Janek Gwizdala Podcast
Dive deep into the music universe with the podcast that unveils the journey of one of the most influential bass players in the music industry – Janek Gwizdala. Designed for bass enthusiasts and musicians alike, each episode is a sonic exploration into the world of groove, gear. technique, and artistic evolution.
Janek Gwizdala, renowned for his mastery of the bass, shares his life's narrative – from the early days as a budding musician to his current status as a sought-after sideman and solo artist. Whether you're a seasoned bassist or simply appreciate the magic of live music, join us as we unravel the layers of Janek's experiences, revealing the secrets behind his signature sound.
Expect in-depth conversations with Janek and special guests, offering unique perspectives on music, composition, and the art of creating an unforgettable groove. Explore the challenges and triumphs of a professional bass player, gain insights into the creative process, and discover the stories behind some of Janek's most iconic performances.
Whether you're looking for inspiration for your own musical journey or simply want to bask in the rich tones of the bass, "The Janek Gwizdala Podcast" is your backstage pass to the world of bass and music.
Subscribe now for an intimate look at the life and legacy of Janek Gwizdala's bass-centric career.
janekgwizdala.substack.com
Ian Martin Allison Interview
2024-03-11 17:49:45
In an effort to be all about the in-person interview as much as possible on the podcast, I flew out to Minneapolis to hang with bassist, podcaster and educator Ian Martin Allison this past weekend. We talked about the very contrasting ways in which we use the Line6 HX Stomp, touring as a sideman vs musical director, how being a parent changes everything, and what it's like to transition from freelance musician to artist. This is my wish list for more guests in 2024: Nathan east Larry Klein Lee Sklar Sean Hurley Stefan Lessard Tim Lefebvre Stu Hamm Jimmy Earl Jimmy Haslip Justin chancellor Who else you got? More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
In an effort to be all about the in-person interview as much as possible on the podcast, I flew out to Minneapolis to hang with bassist, podcaster and educator Ian Martin Allison this past weekend.
We talked about the very contrasting ways in which we use the Line6 HX Stomp, touring as a sideman vs musical director, how being a parent changes everything, and what it's like to transition from freelance musician to artist.
This is my wish list for more guests in 2024:
Nathan east
Larry Klein
Lee Sklar
Sean Hurley
Stefan Lessard
Tim Lefebvre
Stu Hamm
Jimmy Earl
Jimmy Haslip
Justin chancellor
Who else you got?
More soon,
Janek
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
New Distortion & Compressor Pedals!
2024-03-05 07:10:43
Does the bass world really need yet another distortion and compression pedal? There are literally 100's of each to choose from at this point, and it is no longer a surprise when a new builder pops up and announces a new one has arrived. I have some of them, but by no means all. I've played a lot of them, but not every single one. In my humble opinion, one that isn't being paid for by anyone, these two pedals from Lusithand have rather a lot of music to offer us. I hope you enjoy the longer podcast format for pedal stuff. Let me know in the comments if you want more of it. Check out Lusithand Devices (not a sponsor and not an affiliate link) Get Bass Books Here More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Does the bass world really need yet another distortion and compression pedal? There are literally 100's of each to choose from at this point, and it is no longer a surprise when a new builder pops up and announces a new one has arrived.
I have some of them, but by no means all. I've played a lot of them, but not every single one. In my humble opinion, one that isn't being paid for by anyone, these two pedals from Lusithand have rather a lot of music to offer us.
I hope you enjoy the longer podcast format for pedal stuff. Let me know in the comments if you want more of it.
