Worship Bass Coffee

Jay Szalay
  • 5.0 (11)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS

Worship, Bass, Coffee is the podcast for worship musicians, bass players, and creatives who serve the Church and love a great cup of coffee. Hosted by a Nashville-based worship bassist Jay Szalay, this show features real conversations about worship music, bass gear, playing techniques, faith, creativity, and serving in ministry. Hear from special guests—both well-known and behind-the-scenes—as we talk tone, gear, grooves, and what it means to lead with humility and heart. Whether you’re on stage every Sunday or just love the worship music world, this podcast is brewed just for you.

Episodes

  1. Bryce Vaughn and the Heart Behind the Tone

    DEC 15

    Bryce Vaughn and the Heart Behind the Tone

    In this Christmas-season episode of Worship, Bass, Coffee, Jay sits down with fellow Texan and tone architect Bryce Vaughn for a conversation that’s equal parts gear talk, real-life honesty, and worship-community heart. They dig into what life actually looks like when your weeks are stacked with Sunday sets, midweek services, artist dates, studio sessions, and the constant tension of staying creative without burning yourself out. Bryce shares how growing up as a pastor’s kid in an all-Black gospel church shaped his feel, his pocket, and his instinctive approach to worship bass—and how that background still influences the way he plays today. From the “why” behind his pedalboard to the story of how he started building presets and eventually launched Backline Resources, Bryce talks openly about tone, inspiration, and what it means to carry your own musical DNA rather than copying someone else’s settings. He also offers grounded, heartfelt advice for new worship bassists—whether they’re teenagers stepping onto a stage for the first time or adults discovering the instrument later in life. So brew your favorite cup, settle in, and enjoy this Christmas-season conversation.

    1h 19m
  2. The Worship Bass Coffee Holiday Gear Wish List Episode—with Scott Beavers

    DEC 1

    The Worship Bass Coffee Holiday Gear Wish List Episode—with Scott Beavers

    It’s a Worship, Bass, Coffee Christmas special! In Episode 11, Jay is joined once again by his friend and fellow bassist Scott Beavers for a full-on worship bass gear wish list—perfect for Cyber Monday hunters or anyone dreaming up their next tone move. They kick things off with budget-friendly bass options for newer players, then work their way into boutique builds from Puleo, Bluesman Vintage, Mike Lull, Low End, and more. From there, Jay and Scott walk through their “gear pyramid,” highlighting the essentials every worship rig needs before diving into all the fun extras. Along the way, they touch on DI favorites, drives, fuzz, chorus, octaves, compressors, pedalboards, power supplies, and even share a few exclusive discount opportunities from builders they love. But through all the gear talk, they still land on one key truth: great playing and serving well matter far more than piling pedals onto a board. Tune in, grab a cup of coffee, take notes, and maybe even find a few items to add to your own Christmas list.

    1h 37m
  3. From Gospel Beginnings to Disney Stages: A Conversation with LaVon Rushing

    NOV 17

    From Gospel Beginnings to Disney Stages: A Conversation with LaVon Rushing

    In this episode of Worship, Bass, Coffee, I sit down with LaVon Rushing — gospel bassist, MD, multi-instrumentalist, and one of the most joyful and gifted players influencing modern worship and gospel music today. LaVon shares how growing up in Virginia with a guitar-playing father and a bass-loving mother shaped his musical DNA, eventually leading him from early church experiences to a full career in Orlando’s vibrant creative scene. LaVon and I revisit their first meeting at Disney’s Joyful! Christmas show, his move to Florida, and how unexpected opportunities — including playing on multiple Hilary Duff records — opened doors he never imagined. LaVon talks honestly about balancing an intense weekly schedule of rehearsals, sessions, and family life, and breaks down how he practices “by thinking the impossible,” using recording moments as his time to grow. He also dives deep into the reality of Sunday morning life at his church, where sets change last-minute and everything is “on the fly,” requiring intuition, talkback communication, and trust. Gear lovers get a full walkthrough of LaVon’s world: his custom 7-string Bootleg bass, unique tunings (down to low F#), Bartolini pickups, Aguilar preamps, DI choices, and the pedals he relies on — including the H9, OC-2, Tone Hammer/AG, Whammy, and more. LaVon also shares powerful reflections on leading worship from the bass, adapting across genres, finding the right church environment, listening deeply, and the importance of surrounding yourself with peers who sharpen you. In one of the most heartfelt moments of the episode, he opens up about losing a close friend and how God has been reminding him to embrace the present, move with purpose, and be fully here for the people you love. If you love gospel chops, gear talk, worship conversations, or simply want encouragement in your musical and spiritual journey — this is a can’t-miss episode.

