Janek Gwizdala Podcast

Janek Gwizdala
  • 4.9 (66)
  • Music Commentary

Dive deep into the music universe with the podcast that unveils the journey of one of the most influential bass players in the music industry – Janek Gwizdala. Designed for bass enthusiasts and musicians alike, each episode is a sonic exploration into the world of groove, gear. technique, and artistic evolution. Janek Gwizdala, renowned for his mastery of the bass, shares his life's narrative – from the early days as a budding musician to his current status as a sought-after sideman and solo artist. Whether you're a seasoned bassist or simply appreciate the magic of live music, join us as we unravel the layers of Janek's experiences, revealing the secrets behind his signature sound. Expect in-depth conversations with Janek and special guests, offering unique perspectives on music, composition, and the art of creating an unforgettable groove. Explore the challenges and triumphs of a professional bass player, gain insights into the creative process, and discover the stories behind some of Janek's most iconic performances. Whether you're looking for inspiration for your own musical journey or simply want to bask in the rich tones of the bass, "The Janek Gwizdala Podcast" is your backstage pass to the world of bass and music. Subscribe now for an intimate look at the life and legacy of Janek Gwizdala's bass-centric career. janekgwizdala.substack.com

  1. 1d ago

    This Tiny Pedalboard Replaced My Massive Touring Rig

    This week I’m delivering on a promise from the last episode: a complete walkthrough of my new stereo pedalboard. After years of touring with much larger setups, I’ve downsized to a rig that gives me incredible flexibility while still producing the huge ambient sounds I’ve been chasing for years. I break down the entire signal chain, explain why each pedal earned its place, and demonstrate how I build everything from subtle harmonic textures to massive cinematic soundscapes. Along the way I also talk about: * Why I changed from my previous touring rig * The advantages of running a stereo setup * Boutique pedals versus multi-effects units * Creating ambient loops and evolving textures * Using effects as creative tools rather than distractions * Why expensive gear isn’t always necessary to make inspiring music I also share a quick update on my new book, How to Transcribe, the recent release of Quiet Places, and the excitement (and chaos!) of preparing for a house move while getting ready for upcoming performances. Whether you’re a bassist, guitarist, producer, or simply fascinated by creative music technology, I hope this episode gives you some ideas for your own musical journey. As always, if you have questions about anything I missed, leave a comment and I’ll cover them in a future episode. More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe

  2. Jul 22

    The Podcast is Back!

    Bass players, coffee drinkers, ladies and gentlemen, the podcast is back! Full disclosure: I used chat gpt to generate the description of the podcast below based on a transcript of the episode. I’m still not sure how I feel about the whole AI thing in general, but I realized it saved me a ton of legwork today with something I’m not particularly good at (writing descriptions of things), and provides some information that might help you better understand what the episode is about and bring a little more value to you without accusing me of selling my soul to Sam Altman. I want to make it very clear that I have never used AI in the creation of music or of any of my books, and never will. That, to me, is a very clear line that should never be crossed. I would like your honest feedback on this, and to know whether youtube descriptions are a tolerable use-case for the technology since it allows me way more time to focus on practicing, playing and recording real music and video lessons to share with you all. Here goes… In this episode I catch you up on everything that's been happening, from touring with Steve Smith's Vital Information, to moving house here in Southern California, finishing my brand-new book How to Transcribe, and preparing for the release of my new live trio album Quiet Places.I also spend a good portion of the episode exploring one of the most inspiring harmonic concepts I've encountered in years: Neo-Riemannian triadic transformations. It's a simple idea built around major and minor triads, but it's completely changed the way I'm thinking about harmony, improvisation, voice leading, and creating melodic movement in my bass lines.We also talk about:• Why transcription is really about ear training• How immersion and repetition accelerate musical growth• Touring with a minimalist pedalboard setup• The Walrus Audio Mantle in real-world situations• Preparing mentally for performances with musical heroes• Building freedom through harmony instead of memorized licksIf you're interested in becoming a more musical improviser (not just learning more scales) this episode is for you.If you'd like to see a full rundown of my current touring pedalboard, leave a comment below. If enough people ask, I'll make a dedicated video. Thoughts? More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe

    The Podcast is Back!

  3. Mar 27

    Reclaiming Focus

    After years of building one of the most extensive bass pedal collections imaginable, I’ve made a big decision… I’m letting almost all of it go. In this episode, I talk through why I’m selling over 200 pedals, what triggered the shift, and how simplifying my setup is already changing the way I make music. This isn’t just about gear, it’s about creativity, focus, and letting go of the “collector mindset” in favor of something much more intentional. Owning more gear doesn’t necessarily make you more creative. In fact, it can do the opposite. I reference the Generation Loss Mkii as a key component of the process. It’s about removing friction, reclaiming focus, and getting more out of less. More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe

  4. Feb 17

    What I’m Building in 2026

    The podcast returns to its own channel with a 2026 reset: a clearer lane for each part of my output so the main YouTube channel can stay focused on harmony/theory-based lessons, while the podcast and live/performance content live on their own separate channels. I outline six recording projects I'm aiming to track across the year, share a packed touring schedule (US, Japan, Europe, Asia), and talk through a more realistic approach to tour gear—from compact boards to MIDI control, flight cases, and what I actually use on gigs. In this episode Why the podcast is back on the podcast-dedicated YouTube channel The 3-lane restructure for 2026: Main channel = harmony/bass lesson content Podcast channel = long-form conversation + gear talk Clips channel = live performance, studio, behind-the-scenes The “why” behind the shift: reduce stress, increase clarity, serve each audience better The six album/projects Janek is planning to track in 2026 Touring: how the volume is increasing in 2026 and what that means with family life A candid look at saying “yes” vs “no” as a working musician, and how that advice changes by age/career stage Gear logistics: what’s realistic to fly with, compact boards, and why “small but powerful” wins on the road Compact rig idea: Walrus Mantle + HX Stomp Testing rigs on warm-up gigs before international runs New Gator / Vertex case system and a compact board build plan MIDI control with a Morningstar MC4 The honest truth: on many gigs, only a fraction of the pedalboard gets used How the harmony/triads videos unexpectedly clicked, and why that success triggered the restructure The role of Substack: the hub where people can choose what to watch/listen to Links Mentioned in the Episode - Main Channel Triad Video 0 and Triad Video 1 - Clips Channel - Podcast Channel - SBL MIchael Jackson Cover Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe

    What I’m Building in 2026

  5. Jan 29

    New Fretless Bass!

    The latest short run of basses with RKM, in three new colors, is here! Check out all the specs below and use the contact email at the bottom of the description to enquire about ordering one today. We also get into triads on dominants chords and a recap of the comments section of the now infamous Mantle video from a couple of weeks ago. RKM CUSTOM 5JG Collab 2Scale: 33”No. Frets: 24No. Strings: 5Distance between strings: 17mmBody wood: Mahogany selected 2 pieceNeck: Hard rock Maple w/ carbon fiber reinforcementFretboard: Birdseye maple / Gaboon Ebony (fretted / fretless)Position markers: Luminlay Side dotsPickups: Nordstrand NP5F/NP5Fa (bridge/neck)Preamp: TRICKFISH IPA 3 band 18VTuners: Hipshot Ultralite w/ Bass XtenderBridge: Hipshot Style A 17mm brassStrap buttons: Dunlop StraplokGigbag: MONO Stealth blackOptions available:Body color:Dark Green / Dark gray / Surf BlueStyle:Fretted / Fretless with reference lines / Fretless clean fretboardTuningEADGC / BEADGOrder via email here: batch2@rkmbasses.com More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe

    New Fretless Bass!

  6. Jan 17

    $749 For a Bass Preamp?!

    We're taking a look into the new Bass DI and preamp from Walrus audio in collaboration with Ian Martin Allison. Spoiler alert... It's a beautiful piece of gear, and the minor meltdowns about the price happening in the comments below the launch video are a little puzzling. For the most part though, the feedback is hugely supportive and positive which is both great, and greatly deserved. Hopefully this Episode gives you some perspective, some sounds, and a few things to think about when choosing the right gear for you. Besides sending me the unit to try, Walrus Audio are not a sponsor in any other way. I’m never paid for my opinion, and Walrus have no say in what I present to you. As you well know, I just like to make cool sounds with cool stuff. More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe

    $749 For a Bass Preamp?!

  7. Jan 7

    The Ethics of Streaming (And Why it Matters)

    Following on from our most recent discussion on the subject, I get a little deeper into the weeds on the state of streaming, the music industry as a whole, and some of the ethical decisions we face when considering how to release our music and share it with the world. I have gone back and forth on the subject for many years, and endeavor to update my thinking on it as and when the information changes. It’s currently less of a negative thing than a positive thing for what my long-term goals are as an artist, and that’s what I get deeper into detail about in this episode. Far more so than the latest article published in my newsletter. More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe

    The Ethics of Streaming (And Why it Matters)

  8. 12/30/2025

    Revealing My 2025 YouTube Revenue

    To close out the year I’m counting down my top ten YouTube shorts for 2025 and revealing all the numbers from both 2024 and 2025 for comparison. It won’t buy me any beachfront property, but it’s not all doom and gloom, and it doesn’t signal the end by any stretch of the imagination. Don’t forget, that for the next 24hrs only, the entire store is on a 20% holiday sale, with all discounts added automatically at checkout. See you in 2026! Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe

    Revealing My 2025 YouTube Revenue
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4.9
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66 Ratings

About

Dive deep into the music universe with the podcast that unveils the journey of one of the most influential bass players in the music industry – Janek Gwizdala. Designed for bass enthusiasts and musicians alike, each episode is a sonic exploration into the world of groove, gear. technique, and artistic evolution. Janek Gwizdala, renowned for his mastery of the bass, shares his life's narrative – from the early days as a budding musician to his current status as a sought-after sideman and solo artist. Whether you're a seasoned bassist or simply appreciate the magic of live music, join us as we unravel the layers of Janek's experiences, revealing the secrets behind his signature sound. Expect in-depth conversations with Janek and special guests, offering unique perspectives on music, composition, and the art of creating an unforgettable groove. Explore the challenges and triumphs of a professional bass player, gain insights into the creative process, and discover the stories behind some of Janek's most iconic performances. Whether you're looking for inspiration for your own musical journey or simply want to bask in the rich tones of the bass, "The Janek Gwizdala Podcast" is your backstage pass to the world of bass and music. Subscribe now for an intimate look at the life and legacy of Janek Gwizdala's bass-centric career. janekgwizdala.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Janek Gwizdala
  • Years Active
    2007 - 2026
  • Episodes
    218
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Janek Gwizdala
  • Show Website
    Janek Gwizdala Podcast