Check out Lusithand Devices (not a sponsor and not an affiliate link)
Get Bass Books Here
More soon,
Janek
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Recording Bass At Home
2024-02-28 06:31:30
Get ready to level up your bass recording game! In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on killer home recording setups for every budget. Whether you're rocking a tight wallet or ready to splurge, I've got you covered. We're diving deep, exploring setups from under $500 all the way to the stratosphere of luxury gear. There's something here for every bassist, whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro. And hey, I know I've got a ton of gear, but there's always more out there! If I missed your favorite compressor or pre-amp, drop a comment or contact the company. Who knows? Maybe we'll team up with the builder for a demo on the channel! More soon, Janek P.S. Pentatonics and ii-V-I just came back in stock. Signed physical copies are shipping worldwide. Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Get ready to level up your bass recording game! In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on killer home recording setups for every budget. Whether you're rocking a tight wallet or ready to splurge, I've got you covered.
We're diving deep, exploring setups from under $500 all the way to the stratosphere of luxury gear. There's something here for every bassist, whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro.
And hey, I know I've got a ton of gear, but there's always more out there! If I missed your favorite compressor or pre-amp, drop a comment or contact the company. Who knows? Maybe we'll team up with the builder for a demo on the channel!
More soon,
Janek
P.S. Pentatonics and ii-V-I just came back in stock. Signed physical copies are shipping worldwide.
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
What It Costs To Be a Musician in 2024
2024-02-19 16:05:00
In a continued effort to be as transparent as possible with my process, this episode breaks down some of the financial realities of running several small businesses as a musician. It all started 30 years ago as being "just" a bass player, but it's come a long way and is still evolving. With business interests in online education, content creation around pedals and gear, writing books, making documentaries, producing, writing, recording, and touring as a musician, there is enough subject matter for 50 episodes. This just scrapes the surface and gives you a brief look inside what my day to day looks like. Please jump in the comments and ask questions if there is something major that you think I missed. More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
In a continued effort to be as transparent as possible with my process, this episode breaks down some of the financial realities of running several small businesses as a musician.
It all started 30 years ago as being "just" a bass player, but it's come a long way and is still evolving. With business interests in online education, content creation around pedals and gear, writing books, making documentaries, producing, writing, recording, and touring as a musician, there is enough subject matter for 50 episodes.
This just scrapes the surface and gives you a brief look inside what my day to day looks like. Please jump in the comments and ask questions if there is something major that you think I missed.
More soon,
Janek
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Bass Signal Path Explained
2024-02-12 16:05:00
In this episode I'm sharing some thoughts on bass signal path when it comes to building pedalboards. We look at ideas for pedals routed in series as well as the current setup I have where I'm using parallel loops. I also go over a huge list of pre amps and compressors I'm considering for my "clean" signal. Pedals are a never ending world of experimentation for me. I don't think there's a "right" way to do any of it, and I highly recommend you start with the questions "what am I hearing?" and "how do I make that sound". The only right way to do it is to make things sound the way you hear them. More soon, Janek You can get Bass Books Here Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode I'm sharing some thoughts on bass signal path when it comes to building pedalboards.
We look at ideas for pedals routed in series as well as the current setup I have where I'm using parallel loops. I also go over a huge list of pre amps and compressors I'm considering for my "clean" signal.
Pedals are a never ending world of experimentation for me. I don't think there's a "right" way to do any of it, and I highly recommend you start with the questions "what am I hearing?" and "how do I make that sound".
The only right way to do it is to make things sound the way you hear them.
More soon,
Janek
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
A Beautiful New 4-String Bass Just Arrived
2024-02-05 16:05:00
I'm at a very fortunate point in my career where I have access to not just the most incredible instruments, but the most incredible people. While at the NAMM show convention lat month I met the folks at RKM basses and had an immediate connection with the instrument featured in this video. Besides the incredibly kind gesture of gifting me this bass, RKM are not paying me to make this podcast or to say any of the things I have about the instrument. I just feel compelled to share the bass with you, and how I am slowly working some new tools back into my studio having sold off a lot of instruments over the past 6 months. More soon, Janek P.S. As mentioned in the episode, there are a limited number of signed books back in stock. I apologize that I’m not able to keep 100’s of copies of every book in stock at all times, and that people are seeing the “sold out” sign a lot on the store. But rest assured, as soon as they sell out I do order more copies, and they are shipping worldwide. Can’t thank you enough for the support as always.