    1h 14m
  4. Josh Summers — The Heart of Worship

    NOV 3

    Josh Summers — The Heart of Worship

    In this episode of Worship, Bass, Coffee, I sit down with Josh Summers — a fellow bassist, husband, and dad of four based in Cleveland, Tennessee, who has a deep love for music, tone, and serving in the local church. From early days in punk and alternative bands to leading worship at Calvary Chapel Chattanooga, Josh shares how his journey as a musician has evolved into something far deeper than just playing notes. We talk about preparation, intentional playing, and what it means to “serve the song.” Josh opens up about his process of learning structure first—then finding where not to play. He shares how dynamics, silence, and restraint often carry more weight than fills or flash, and how the best bass parts support the moment instead of stealing it. From learning to adapt with different drummers to post-service “Give It Back” moments of humility, this episode digs into what heart-led musicianship really looks like. And of course—there’s plenty of gear talk. Josh walks us through his two Fender Mustang basses, both heavily customized, and explains how his setup evolved from a simple analog board to a streamlined digital rig centered around the Darkglass Anagram. We get into fuzz tones, subs, compression, pitch-shifting tricks for those Eb Sundays, and the pros and cons of leaving the pedal world behind for all-in-one solutions. If you’ve ever debated going from analog to digital, this one’s for you. Josh also shares about balancing family life, working remotely, and finding peace in both the loud and quiet seasons. His perspective on worship—removing ego, playing with purpose, and letting God shape your approach—reminds every bassist why we do what we do. Whether you’re deep in the worship world or just love a good gear conversation, this episode is full of encouragement, humor, and honesty from one player to another. Grab your favorite cup of coffee and join us for a real, grounded, and inspiring conversation.

    1h 45m
  5. Embracing your seasons with Ethan Eichhorn

    OCT 20

    Embracing your seasons with Ethan Eichhorn

    In this episode of Worship, Bass, Coffee, I sit down with Ethan Eichhorn — a longtime Instagram friend turned real-life hang. Ethan shares his journey growing up in a musical family where both parents were professional musicians, and how bass became the perfect blend of groove and melody for him. By day, Ethan leads in the construction world after earning a degree in electrical engineering. Between travel, remote work, and raising three kids, he still finds time to serve at The Orchard, often pouring into the student band so he and his wife can serve together. We talk about how he prepares for Sundays—listening first, visualizing the parts during his commute, and memorizing songs so there’s no stand between him and true worship. Gear heads will love this one. Ethan walks us through his setup: a Fender Roscoe Beck V with La Bella Super Polished rounds, a Sire Z7 five-string with Ian Allison strings, a Lake Placid Blue American Original P-Bass strung with low-tension flats, and a sentimental ’90s MIM PJ that still sees plenty of play. His all-in Quad Cortex rig delivers clean SVT-inspired tones, smart routing, and studio-grade flexibility—perfect for both church and travel. Ethan’s wisdom runs deep: get on stage, play with musicians better than you, memorize the set, and honor your season. Whether it’s leading worship, investing in family, or simply serving faithfully where you are, his story is a reminder that humility and preparation go hand in hand. Grab a cup of coffee and join us for this grounded, encouraging conversation.

