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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

Ian Martin Allison joins Now That’s Bass for a brilliant conversation about bass, teaching, social media, creativity and building a career on your own terms. From the story of how he first picked up the bass, to the bad teacher who shaped his approach to education, to the way he built a loyal audience online by leading with value, Ian shares honest, funny and thoughtful insights throughout. This episode also digs into sideman life, creative fulfilment, income streams, collaborations and the importance of being unapologetically yourself. In this episode: Ian’s origin story on bass The teacher experience that changed everything Building a genuine online presence The truth about sideman work Creativity vs financial stability Collaborations, gear and product design Advice for bass players coming up now The one bassline everyone should learn #NowThatsBass #IanMartinAllison #BassGuitar #BassPlayer #BassCommunity #MusicIndustry #MusicianCareer #BassEducation #CreativeCareer #Podcast #walbass #tool #justinchancellor #mxr #labellastrings #mikelull

Session bassist Russell Carr joins Pete on Now That’s Bass for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it really takes to build a long-term career as a working bass player. From playing with Skin and The Blockheads to teaching, function gigs, gear choices and the power of word of mouth, Russell breaks down the real-world side of life as a musician: groove over flash, professionalism over ego, and why being a safe pair of hands matters. If you want a realistic, encouraging look at bass careers beyond the fantasy, this episode is packed with insight. Topics covered: The magic of simple bass playing Filling in on iconic material How session work actually comes your way Why drummers often recommend bass players The value of function gigs Gear, tone and why Fenders still dominate Soft skills, networking and getting hired again Enjoying the journey instead of chasing the endpoint #NowThatsBass #RussellCarr #BassGuitar #SessionBass #BassCareers #WorkingMusician #BassPodcast #GiggingLife #MusicIndustry #BassPlayers

Pete Roythorne sits down with acclaimed bassist Reggie Parker for a powerful conversation on gospel bass, creativity, confidence and the realities of a life in music. Reggie shares how he got started, the players who inspired him, how he found his sound, and what it really took to rise through the gospel world in the 1990s. Along the way, he opens up about creative risk, paying dues, iconic sessions, social media, ageing, regret and the challenges musicians face trying to build a sustainable career today. Honest, sharp and full of insight, this episode is packed with lessons for bass players and working musicians at every level. Key topics include: Reggie Parker’s origin story on bass The overlooked brilliance of gospel bass players How iconic bass intros get created Why memorable playing matters more than empty speed Paying dues and being ready for opportunity Music careers, money and family reality Social media, validation and modern musician culture How criticism helps players grow Personal regret, perspective and staying hungry

Jonathan Noyce has built a remarkable career as a bassist, working with artists including Jethro Tull, Gary Moore, Take That, Archive and The Divine Comedy, as well as on major film soundtracks. In this episode, he shares the lessons that shaped that journey — from studying music seriously and landing early breakthrough sessions, to learning the discipline, taste and integrity needed to sustain a long-term career. It’s a thoughtful conversation about serving the song, finding your sound, dealing with nerves, adapting over time and staying grounded in the music. Key topics: How Jonathan first got into bass The influence of Level 42 and Mark King Why taste matters more than flash The path from music college to professional session work Joining Jethro Tull and growing as a player Confidence, imposter syndrome and musical identity Rebuilding a career after a major chapter ends Gear, tone and reliability What makes a truly great bass part

What does a real career in music actually look like? In this episode, Pete sits down with Becky Baldwin, one of the UK’s busiest rock and metal bass players. Becky performs with King Diamond, Merciful Fate, Fury and Delilah Bonn, and has built a career that many musicians dream of. But unlike the myth of the “big break”, Becky’s journey has been built on years of small steps, networking, relentless work and adapting to the modern music industry. From growing up in a small village with no music scene, to building an international career, Becky shares honest insights about what it really takes to survive as a professional bass player. This episode covers everything from imposter syndrome and networking to building a personal brand online and creating multiple income streams as a musician. If you're serious about building a career in music — this conversation is packed with real-world advice. Key Topics • Becky Baldwin’s early bass influences (Cliff Burton, Lemmy and more) • Growing up without a music scene and moving to Bristol • Why most gigs come from networking — not auditions • The reality of building a music career without a “big break” • Dealing with imposter syndrome as a professional musician • Using social media as a modern musician’s showreel • Why authenticity matters more than chasing trends • Balancing teaching, performing and multiple income streams • Building trust and reputation in the music scene • Practical advice for bass players trying to break into the industry

Greg Hofmann has toured the world for over 15 years, played with artists including Bootsy Collins, Candace Springs, Rick Astley and Jess Glynne, and built a parallel creative path through teaching and pedal building. In this episode, Greg talks openly about his journey from South Africa to London, the grind of trying to survive as a musician, and the moment he realised that chasing every gig wasn’t the same as loving music. We talk about building a sustainable creative life, finding your own voice on bass, resisting the pressure to sound like everyone else, and using social media in a way that helps you stand out rather than disappear into the crowd. This is a thoughtful, honest conversation about musicianship, identity, gear, creativity and what it takes to keep going.