Will Griffin on Couch’s “Big Talk”: The Groove, the Bass, and the Band’s Creative Chemistry

With the release of their full-length debut Big Talk, Boston-based seven-piece Couch has cemented its place in the new wave of groove-driven pop bands. The group’s highly danceable music features tight arrangements, stacked harmonies, and a locked-in rhythm section anchored by bassist Will Griffin. His melodic yet disciplined bass lines sit at the center of Couch’s sound, driving the groove from the bottom.

In our interview, Griffin shares how his influences shaped his playing, how Couch adjusted to recording in the studio after working remotely, and how life on the road keeps the music going. Big Talk is streaming now on Apple Music, Amazon Music, Bandcamp, and more. The band will be on the road across North American and Europe – scroll down to see their full tour dates.

Bass Origins and Influences

Like many bassists, Griffin’s journey began with Paul McCartney. As a left-handed kid already drawn to the low end, he saw the Beatle play and everything clicked. “I saw that he was left-handed [like me], and I thought, ‘Wow, he’s amazing, and that’s exactly what I want to’,” he says. Singing didn’t stick, but bass did, and McCartney’s melodic approach became a lifelong guide.

Modern funk also shaped his style. “Joe Dart was a huge influence for me,” he explains, crediting the Vulfpeck bassist for inspiring him to push boundaries. The blend of classic and contemporary influences drives the groove behind Couch’s upbeat sound.

Making Big Talk

Recording Big Talk was a first for Couch in several ways. Earlier EPs were made at home with remote tracking during the pandemic. For this project, the band entered a proper studio, rehearsing and jamming ideas live before recording. “It felt more like how classic bands used to do it,” Griffin says. “We could play through things and let them evolve.” The result captures a tighter, more unified version of Couch than ever before.

Writing in Couch

Couch operates as a deeply collaborative unit. Songs often start with one member’s idea and evolve as everyone contributes. “Part of our process is being open to experimenting with what other people want,” Griffin says. Some songs begin with bass, like “On The Wire,” which started as a groove he brought in. Others, like “Jessie,” were born from keyboard lines he later translated to bass. Each approach keeps his playing fresh and pushes him to think differently.

Life on the Road

Touring has strengthened the band both personally and musically. “It’s one thing to jam in a room, but it’s another to do it on stage,” Griffin notes. The miles have also made them closer friends, deepening the connection that fuels their performances. His touring advice is simple: stay positive, keep perspective, and find moments alone when possible. Recent highlights include a sold-out Washington, DC show and an upcoming hometown date in Boston, their biggest yet.

Groove, Gear, and What’s Next

Fans notice Griffin’s sense of space and timing. Because bass is often recorded last, he listens for natural gaps. “It’s easier to hear those spots and say, ‘This would feel best here,’” he says. His main instrument is a left-handed Sandberg California VM5 paired with a Bergantino head. Although he has typically played straight to the amp, he’s now adding chorus and fuzz pedals for new textures on stage.

With Big Talk now out in the world, Will Griffin and Couch are hitting their stride. As Couch continues to tour and connect with fans, Big Talk stands as proof that groove, feel, and friendship remain at the heart of everything they do.

Couch 2025/2026 Tour Dates: