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.

  1. Dream Big, Prepare Hard: Vicky Warwick on Building a Global Bass Career

    1d ago

    Dream Big, Prepare Hard: Vicky Warwick on Building a Global Bass Career

    Vicky Warwick has built the kind of bass career many musicians dream about. From London to New York and now Los Angeles, she's toured the world with artists including Charli XCX, Big Time Rush and Maisie Peters, performed on Saturday Night Live, Jimmy Kimmel and The Graham Norton Show, and built a reputation as someone people genuinely want to hire. But this conversation isn't about fame. It's about what actually happens behind the scenes. Chapters 00:00  Start 00:44 Handling the travelling 03:26 Starting her bass journey 06:33 Realising this is a career 08:22 First big break 12:22 First taste of serious touring 15:16 How do you keep getting hired? 20:11 Does it help to play multiple instruments? 22:06 Are BVs essential these days? 25:08 Re-establish a career in different cities 30:11 Biggest lessons you've learned 3 3:50 Coping with the realities of touring 39:05 Most honest piece of advice about music career 40:12 What advice would you give your younger self? 46:38 Bass line everyone should learn and why?   We discuss networking, auditions, mentorship, touring, moving countries, building a reputation, and why being a great bass player is only part of the equation. If you're serious about building a career in music, this episode is packed with practical advice from someone who has done exactly that. In this episode: • How Vicky accidentally discovered the bass • Why a careers advisor told her not to pursue music • The audition that changed everything • Landing the Charli XCX gig • Why networking isn't a dirty word • The real secret to successful auditions • How to build a music career in London, New York and Los Angeles • Why versatility matters more than ever • Learning bass and backing vocals simultaneously • The truth about life on the road • The importance of mentors • Why most music careers are never just one thing • The one bass line every player should learn If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with another bass player. #BassGuitar #BassPlayer #MusicCareer #CharliXCX #SessionMusician #TouringMusician #BassLessons #NowThatsBass #MusicIndustry #BassCommunity

    49 min
  2. Make The Music The Thing: Steve Lawson on Art, Audience & Authenticity

    May 30

    Make The Music The Thing: Steve Lawson on Art, Audience & Authenticity

    Steve Lawson: Building a Music Career Without Chasing Fame What if the goal wasn't more followers, more views, or a bigger platform? What if the real goal was building meaningful music, genuine community, and a sustainable creative life? In this episode of Now That's Bass, Pete Roythorne sits down with bassist, educator, writer, technologist and PhD holder Steve Lawson for one of the most thought-provoking conversations on the channel so far. Chapters for easy listening! 00:16 Introduction 02:48 How did you come to playing the bass? 09:11 What was the turning point for you in your bass career? 16:10 What was the catalyst for your evolution into solo bass? 25:31 How did you start to embrace technology to develop your career? 50:02 Is it easy today to push the boundaries of bass? 01:03:36 Why we need to more than chase clicks and algorithms 01:11:56 What's you advice for bass players coming into the industry today? 01:28:33 What bass line should everyone go away and listen to? 01:34:18 How did your PHD influence your attitude to music? Steve shares the lessons he's learned from four decades of bass playing, pioneering solo bass performance, embracing technology before most musicians had even heard of it, and building a career entirely on his own terms. The conversation explores everything from creativity and community to social media, attention spans, music education and what it really means to build a life in music in 2026. Whether you're a bass player, musician, creator or simply interested in how artists navigate the modern world, this episode is packed with insight. In this episode: Steve's journey from beginner bassist to solo artist How a broken arm changed his approach to music Why John Peel was one of his biggest influences Playing bass in duos and expanding the role of the instrument The origins of Steve's solo bass career Lessons learned from Michael Manring, Victor Wooten and Tony Levin Building an audience before social media existed How Steve used forums, blogs and online communities to create a sustainable career Why Bandcamp became the foundation of his business model The difference between community and audience The dangers of chasing algorithms and viral success Why social media rewards performance rather than artistry Practical career advice for aspiring bass players Trust, professionalism and reputation in the music industry The relationship between creativity, audience and meaning How Steve's PhD changed the way he thinks about music Key Takeaway "Make the music the thing." A powerful conversation about building a career around purpose, community and creativity rather than chasing validation.   #SteveLawson #BassGuitar #BassPlayer #NowThatsBass #MusicCareer #Bandcamp #SoloBass #BassLessons #MusicianLife #IndependentMusician #BassCommunity #BassEducation #VictorWooten #MichaelManring #TonyLevin

    1h 40m
  3. Network Like a Demon: Mike Brooks on Bass, Survival & Staying Hireable

    May 26

    Network Like a Demon: Mike Brooks on Bass, Survival & Staying Hireable

    Bass player, journalist, reviewer, YouTuber and working musician Mike Brooks joins Now That’s Bass for a brutally honest conversation about what it really takes to survive as a professional bass player over three decades in the music industry. From discovering bass through Duran Duran and landing his first professional gigs in the ‘90s, to building a long-term career through covers bands, networking, journalism and YouTube, Mike shares the realities most musicians never hear about. This episode dives deep into how the music industry has changed, why communication matters more than chops, the collapse of traditional gig circuits, and the mindset required to build a sustainable life in music in 2026. No fantasy. No gear flexing. Just the reality of the job. In this episode: How Duran Duran inspired Mike to pick up bass Turning professional in 1995 The truth about surviving on covers gigs How one dep gig changed his entire career The collapse of traditional live circuits Why networking matters more than ever Lessons from Bass Guitar Magazine and The Basist Why communication gets musicians fired The importance of versatility and backing vocals Bernard Edwards and the genius of Good Times Follow Mike Brooks / Brooksy’s Bass Corner YouTube: Brooksy’s Bass Corner Instagram #bassplayer #bassguitar #brooksysbasscorner #musicindustry #sessionmusician #basscareer #bernardedwards #chic #basspodcast #nowthatsbass

    1h 4m
  4. Right Thing, Right Time: Andrew McKinney on Pulp, JTQ & the Art of Being Hireable

    May 16

    Right Thing, Right Time: Andrew McKinney on Pulp, JTQ & the Art of Being Hireable

    In this episode of Now That’s Bass, Pete talks to Andrew McKinney, current bassist with Pulp and The James Taylor Quartet, course leader for performance at BIMM London, and a player whose career has taken him through TV, theatre, funk, soul, session work, education and major international stages. Quick Links to Chapters 00:31 Introduction 04:15 How did your bass journey start? From Cello to BassTech 07:17 How did your first bits of session work come in? 14:03 How did your first break come about? 15:58 At what point did you think I can make this work? 17:18 How have you managed to sustain your career? 20:23 How do you stand out as a bass player? 23:19 Who's the most important person in a band to connect with? 25:46 How is it playing in bands as diverse as Pulp and JTQ 27:43 Imposter syndrome and the route into Pulp 36:14 Three things people should focus on to get more gigs 42:45 What advice would you give your younger self? 44:28 The bass line everyone should know and why? Andrew talks honestly about how a cello-playing school kid became a professional bass player, why depping has been central to his career, what it really takes to be a “safe pair of hands”, and how he dealt with stepping into very different musical worlds — from the groove-heavy James Taylor Quartet to the textural, creative demands of working with Jarvis Cocker and Pulp. This is a conversation about preparation, taste, confidence, imposter syndrome, musical relationships, and why being hireable is about far more than chops. In this episode: Andrew’s early journey from cello to bass Studying at BassTech and choosing music over science How early gigs turned into long-term career opportunities The importance of depping and supporting other bass players Why preparation and attitude matter as much as ability Getting the call for The Richard Blackwood Show Playing with James Taylor Quartet Working creatively with Jarvis Cocker Joining Pulp and touring Australia and New Zealand Imposter syndrome and learning to adapt What makes a bass player hireable Why “the right thing at the right time” matters The bass album Andrew thinks every player should study Subscribe for more honest conversations with working bass players about building a real career in music. #BassPlayer #AndrewMcKinney #Pulp #JamesTaylorQuartet #BassGuitar #NowThatsBass #SessionMusician #BassCareer #JarvisCocker #Bassist

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

    May 9

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

    May 2

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

    Apr 25

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

    Apr 18

    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
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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
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Now That’s Bass

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