I'm at a very fortunate point in my career where I have access to not just the most incredible instruments, but the most incredible people. While at the NAMM show convention lat month I met the folks at RKM basses and had an immediate connection with the instrument featured in this video.
Besides the incredibly kind gesture of gifting me this bass, RKM are not paying me to make this podcast or to say any of the things I have about the instrument. I just feel compelled to share the bass with you, and how I am slowly working some new tools back into my studio having sold off a lot of instruments over the past 6 months.
More soon,
Janek
P.S. As mentioned in the episode, there are a limited number of signed books back in stock. I apologize that I’m not able to keep 100’s of copies of every book in stock at all times, and that people are seeing the “sold out” sign a lot on the store. But rest assured, as soon as they sell out I do order more copies, and they are shipping worldwide. Can’t thank you enough for the support as always.
More Focused on Progress Than Ever
2024-01-29 21:26:44
Cliff Almond is one of the most underrated drummers of the past 30 years with one core element, "The Grid", that creates this effortless transition from Michel Camilo and Wayne Krantz, to arena rock tours and studio sessions. He also happens to be the drummer in my band, the drummer on my latest album "Night Watch", and one of my great friends of almost 20 years. He may be from a generation that came before me, but has more respect for the music, the process, and the search for what is next that most musicians I know from ANY generation. He is a fountain of musical youth, a wealth of knowledge and experience, and is without question in my hall of fame list of drummers that I still can't believe I get to play with on a regular basis. Enjoy, Janek P.S. We just had a re-stock on physical books, so signed copies are starting to ship TODAY! Get a copy before they’re all gone again. Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Cliff Almond is one of the most underrated drummers of the past 30 years with one core element, "The Grid", that creates this effortless transition from Michel Camilo and Wayne Krantz, to arena rock tours and studio sessions.
He also happens to be the drummer in my band, the drummer on my latest album "Night Watch", and one of my great friends of almost 20 years.
He may be from a generation that came before me, but has more respect for the music, the process, and the search for what is next that most musicians I know from ANY generation.
He is a fountain of musical youth, a wealth of knowledge and experience, and is without question in my hall of fame list of drummers that I still can't believe I get to play with on a regular basis.
Enjoy,
Janek
P.S. We just had a re-stock on physical books, so signed copies are starting to ship TODAY! Get a copy before they’re all gone again.
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
I Got A New Bass
2024-01-24 16:03:00
I’ve been waiting for this bass for over 4 1/2 years. It was the bass gifted to me and Chelsea at our wedding in 2019, and holds a very special place in our hearts. It also happens to be a world-class piece of design and craftsmanship, which takes owning and playing it to a whole other level. All is explained in the episode. Enjoy, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
I’ve been waiting for this bass for over 4 1/2 years. It was the bass gifted to me and Chelsea at our wedding in 2019, and holds a very special place in our hearts.
It also happens to be a world-class piece of design and craftsmanship, which takes owning and playing it to a whole other level.
All is explained in the episode.
Enjoy,
Janek
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Unboxing New Pedals & Studio Flood Update
2024-01-16 06:24:07
As I update you guys on the flood damage in this episode, I’m also able to show you some new pieces that just came in this week, as well as announce some new boutique stuff that’s en-route. The damage wasn’t as crazy as I had originally feared, but it did take a week of removing the backs of pedals, slowly drying them out, and then using contact cleaner and some further patience to sit here and test them all. Thankfully there are so many new ones coming in which will help both my moral, and the Pedal Studio series on youtube over the coming weeks. I’m preparing for a quick trip with the family and whilst in our storage getting luggage out today I discovered a huge box of CDs that I had totally forgotten about. They are mainly copies of my 2019 album “The Union” plus a few Space In Betweens, and since I’m in shipping mode with the signed copies of the books flying out of here, I’m thinking about doing a VERY limited drop of these CDs. Better to be out there in the world than sitting in a box somewhere. I know there are some of you that like a physical product when it comes to audio, so drop me a comment and let me know if you’d be into it. And yes!!! I’m goin to do vinyl at some point. The biggest issue is that it’s a massive commitment for margins that are incredibly low. It’s a total passion project, it takes a lot of investment re-mastering the albums to make them sound right for vinyl, and then it takes hella work logistically speaking to get them out to you. I am going to do it, I’m goin to start small, and it will happen in 2024. In the meantime I’ve had a random slew of enquiries about other media formats like cassette tapes.
