Why Bass? with Donivan Blair
by Donivan Blair
‘Why Bass?” Is a podcast that shifts the focus from a bass players history and CV to that age old question - why would anyone want to play the bass guitar? Donivan Blair asks this question with bassist’s of all styles and ranges on each episode and allows the guest to tell the audience in their own words who inspired them, why they chose the instrument and their gear of choice. ‘Why Bass?’ Is hosted by Donivan Blair who does not understand why anyone needs more than four strings and has been obsessed with the bass guitar since 1985. He started the punk band Hagfish with brother Zach in 1991, left their hometown of Sherman, TX and never looked back. Touring the world with Only Crime and Armstrong led him to joining the Toadies in 2008. Donivan knows why he plays the bass but is curious to find out why others have decided to follow this particular yellow brick road.
Episodes
-
Matt Freeman-Rancid-Operation Ivy
In the episode Donivan and Rancid's Matt Freeman delve into Matt's personal collection, the significance of signature basses, and the affordability of instruments for aspiring musicians. The discussion turns to why only badasses were born on April 23rd, they share humorous anecdotes about meeting...
-
Becky Baldwin-Delilah Bon-Mercyful Fate-Fury
We have a banger of an episode here. The amazing Becky Baldwin! Doni and Becky discuss their love for Rickenbackers, the beauty of metal and Becky shares the best origin story since some nerd got bit by a radioactive spider...tune in and learn what this all means. Becky Baldwin Mercyful Fate...
-
Joe Principe
On this first episode of ‘Why Bass?’ We welcome Joe Principe of Rise Against! The two discuss Joe's journey through the his music scene, particularly the Chicago punk and thrash. Joe discusses his unexpected start in music, the influences that shaped his career and the vibrant community that...
-
Special Episode! Why Ricks? The Brothers Blair celebrate the Rickenbacker Bass Guitar
Why Ricks?- Donivan discusses WHY he plays Rickenbackers, the answer is Why Not? The discussion includes the person who's been there for his entire 4003 obsession , his brother Zach. They argue over the pronunciation of Rickenbackers, Celtic Frost and sometimes agree to discuss the topic at hand....
-
Kira Roessler-Black Flag-dos-Enigma
This is a big one. What more to say than its Kira! Once again Donivan gets to talk to an inspiration and hero. He asked Kira every question a 17 year old Donvian wanted to ask and more. We hear what she's up too and whats in her bass playing future. See how long Kira puts up with Donivan's...
-
Matt Reilly-Avril Lavigne
This week Donivan talks with Matt Reilly, bass player for Avril Levigne. The two discuss the job of the rhythm section, both in terms of driving the song and the power of its absence. Matt shares how a 5 minute meeting leads to the gig of a lifetime and why coffee is so goddamn amazing. Our...
-
Patrick Smith-The Vandoliers
Donivan and Patrick discuss Patrick's journey as a bassist, The Vandoliers new record, and how awesome Flying V basses are. They explore the importance of individuality in music, the ongoing debate between using picks or fingers, andthe significance of gear choices in achieving the desired sound....
-
Matt Noveskey-Blue October
Donivan and Matt talk about his secret origin in Michigan that led to him joining Blue October, his studio, producing and life in general. They discuss the magic that is Level 42, Rocket From The Crypt and ....hey...did they just become best friends? Listen and find out. Blue October Our partners...
-
Casey Orr-GWAR
On todays episode Casey Orr shares his journey as a bassist, influenced by his brother and the iconic bands they grew up with. Donivan and Casey discuss the formation of Casey's previous band Rigor Mortis and his entry into the world of GWAR. Casey talks about the impact of musicians like Mike...
-
Rob Felicetti-Bowling For Soup
In this episode Doni & Rob talk about getting booed, and why it is bad; why MusicMan basses aren't for everyone, (especially if you're short), Rob's beginnings as a drummer and how he joined Bowling For Soup. Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full…
more -
Dominic "Rocky" Laroche-Voivod
Today Donivan interviews Dominic "Rocky" La Roche, the bassist for his favorite band, the iconic Voivod. They discuss Rocky's life in music, his early influences, and the evolution of Voivod's sound. Rocky shares personal anecdotes about his first bass, his first show with Voivod, and the impact...
-
Eva Gardner-Pink-The Mars Volta
Donivan interviews Eva Gardner, exploring her musical journey influenced by her father's legacy as a bass player. They discuss the significance of instruments, early lessons, and personal preferences in bass guitars, while also delving into recording experiences and the nuances of tone in music....
-
Jay Bentley-Bad Religion
Jay Bentley is the bass player and a founding member of Bad Religion. Jay shares his journey from a young guitar player to a prominent bassist in the punk rock scene. He discusses his musical influences, the evolution of his playing style, and the dynamics of being in a band. Bentley reflects on...
-
Rob Marchant/ Riverboat Gamblers
Rob Marchant the bassist for Slowride, Saboteur, Drakulas, Riverboat Gamblers and is one of Donivan’s best friends. In this episode Donivan and Rob discuss the beginning of Rob’s bass playing as a young punker and his love for Mani from The Stone Roses/Primal Scream. Rob shares the story of…
more -
Eric Bootow
Eric Bootow, the creator of the Punk Rock Bass Players Community shares his journey as a bass player Fourth In Line, Jugheads Revenge and creating PRBP, an online community for punk rock bass players to communicate, trade gigs and support one another. In this conversation, Donivan and Eric delve...
-
Introducing Why Bass? with Doni Blair
Ruinous Media would like to welcome Why Bass? Why Bass? Is a podcast that shifts the focus from a bass players history and curriculum vitae to that age old question - why would anyone want to play the bass guitar? Donivan Blair asks this question with bassist’s of all styles and ranges on each...
About this show
‘Why Bass?” Is a podcast that shifts the focus from a bass players history and CV to that age old question - why would anyone want to play the bass guitar? Donivan Blair asks this question with bassist’s of all styles and ranges on each episode and allows the guest to tell the audience in their own words who inspired them, why they chose the instrument and their gear of choice. ‘Why Bass?’ Is hosted by Donivan Blair who does not understand why anyone needs more than four strings and has been obsessed with the bass guitar since 1985. He started the punk band Hagfish with brother Zach in 1991, left their hometown of Sherman, TX and never looked back. Touring the world with Only Crime and Armstrong led him to joining the Toadies in 2008. Donivan knows why he plays the bass but is curious to find out why others have decided to follow this particular yellow brick road.
Hosted by
Donivan Blair
Categories