“Wait… did I miss something? Why is there an article about a bass podcast on Six Pixels of Separation?”

Here’s why:
In the late nineties my first job was as a music journalist (actually, my first interview was with Tommy Lee from Motley Crue right before the band released Dr. Feelgood).
I spent many years interviewing musicians and artists for local weekly alternative newspapers, national and international magazines (and even published three music magazines – before we had the Internet).
I also studied and played the electric bass (in high school and post-secondary) and always felt like bass players never really had a chance to tell their stories.
So, about ten years ago, Seth Godin introduced me to Corey Brown (founder of No Treble – one of the world’s biggest bass platforms – and he also worked on Squidoo with Seth).
From there, Corey and I decided to try this monthly podcast where I would interview bass players and talk about their music, art, creativity and more.
I’m hopeful that these conversations will inspire your work, creativity and innovation as much as they do for me…

John Ferrara is this month’s conversation on Groove – The No Treble Podcast.

You can listen the new episode right here: Groove – The No Treble Podcast – Episode #114 – John Ferrara.

Who is John Ferrara?

Bassist and composer, John Ferrara, has made a name for himself with his innovative tapping bass playing style and his work with his world fusion band, Consider The Source. Known for his unorthodox approach, John utilizes a two-handed tapping technique that transforms the bass into an instrument capable of piano-like and classical guitar textures. His technical prowess is always in service of creating emotionally resonant music, making his compositions both relatable and engaging. Born with a passion for music, John’s early influences included legends like Jimi Hendrix and Primus. This eclectic mix of inspirations helped shape his unique sound. Over the years, John has developed a signature style that blends elements of classical, jazz, rock, folk, and minimalism. His music evokes the brooding moodiness of Philip Glass, the improvisational spirit of Chick Corea, and the melancholic undertones of Radiohead. John’s journey in music has been marked by his dedication to pushing the boundaries of what the bass can do. He has gained recognition across various music scenes, from progressive rock and jam bands to metal. His skills earned him a finalist spot on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest, where his jaw-dropping performance stood out among thousands of entries. John is also a respected educator. He has been featured on No Treble, Scott’s Bass Lessons, and more, where he shares his techniques and insights with a global audience. Hundreds of bass players have sought his expertise through private lessons, eager to incorporate his methods into their own playing. In our conversation, John delves into his musical journey and the evolution of his tapping technique. He talks about the challenges he faced in developing his unique style. John also discussed the importance of practice and the concept of learning how to learn, a crucial skill for any musician. John’s approach to the bass goes beyond traditional playing. He incorporates pedals and effects to create layered, dynamic sounds, transforming the bass into a versatile instrument capable of a wide range of expressions. His compositions are built like intricate puzzles, with each layer adding depth and complexity. Currently touring with Consider The Source, John continues to captivate audiences with his innovative playing and engaging performances. His story is a testament to the power of dedication, creativity, and the endless possibilities that come with pushing the boundaries of the electric bass. Through his music, John invites listeners to experience the bass in a whole new way, proving that the instrument can be as expressive and versatile as any other in the musical spectrum. Enjoy the conversation…

What is Groove – The No Treble Podcast?

This is an ambitious effort. This will be a fascinating conversation. Our goal at Groove is to build the largest oral history of bass players. Why Groove? Most of the content about the bass revolves around gear, playing techniques, and more technical chatter. For us, bassists are creative artists with stories to tell. They are a force to be reckon with. These are the stories and conversation that we will capture. To create this oral history of why these artists chose the bass, what their creative lives are like, and where inspiration can be found.

Listen in: Groove – The No Treble Podcast – Episode #114 – John Ferrara.

Are you interested in what’s next? How to decode the future? I publish between 2-3 times per week and then the Six Pixels of Separation Podcast comes out every Sunday. Feel free to subscribe (and tell your friends).