Meet Greg Boulet: The Bassist Behind Indica Roots and Eastlake Rhythm Section

Southern California bassist Greg Boulet discovered the electric bass almost by accident after spotting it on a middle-school instrument list. Within a year, he was playing his first show at the Old Town Temecula Theater at just 13 years old—and headbanging through nearly the entire performance.That early experience began a musical path through marching band, jazz band, Palomar College, original projects and regular trips to perform in San Francisco with Lunar Hand. Today, Greg holds down the low end for reggae-rock band Indica Roots and Eastlake Rhythm Section, a Temecula-based collective performing classic rock, funk, pop and yacht rock favorites.Greg also teaches at Leading Note Studios in San Marcos, where he directs the Rock Band Program and helps young musicians become more confident performers.Brian and Greg discuss what makes a rhythm section work, how bass and drums create the pocket, learning from live performances, recovering from mistakes and why the ultimate goal is always to make the audience feel the music.In this episodeHow Greg discovered the electric bass in middle schoolPerforming his first show at 13 at the Old Town Temecula TheaterHow marching band and jazz band shaped his musicianshipThe private lessons that changed how he approached the fretboardFinding a supportive original-music community in San Francisco with Lunar HandJoining Indica Roots and helping expand the band’s soundForming Eastlake Rhythm Section with longtime friendsWhat makes a tight rhythm section—and Greg’s definition of “the pocket”Teaching students not to fear mistakesLearning from Marcus Miller, Jaime Preciado and Tony KanalRecording social-media tracks for Ampeg and building his live bass rigConnect with GregGreg on InstagramIndica Roots on InstagramEastlake Rhythm Section on InstagramEastlake Rhythm Section websiteGreg at Leading Note StudiosSponsorThe SoCal Setlist is sponsored by Tsunami Cables. Proudly built in Southern California and backed by a lifetime warranty, Tsunami Cables are made for musicians who care about clean signal transfer, reliable tone and gear that can handle real wear and tear.Visit TsunamiCables.com and use promo code SOCALSETLIST for 10% off. Offer valid through May 29, 2027.