longevity, musicianship, and what it really takes to build a life in music. No fantasy. No gear flexing. Just the reality of the job. Key topics: How Yolanda got her first big break (and why it was random) Why networking still matters more than talent alone The 4 real ways musicians get work Why bass players make the best bandleaders The hidden “superpower” of bass players Why feel and dynamics matter more than theory The truth about imposter syndrome in pro music Why session work isn’t always the dream path How to build a long-term career in music Why younger players might actually have it harder today #BassPlayer #YolandaCharles #BassGuitar #SessionMusician #MusicPodcast #BassPlayers #MusiciansLife #Groove #MusicCareer #NowThatsBass

    56 min
  5. Plant Your Flag, Be Yourself: ian Martin Allison on Bass,. Creative Freedom & Finding Your Voice

    11 APR

    Plant Your Flag, Be Yourself: ian Martin Allison on Bass,. Creative Freedom & Finding Your Voice

    Ian Martin Allison joins Now That’s Bass for a brilliant conversation about bass, teaching, social media, creativity and building a career on your own terms. From the story of how he first picked up the bass, to the bad teacher who shaped his approach to education, to the way he built a loyal audience online by leading with value, Ian shares honest, funny and thoughtful insights throughout. This episode also digs into sideman life, creative fulfilment, income streams, collaborations and the importance of being unapologetically yourself. In this episode: Ian’s origin story on bass The teacher experience that changed everything Building a genuine online presence The truth about sideman work Creativity vs financial stability Collaborations, gear and product design Advice for bass players coming up now The one bassline everyone should learn #NowThatsBass #IanMartinAllison #BassGuitar #BassPlayer #BassCommunity #MusicIndustry #MusicianCareer #BassEducation #CreativeCareer #Podcast #walbass #tool #justinchancellor #mxr #labellastrings #mikelull

    59 min
  6. Play It Simple, Play It Right: Russell Carr on Groove, Gigs & Staying in the Game

    4 APR

    Play It Simple, Play It Right: Russell Carr on Groove, Gigs & Staying in the Game

    Session bassist Russell Carr joins Pete on Now That’s Bass for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it really takes to build a long-term career as a working bass player. From playing with Skin and The Blockheads to teaching, function gigs, gear choices and the power of word of mouth, Russell breaks down the real-world side of life as a musician: groove over flash, professionalism over ego, and why being a safe pair of hands matters. If you want a realistic, encouraging look at bass careers beyond the fantasy, this episode is packed with insight. Topics covered: The magic of simple bass playing Filling in on iconic material How session work actually comes your way Why drummers often recommend bass players The value of function gigs Gear, tone and why Fenders still dominate Soft skills, networking and getting hired again Enjoying the journey instead of chasing the endpoint #NowThatsBass #RussellCarr #BassGuitar #SessionBass #BassCareers #WorkingMusician #BassPodcast #GiggingLife #MusicIndustry #BassPlayers

    40 min
  7. Stay Hungry, Say It Straight: Reggie Parker on Bass, Legacy & Hard Truths

    28 MAR

    Stay Hungry, Say It Straight: Reggie Parker on Bass, Legacy & Hard Truths

    Pete Roythorne sits down with acclaimed bassist Reggie Parker for a powerful conversation on gospel bass, creativity, confidence and the realities of a life in music. Reggie shares how he got started, the players who inspired him, how he found his sound, and what it really took to rise through the gospel world in the 1990s. Along the way, he opens up about creative risk, paying dues, iconic sessions, social media, ageing, regret and the challenges musicians face trying to build a sustainable career today. Honest, sharp and full of insight, this episode is packed with lessons for bass players and working musicians at every level. Key topics include: Reggie Parker’s origin story on bass The overlooked brilliance of gospel bass players How iconic bass intros get created Why memorable playing matters more than empty speed Paying dues and being ready for opportunity Music careers, money and family reality Social media, validation and modern musician culture How criticism helps players grow Personal regret, perspective and staying hungry

    46 min
  8. Hold the Groove, Lose the Ego: Jonathan Noyce on Bass, Tone & Career Longevity

