Now That’s Bass

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
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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.