As I update you guys on the flood damage in this episode, I’m also able to show you some new pieces that just came in this week, as well as announce some new boutique stuff that’s en-route.
The damage wasn’t as crazy as I had originally feared, but it did take a week of removing the backs of pedals, slowly drying them out, and then using contact cleaner and some further patience to sit here and test them all.
Thankfully there are so many new ones coming in which will help both my moral, and the Pedal Studio series on youtube over the coming weeks.
I’m preparing for a quick trip with the family and whilst in our storage getting luggage out today I discovered a huge box of CDs that I had totally forgotten about. They are mainly copies of my 2019 album “The Union” plus a few Space In Betweens, and since I’m in shipping mode with the signed copies of the books flying out of here, I’m thinking about doing a VERY limited drop of these CDs.
Better to be out there in the world than sitting in a box somewhere. I know there are some of you that like a physical product when it comes to audio, so drop me a comment and let me know if you’d be into it.
And yes!!! I’m goin to do vinyl at some point. The biggest issue is that it’s a massive commitment for margins that are incredibly low. It’s a total passion project, it takes a lot of investment re-mastering the albums to make them sound right for vinyl, and then it takes hella work logistically speaking to get them out to you. I am going to do it, I’m goin to start small, and it will happen in 2024.
In the meantime I’ve had a random slew of enquiries about other media formats like cassette tapes.
Studio Flood Ruins Pedals
2024-01-09 19:01:58
It’s been quite the weekend with the laundry room flooding and cascading down into my studio, soaking a bunch of pedals on the shelves you see in so many of my videos. I’m a couple of days into the drying out process and am hoping most things can be recovered. But the fact that I was pouring water out of an overdrive pedal like it was a teapot, kind of hints at a few things being permanently buggered. Positive foot forward though! I’m bringing back more regular episodes of The Pedal Studio, and need all your suggestions on what pedals you want to hear and which companies I should reach out to for gear to feature on the show. Leave your comments below the youtube video as that really helps the algorithm, and if you’re not subscribed to the channel do that now! The bigger the channel grows, the more high-profile guests I’m able to attract for the podcast, and the more exotic pieces of gear I’m able to feature in demo videos. In other news: A bunch of physical books that I’m shipping worldwide just sold out, but this week we re-stocked Pentatonics , All the Better Stuff/Good Stuff and ii-V-I’s, with copies of Iconic Lines expected to be back in stock later this month! More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
It’s been quite the weekend with the laundry room flooding and cascading down into my studio, soaking a bunch of pedals on the shelves you see in so many of my videos.
I’m a couple of days into the drying out process and am hoping most things can be recovered. But the fact that I was pouring water out of an overdrive pedal like it was a teapot, kind of hints at a few things being permanently buggered.
Positive foot forward though! I’m bringing back more regular episodes of The Pedal Studio, and need all your suggestions on what pedals you want to hear and which companies I should reach out to for gear to feature on the show.
Leave your comments below the youtube video as that really helps the algorithm, and if you’re not subscribed to the channel do that now! The bigger the channel grows, the more high-profile guests I’m able to attract for the podcast, and the more exotic pieces of gear I’m able to feature in demo videos.
In other news: A bunch of physical books that I’m shipping worldwide just sold out, but this week we re-stocked Pentatonics, All the Better Stuff/Good Stuff and ii-V-I’s, with copies of Iconic Lines expected to be back in stock later this month!
More soon,
Janek
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe