Ruinous Media and The Anti-Heroes podcast 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

Hello! Zach here with a wrap on season 7. I still can’t believe I’ve been able to sit down with friends, family and strangers and chat about the thing I love most.... guitars, gear and music! Music has benefitted my life in countless ways and you, the listeners, have supported me on this journey. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I also send this season off by re-introducing myself and letting you know where I stand outside of the music world.

Thank you! Until next season!

Rise Against

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schecter Guitars⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠

Today Zach talks with Dan Phillips, guitarist, and singer of True Widow and previously Slow Ride. Zach and discuss their shared musical history and the evolution of their respective bands. They talk early influences, the creative process behind their music, and the significance of their collaborative experiences in Dallas. Dan highlights the importance of musical experimentation and the personal connections that has shaped his art. They discuss the nuances of musicianship, the formation of new bands, and the importance of finding one's unique voice in music. They celebrate the joy of imperfection in live performances, the future of True Widow, and the gear that defines Dan’s sound. This one is special as Dan is one of Zach’s oldest friends and a huge influence on him him and his career.

TRUE WIDOW

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schecter Guitars⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠

Today’s guest is Donnie Walsh, bassist and singer of bay area punkers, Grumpster. Zach and Donnie discuss the origin of Grumpster and the musical influences that shaped their sound. They delve into the importance of community in music, share insights about their gear preferences, and reflect on the hard work that goes into being a touring musician. The two discuss the balance between the romanticized view of rock stardom and the gritty reality of life on the road, including the challenges of touring, chasing technology, and the joys of live performance. The two celebrate the camaraderie in their music community and the value in connecting with their audiences. Notable mention: this is the first episode Anti-Heroes recorded in a moving van!

Grumpster

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schecter Guitars⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠

Today is another “family time” episode here at the ol’ Anti-Heroes podcast! My is guest is Joe Principe, bassist of Rise Against and formerly of 88 Fingers Louie. I’ve seen the world with this guy and have had countless adventures and played countless shows and recorded countless songs together! These episodes are always near and dear to me and I think you’ll hear that. I also had to pretend that I didn't know all the answers to my questions ahead of time! We talk about his early days discovering music and specifically punk rock and early influences. We get into how to find your own voice on your instrument and the constant pursuit of tone (which were both still doing) and much,much more! We also get to talk about our new album, Ricochet, which will be out August 15th! I’ve been meaning to have Joe on since the early days of this podcast and even though we basically live together we’ve never made it happen so this one is very special! RISE AGAINST

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schecter Guitars⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠

On this episode Zach interviews Mike DeLeon, a guitarist from Texas, known for his work with Phil Anselmo, Flesh Hoarder and Soulfly. Zach and Mike dig into the rich history of Texas metal, the influence of local musicians, and the importance of authenticity in their playing. Mike shares his gear choices, his experiences playing with legendary artists, and the significance of his Texas roots in shaping his musical identity. Their conversation shows the bond among Texas musicians and the collaborative spirit within the metal community.

Flesh Hoarder

Soul Fly

Phil Anselmo and the Illegals

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schecter Guitars⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Better Help.

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠

On this episode, Zach speaks with Clark Vogler and Vaden Lewis from the Toadies. The three discuss band’s origin, their unique sound and they share their experience working with legendary producer Steve Albini. They delve to the band’s overall dynamic and the influence the Deep Elum scene had on them. Clark and Vaden dig into gear preferences and the and how they play a role in their songwriting. They talk guitar modifications, pedal boards, and the importance of hearing protection for musicians. They share insights into their musical legacies, family connections (Zach’s brother Doni is their bassist), and the regrets of lost instruments, emphasizing the significance of their craft and the joy of playing music together.

Toadies

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schecter Guitars⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠

In this episode, Zach and Dave discuss the evolution of their musical careers, focusing on the reunion of Scared of Chaka, Dave's transition to The Shins, and his various musical projects. Dave and Zack delve into the dynamics of band reunions, the excitement of live performances, and the creative process behind writing new material. The discussion also touches on the unique gear choices that have influenced their sound, highlighting the importance of individuality in punk rock music. They discuss their musical journeys, focusing on the unique guitars they've used, their philosophies on sound, and the superstitions that accompany their performances. They talk specific guitars, the evolution of their sound, and the vibrant guitar scene in Seattle, sharing personal anecdotes and insights along the way.

Scared Of Chaka

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Schecter Guitars⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