The Year of the Cobra Sound: Amy Tung Barrysmith on Her “Rig of Doom” and More | Groove Podcast Ep. 123

Amy Tung Barrysmith is a bassist, vocalist, and songwriter best known for her work with the Seattle-based doom duo Year of the Cobra. Her journey into music began with classical piano, but her transition to bass was fueled by necessity and a love for low-end frequencies.

Originally jamming casually with her husband, drummer Jon Barrysmith, the duo quickly developed a signature sound, driven by Amy’s “Rig of Doom,” which allows her to create a full-band experience with just bass and drums. Influenced by bands like Led Zeppelin and The Jackson 5, Amy’s approach to bass is both melodic and powerful, and she has embraced the challenges of being in a two-piece band by crafting a style that is heavy yet deeply personal.

Beyond Year of the Cobra, she has expanded her musical repertoire with projects like Amenra and Slower (which is… Slayer but slower… seriously), demonstrating her versatility and ambition. In this episode, Amy shares insights into her songwriting process, the evolution of Year of the Cobra’s latest self-titled album, and the balancing act of being a musician, teacher, and family person. She also dives into the technical side of her gear choices, the impact of working with producers like Matt Bayles (Mastodon and Isis), and her experiences touring both in the U.S. and internationally.

Whether you’re a musician looking for inspiration, a fan of doom metal, or simply curious about the creative process behind heavy music, this conversation will give you a deeper understanding of Amy’s approach to music, life and the bass.

Enjoy the conversation…