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 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.

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Jim Dunlop

Schecter Guitars

Mentioned in this episode:

Jim Dunlop

Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/

Schecter Guitars

Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/

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 fostered originality. They talk about the politics of dancing and mmmmm feelin’ good and why Lars Frederiksen from Rancid doesn’t want to talk about bass. Joe and Doni highlight the importance of personal connections, how live music experiences shape a musician and the unique characteristics of the Chicago music scene.

Donivan and Joe have been friends and fellow bass nerds for 26 years. They also share a brother in guitarist Zach Blair. Enjoy!

Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit.

Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

• Rise Against
• Papa Roach
• 88 Fingers Louie
• Good Riddance
• The Offspring
• Fat Records
• Hopeless Records
• Screeching Weasel
• Naked Ray Gun
• No Use For A Name
• Daily Grind
• Floyd
• The Vindictives
• Anti-Flag
• Minor Threat
• The Damned
• SNFU
• D.R.I.
• Operation Ivy
• The Descendents
• Alkaline Trio
• AFI
• MXR
• Jim Dunlop

Mentioned in this episode:

Jim Dunlop

Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/

Schecter Guitars

Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/

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 into their experiences growing up in the punk rock scene, discuss the influence of iconic musicians, the impact of family on their musical journeys, and the challenges of youth culture, including violence and conflict. The two explore the creation of a supportive community for bass players, highlighting the importance of positivity and connection in the larger music world. The dialogue highlights the power of music to inspire and unite individuals, showcasing the vibrant community that has emerged around their shared passion.

Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit.

Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

• Punk Rock Bass Players Community
• Fourth in Line
• Metallica
• Anthrax
• Suicidal Tendencies
• Bauhaus
• The Cure
• Black Flag
• Iron Maiden
• Guns N' Roses
• Motley Crue
• Slayer
• Duff McKagan
• Rickenbacker
• Dead Kennedys
• Doa
• The Damned
• The Adolescents
• Social Distortion
• Face to Face
• Guttermouth
• Voodoo Glow Skulls
• The Bronx
• Queens of the Stone Age
• Municipal Waste
• Dwarves
• No Means No
• Carl Alvarez
• James Jamerson
• J.J.
• Pink Floyd

Mentioned in this episode:

Schecter Guitars

Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/

Jim Dunlop

Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/