The Bass Shed Podcast
Conversations with bass players, composers, and artists about
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Acclaimed jazz bassist Tom Kennedy joins The Bass Shed Podcast to discuss his new album, The Summit, the influences that shaped his musical voice, and his approach to composition, improvisation, and ensemble playing. From Horace Silver and Ray Brown to Dave Weckl and leading his own band, Tom shares thoughtful insights into the artistry, responsibility, and joy of making music at the highest level.
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Joe Principe of Rise Against joins The Bass Shed Podcast to discuss the band's latest album Ricochet, the launch of The A.R.T. Project, 25 years of touring, activism, family life, bass gear, and the principles that have guided one of punk rock's most enduring bands.
Joe Principe has spent more than two decades anchoring the low end for Rise Against, helping build one of punk rock's most influential and enduring bands.
In this episode of The Bass Shed Podcast, Joe reflects on the band's origins following the breakup of 88 Fingers Louie, how Rise Against came together, and the challenges of building a career from the Chicago punk scene. He shares stories from the early years, the breakthrough success of Revolutions Per Minute, and how the band has remained committed to its values while evolving musically.
Joe also offers an inside look at the making of Rise Against's latest album, Ricochet, discussing the band's approach to the record, how they view each album as a snapshot of who they are creatively, and why staying authentic has always mattered more than chasing trends.
Beyond the music, the conversation explores balancing family life with decades of touring, raising independent and open-minded children, the influence of punk culture, veganism, activism, and using a platform to support meaningful causes. Joe also discusses his bass influences, evolving gear, touring rig, and why playing with a pick remains central to his sound.
Whether you're a bassist, songwriter, or lifelong punk fan, this episode offers an honest conversation about longevity, creativity, and staying true to your convictions.
Joe Principe & Rise Against
Official Website
https://riseagainst.com
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/riseagainst/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/riseagainst
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@RiseAgainst
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Jerry Jemmott: 15 Timeless Basslines
Own the book and learn the stories behind some of Jerry Jemmott's most iconic recordings, complete with note-for-note transcriptions and firsthand commentary from Jerry himself.
https://www.thebassshedacademy.org/741259528234
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In Episode 150 of The Bass Shed Podcast, Ryan Roberts sits down with Adam Russell, bassist of Story of the Year, to talk about the band’s latest album A.R.S.O.N., their evolution over 25 years, and how his role as a bassist has grown alongside the band.
Mark Wade is a New York-based bassist, composer, and bandleader, and a five-time DownBeat Readers’ Poll finalist for Bassist of the Year. In this episode of The Bass Shed Podcast, Ryan Roberts sits down with Mark to talk about his musical path, his work as a creative artist and ensemble leader, and take a deep dive into his latest recording, New Stages.
Ed Breckenridge of Thrice joins Ryan Roberts to talk about creativity, musicianship, and the role of bass in shaping a band’s sound. They explore Thrice’s evolution over two decades, the band’s latest album Horizons West, and how bass tone, texture, and songwriting contribute to the identity of a long-running group.
Freelance Boston bassist Darren Sacks discusses orchestral audition strategy, rhythmic precision, practice design, and his Double Bass Audition Accelerator system. Learn what truly separates good playing from audition-ready performance in EP 147 of The Bass Shed Podcast.
In Episode 147 of The Bass Shed Podcast, Ryan Roberts sits down with freelance double bassist and educator Darren Sacks to explore what truly separates good playing from audition-ready playing.
Darren shares the story of hearing the Boston Symphony Orchestra live at sixteen and deciding to switch from saxophone to double bass — a decision that led to rapid advancement, conservatory training, and a performing career throughout the Boston area.
This conversation goes far beyond résumé highlights.
Ryan and Darren dive into:
• Why “innate talent” is often misunderstood
• The critical role of rhythmic precision and note length in orchestral auditions
• What adjudicators are actually listening for
• Why technique on the double bass cannot be optional
• The psychology of performing under pressure
• And how Darren’s Double Bass Audition Accelerator system prepares students for youth orchestra, festival, and conservatory auditions
If you’re preparing for auditions — or guiding someone who is — this episode is tactical, honest, and practical.
Ben Suarez shares how hip-hop shaped his sense of rhythm long before he picked up the bass. From starting the instrument at 20 to building The Hip Snacks in Denver, this episode explores developing identity through experience, serving powerful vocals with intention, and trusting a non-linear path rooted in artistry, craft, and culture.
Mark Johnson of Unfaithful Servants joins Ryan to talk serving the song, real time feel, and sustaining a 35-year career on bass—plus a deep dive into the band’s 2025 album Fallen Angel and its thoughtful, song-first musicianship.
Mark has spent over 35 years working as a professional bassist across jazz, bluegrass, Americana, and roots music, and shares how those worlds inform his approach to time, tone, and musical support. They discuss the difference between learning music in school versus on the bandstand, the importance of community, and why restraint and listening matter more than flash. The second half of the episode dives into Unfaithful Servants’ 2025 album Fallen Angel, exploring its deliberate arrangements, instrumental tracks, melodic bass writing, arco textures, and wide emotional shifts. Ryan and Mark break down how the band blends tradition with sophisticated musicianship while always keeping the listener in mind. A thoughtful conversation about bass, band dynamics, and what it really means to serve the music
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EP 153 - Tom Kennedy (Session Player, Solo Artist)
Acclaimed jazz bassist Tom Kennedy joins The Bass Shed Podcast to discuss his new album, The Summit, the influences that shaped his musical voice, and his approach to composition, improvisation, and ensemble playing. From Horace Silver and Ray Brown to Dave Weckl and leading his own band, Tom shares thoughtful insights into the artistry, responsibility, and joy of making music at the highest level.
In Partnership with
Bassist, composer, and recording artist NOA Eve joins The Bass Shed Podcast to discuss Late Bloomer, a deeply personal debut album that blends solo double bass, bluegrass, new acoustic music, and songwriting. NOA shares the journey of developing an individual artistic voice, embracing vulnerability through music, and using the double bass to tell stories that extend far beyond the instrument itself.