Groove – Episode #112: Henrik Linder

Henrik Linder‘s story with the bass guitar is a journey of curiosity, creativity and connection. From his early days in Sweden, where a childhood crush’s comment steered him from piano to bass, to his innovative work with Dirty Loops, Henrik has always approached the bass with a sense of exploration.

It’s not just about playing an instrument for him – it’s about pushing boundaries and discovering new ways to create sound. In Stockholm, as a teenager, Henrik quickly made a name for himself, playing with various groups and soaking up influences from different genres and bass players like Flea and Gary Willis.

His passion for music led him to the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, where he met drummer Aron Mellergårdh and pianist Jonah Nilsson. Together, they formed Dirty Loops, a band that would take pop songs and turn them inside out, showcasing their musical chops and Henrik’s fluid, inventive bass lines. Dirty Loops became known for their ability to take well-known tracks and infuse them with jazz, funk, and a whole lot of technical skill into a new form of fusion. Their cover of Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” exploded on YouTube, setting the stage for their original work, including the album Loopified and their latest single, “Run Away.” Through it all, Henrik’s bass playing has been a constant source of innovation, using techniques like slapping, looping, and even adjusting his equipment to get just the right speed and sound and pop.

Dirty Loops was recently in town performing (go and see them live in your area… it’s a jaw-dropper), so we grabbed the chance to meet Henrik backstage and have this conversation. Henrik shares insights into his musical world. He talks about the joy of learning and growing as a musician, the transition from covers to original music, and the role of the bass in a band. He also discusses how social media has opened new doors for musicians, allowing them to share their work with a global audience and connect with fans in new ways. Henrik’s bass playing continues to explore the possibilities of the instrument.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, it’s a testament to the power of pushing the boundaries of what’s expected and embracing creativity. Henrik (and Dirty Loops) remind us that music is a playground. With each note and every song, they invite us to listen a little differently, to hear the possibilities, and to appreciate the bass guitar not just as part of the rhythm section, but as a lead voice in its own right (it will get you dancing!). In the end, it’s about sharing that journey with the world, one groove at a time.

Enjoy the conversation…