131: How Brendan Rothwell Built a Career Without a Record Label

Some instruments support the music. The bass defines it.On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with Brendan Rothwell, a bassist whose sound carries both legacy and evolution. From hearing Marcus Miller for the first time to building a career across continents, Brendan shares how one moment can shift everything.We talk about his early beginnings in the UK, his move to Canada, and how the jazz scene looks different when geography, distance, and opportunity all play a role. Brendan opens up about what it means to develop your own voice while being influenced by greats like Stanley Clarke, Nathan East, and others who shaped the sound of modern bass.This conversation goes deeper than music. We get into independence, streaming, and the real business of being an artist today. Brendan breaks down how platforms like Spotify can change a career, how one song can fund multiple projects, and why understanding the business side is just as important as mastering your instrument.This is a conversation about consistency, identity, and what it takes to stay in the game when no one is handing you the blueprint.Connect with Brendan:https://www.brendanrothwell.com/