    21 MAR

    Hold the Groove, Lose the Ego: Jonathan Noyce on Bass, Tone & Career Longevity

    Jonathan Noyce has built a remarkable career as a bassist, working with artists including Jethro Tull, Gary Moore, Take That, Archive and The Divine Comedy, as well as on major film soundtracks. In this episode, he shares the lessons that shaped that journey — from studying music seriously and landing early breakthrough sessions, to learning the discipline, taste and integrity needed to sustain a long-term career. It’s a thoughtful conversation about serving the song, finding your sound, dealing with nerves, adapting over time and staying grounded in the music. Key topics: How Jonathan first got into bass The influence of Level 42 and Mark King Why taste matters more than flash The path from music college to professional session work Joining Jethro Tull and growing as a player Confidence, imposter syndrome and musical identity Rebuilding a career after a major chapter ends Gear, tone and reliability What makes a truly great bass part

    41 min
  9. Play Everywhere, Regret Nothing: Becky Baldwin on Bass, Bands & Breaking Through

    13 MAR

    Play Everywhere, Regret Nothing: Becky Baldwin on Bass, Bands & Breaking Through

    What does a real career in music actually look like? In this episode, Pete sits down with Becky Baldwin, one of the UK’s busiest rock and metal bass players. Becky performs with King Diamond, Merciful Fate, Fury and Delilah Bonn, and has built a career that many musicians dream of. But unlike the myth of the “big break”, Becky’s journey has been built on years of small steps, networking, relentless work and adapting to the modern music industry. From growing up in a small village with no music scene, to building an international career, Becky shares honest insights about what it really takes to survive as a professional bass player. This episode covers everything from imposter syndrome and networking to building a personal brand online and creating multiple income streams as a musician. If you're serious about building a career in music — this conversation is packed with real-world advice. Key Topics • Becky Baldwin’s early bass influences (Cliff Burton, Lemmy and more) • Growing up without a music scene and moving to Bristol • Why most gigs come from networking — not auditions • The reality of building a music career without a “big break” • Dealing with imposter syndrome as a professional musician • Using social media as a modern musician’s showreel • Why authenticity matters more than chasing trends • Balancing teaching, performing and multiple income streams • Building trust and reputation in the music scene • Practical advice for bass players trying to break into the industry

    40 min
  10. From Building Sites to Bootsy Collins: Greg Hofmann on Gear, Gigs & Finding Your Thing

    7 MAR

    From Building Sites to Bootsy Collins: Greg Hofmann on Gear, Gigs & Finding Your Thing

    Greg Hofmann has toured the world for over 15 years, played with artists including Bootsy Collins, Candace Springs, Rick Astley and Jess Glynne, and built a parallel creative path through teaching and pedal building. In this episode, Greg talks openly about his journey from South Africa to London, the grind of trying to survive as a musician, and the moment he realised that chasing every gig wasn’t the same as loving music. We talk about building a sustainable creative life, finding your own voice on bass, resisting the pressure to sound like everyone else, and using social media in a way that helps you stand out rather than disappear into the crowd. This is a thoughtful, honest conversation about musicianship, identity, gear, creativity and what it takes to keep going.

    41 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Now That’s Bass is a podcast about the real world of professional bass playing. Hosted by bassist Pete Roythorne, the show features frank conversations with working bass players — touring musicians, session players, educators and gospel players — about what it actually takes to sustain a career in music. No fantasy. No gear flexing. Just the reality of the job. The podcast is also part of a personal mission. Just before Christmas Pete was made redundant. Approaching his 60th birthday, he decided it was time to stop talking about doing something serious with his bass playing and actually do it. So he’s getting back out into the bass world. Each episode features honest conversations with bass players who’ve built real careers — touring internationally, working in sessions, teaching thousands of students, and sustaining a life in music for decades. Along the way Pete asks the questions many musicians want answered: What does it actually take to make a living playing bass? How do you build a reputation? And how do you stay in the game long term? If you’re serious about bass — not just the instrument but the long game of being a musician — this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Pete Roythorne
  • Years Active
    2k
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Now That’s Bass

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