    1h 20m
  6. A Conversation with Adam Kiser of Bethel Music

    OCT 6

    A Conversation with Adam Kiser of Bethel Music

    In this episode of Worship, Bass, Coffee, I sit down with Adam Kiser — a bassist and MD whose path runs from a tiny south-Georgia church to Bethel Music and the road with Josh Baldwin. We met before serving on a live worship project at The Bridge church and kept the conversation going over coffee. Adam shares how a visiting praise band made bass feel “cool,” what it felt like to move across the country at 18, and why not making the team his first year at Bethel ended up being one of the best things that happened to him. We talk about the craft behind the calling: learning songs by ear, then locking them in with simple Nashville Numbers notes; getting handed a talkback mic and stumbling into MD’ing; and how to prep for sets when Planning Center isn’t doing the heavy lifting. Adam gets real about life in Nashville, choosing the right trips, communicating at home, and finding a sustainable rhythm between family, ministry, and the road. And yep — plenty of gear talk. Adam walks through his go-to Puleo Jazz, a trusty American Standard Jazz, and a ’73 P-Bass when the gig fits. On the board: Union LAB Compressor, Aguilar Tone Hammer, JHS Colour Box, Walrus Julia chorus, and the MXR Poly Blue Octave for those “keys-bass” moments. We hit why the Tone Hammer sits so well in modern worship mixes, how right-hand dynamics beat endless pedal stacking, and where modeling (HX Stomp) still makes a ton of sense. From influences like Geddy Lee to the minimalist vibe of Laura Lee (Khruangbin), Adam’s approach is musical, practical, and deeply encouraging. We wrap with a quick devotional from 2 Peter 1:5–8 on perseverance — a reminder that growth often looks like humble reps, honest feedback, and trusting God’s timing. Whether you’re serving every Sunday or just starting out, Adam’s story is full of grit, humor, and wisdom for worship bassists. Grab your favorite cup of coffee and join us for this encouraging conversation.

    1h 12m
  7. Recovering Well and Leading Strong – with Ken Reid

    SEP 22

    Recovering Well and Leading Strong – with Ken Reid

    In this episode of Worship, Bass, Coffee, I sit down with Ken Reid — a fellow bassist at The Bridge and someone I first got to know over a simple coffee. Ken shares his journey into music, from his punk rock and metal roots to discovering his place on bass in church. We talk about his current role at Ramsey Solutions leading the content team, and how he balances family life, work, and serving on Sundays. Ken opens up about what it’s like preparing for worship without relying on charts, how he finds time to practice in a small closet under the stairs, and why memorization builds both confidence and connection on stage. We dig into the challenges of being a musician while raising three kids, the importance of heart preparation alongside musical preparation, and the lessons he’s learned about recovering well when mistakes happen. Of course, there’s also plenty of gear talk. Ken walks us through his G&L bass, his simple but powerful Aguilar Tone Hammer setup, and the tones that inspire him. From influences like Muse and Flea to the melodic basslines of Colony House, his approach is both practical and creative. Whether you’re serving every Sunday or just starting out, Ken’s story is full of encouragement, humor, and wisdom for bass players and worship musicians alike. Grab your favorite cup of coffee and join us for this inspiring conversation.

    1h 12m
  8. Rediscovering the Joy of Playing – Conversation with Tyler Rue

    SEP 8

    Rediscovering the Joy of Playing – Conversation with Tyler Rue

    In this episode of the Worship Bass Coffee Podcast, I sit down with my good friend and fellow Bridge Church bassist, Tyler Rue. Tyler opens up about rediscovering his passion for playing after stepping away from music for several years, and how he now balances the demands of family, a full-time career, and serving on Sundays. We talk about his early influences growing up on punk rock, how faith became real to him through worship, and the lessons he learned stepping back into church music—including navigating the Nashville number system and overcoming stage nerves. Along the way, Tyler shares his approach to preparing for Sunday sets, the joy of playing with community, and the importance of encouragement on a worship team. Of course, we also dive deep into his gear—covering his P-Bass, Jazz Bass, Noble DI, 1981 LVL, B3K, HX Stomp, and more—and trade stories about tone, practice habits, and chasing new pedals. From coffee shop favorites to his current playlist, Tyler’s honesty and humor make this conversation both practical and encouraging for anyone balancing life, music, and ministry.

    1h 25m
  9. Brandon Robold: Bass, Worship and the Road

    AUG 25

    Brandon Robold: Bass, Worship and the Road

    In this episode of Worship Bass Coffee, I sit down with my good friend Brandon Robold—bassist, musical director, and background vocalist for Zach Williams. Brandon’s journey is full of heart, grit, and faith, and I think you’ll really enjoy this one. We talk about everything from his early days growing up in Maryland, to how a middle-school crush led him to pick up the bass (yes, really!). Brandon shares how playing in church shaped his foundation, how his time at Liberty University stretched him as both a musician and leader, and the years he spent grinding it out with his band Backroad Anthem. Brandon opens up about the heartbreaking loss of his bandmate, his decision to leave the club scene, and how God opened the door for him to join Zach Williams’ band—a role he’s now held for over eight years. He talks about life as a touring musician, standout shows (Red Rocks and The Beacon Theater), and the powerful experience of recording a live record inside Harding Prison. We also dive into his gear and tone (from his vintage Fender P-Bass to his Noble DI and Aguilar setup), his approach to serving on Sunday mornings, and how memorizing songs frees you to “serve the song, not the chart.” Outside of music, Brandon shares about his passion for real estate, the balance of road life with family life, and what it means to be a husband, father, and worshipper first. And of course—we wrap it up with the rapid-fire round: flats vs. rounds, P-Bass vs. Jazz, desert island pedal, favorite bassists, coffee picks, and more. Whether you’re a worship bassist, a gear head, or just someone who loves stories of faith, family, and music, this conversation will encourage and inspire you.

    1h 14m
  10. Bass, Gear, and Serving the Church with Scott Beavers

    AUG 11

    Bass, Gear, and Serving the Church with Scott Beavers

    In this episode, I sit down with Scott Beavers—bassist at The Bridge Church, graphic designer, and fellow gear enthusiast—to talk about his journey in music and heart for serving. We chat about everything from growing up in a Southern Baptist church and falling into bass by chance, to balancing a full-time creative career while faithfully playing on Sundays. We cover the realities of worship prep without an iPad, learning to trust your instincts on stage, and the biggest lessons Scott has learned from serving on a worship team. We also get into some fun stuff: pedalboard signal chains, Jazz vs. P-Bass debates, string choices, and memorable worship moments (including one with a full in-ear monitor failure). Whether you’re a worship bassist, gear nerd, or just here for the bass + coffee, I think you’ll enjoy this one.

    1h 6m
  11. A Conversation with Parke Cottrell of Colony House

    JUL 28

    A Conversation with Parke Cottrell of Colony House

    In this episode, I sit down with Parke Cottrell—bassist for Colony House, worship leader, and all-around creative—to talk about his musical journey and heart for serving. We chat about everything from his early days learning piano, to falling into bass by accident, to what it means to lead with humility on and off the stage. We cover life on the road, building a family while touring, leading worship alongside his wife, and the value of staying connected to your local church. We also get into some fun stuff: favorite coffee shops, gear talk (P-Bass fans, this one’s for you), and what it’s like playing Red Rocks with Switchfoot. Whether you’re a worship musician, Colony House fan, or just here for the bass + coffee, I think you’ll enjoy this one.

    1h 12m
  12. Worship, Bass, Coffee — and Why This Podcast Exists

    JUL 13

    Worship, Bass, Coffee — and Why This Podcast Exists

    Welcome to the first episode of Worship | Bass | Coffee. I’ve been sitting on this idea for a while, and I’m finally hitting record. In this episode, I talk about why I started the podcast, what it’s all about, and what you can expect in the weeks ahead. I also share some thoughts on playing the gear you actually love—not what’s hyped online. Whether it’s an Ibanez, a Sire, or whatever you connect with, it should feel good in your hands and make you want to keep playing. I’ve bought and sold a bunch of basses over the years, but a few have stuck around for a reason. This podcast is a space for real conversations—about serving in worship, chasing tone, drinking good coffee, and figuring things out along the way. Thanks for listening. Excited to have you along for the ride. Follow along on Instagram @worshipbasscoffee for updates, clips, and behind-the-scenes.

    1h 3m
  • 12 Episodes

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Worship, Bass, Coffee is the podcast for worship musicians, bass players, and creatives who serve the Church and love a great cup of coffee. Hosted by a Nashville-based worship bassist Jay Szalay, this show features real conversations about worship music, bass gear, playing techniques, faith, creativity, and serving in ministry. Hear from special guests—both well-known and behind-the-scenes—as we talk tone, gear, grooves, and what it means to lead with humility and heart. Whether you’re on stage every Sunday or just love the worship music world, this podcast is brewed just for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Jay Szalay
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jay Szalay
  • Show Website
    Worship Bass Coffee

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