Groove – Episode #120: Brian Wheat

Brian Wheat has always been a storyteller, whether through his bass lines with Tesla or his lens as a photographer. Known as the bassist for the multi-platinum rock band Tesla, Brian’s career spans decades of creating music, touring the world, and evolving as an artist in unexpected ways. Born in Sacramento, California, Brian knew from a young age that music was his calling. Inspired by his siblings’ record collections, The Beatles’ Revolver first lit the spark.

By 12, a broken leg led to a serendipitous gift – a guitar. Brian wanted to be more Paul McCartney than John Lennon, so he sold his Schwinn bike for $40 and bought his first bass. That moment cemented a lifelong passion for the instrument that would become his identity.

In the early ’80s, Brian and his friend Frank Hannon started jamming in garages, first as Earthshaker, then City Kidd, before becoming Tesla. With Jeff Keith, Troy Luccketta, and Tommy Skeoch rounding out the lineup, Tesla quickly gained momentum. By 1985, they were signed to Geffen Records, and the rest is rock history. Hits like ‘Love Song’ and ‘Modern Day Cowboy’ showcased their bluesy hard rock style, and decades later, their music still resonates with fans. During this conversation, Brian shares stories about the band’s early days, the grind of touring, and his love for the collaborative process of music. Tesla’s music reflects its roots — raw, honest, and deeply connected to its fans.

Despite years of global success, Brian remains grounded, finding joy in the simplicity of creating and performing music with his bandmates. But there’s more to Brian than his time with Tesla. About a decade ago, during a break from touring, he discovered a new creative outlet: photography. A vacation with rock photographer Ross Halfin introduced Brian to the Leica camera, and a new passion was born. He started capturing the world around him, seeking out unique locations and moments of quiet beauty amidst the chaos of a rock star’s life. Brian’s photography has since evolved into what he calls Enhanced Photography – a mix of photography and painting. His work combines vivid colors and textures, creating striking images that blur the line between photo and painting. Some of his pieces even adorn Hofner basses, transforming them into playable works of art. Brian also has a new band with AleX – an emerging singer/songwriter from the U.K. The duo has joined forces to create a new band, Violet Breed, with their debut single, “Awake,” out now.

Whether on stage with Tesla, behind the camera, or making music for Violet Breed, Brian continues to share his unique perspective with the world, one note – and one frame/bar – at a time.

Enjoy the conversation…