The Year in Bass: 10 Essential Interviews and Podcasts from 2025

Every year, we get the chance to talk with some seriously inspiring bassists, builders, and low-end legends — and 2025 was no exception. From punk icons to modern innovators, bluegrass storytellers to metal masters, our interviews, Wonder Women articles, and Groove podcast episodes offered a backstage pass into what keeps the bass world so endlessly creative.

These conversations reminded us why we love what we do: hearing how gear, groove, and personal journeys all shape the way these artists play and live. Before we dive into a new year of bass inspiration, here are the top 10 interviews and podcasts you all couldn’t stop reading and listening to in 2025.

1. The Konductor Bass Is Part Bass, Part Keyboard, All Innovation – Interview with the Builder

The Konductor blends bass, keyboard, and pads into one bold instrument. Kyle Clay shares the creative journey behind the wild design.

2. Shelby Means on Going Solo: A Bluegrass Bassist’s Journey from Golden Highway to Center Stage

Shelby Means discusses her journey from Grammy-winning sideman to solo artist, writing and leading her debut bluegrass-focused album.

3. Green Day’s Mike Dirnt on His Epiphone G-3 Signature Bass and Chasing His Sound

Green Day’s Mike Dirnt opens up in a new interview about his Epiphone G-3 signature bass, tone evolution, gear tweaks, and the details behind his sound.

4. Groove – Episode #121: Michael Manring on Redefining the Bass and Lessons from Jaco Pastorius

Michael Manring joins Groove for Episode #121 to share his journey as a bass pioneer. From learning with Jaco Pastorius to redefining the instrument’s potential, this podcast dives into his innovations and stories.

5. Wonder Women: Kim Butler’s Journey Through Fretless Bass and Community Rebuilding

In this Wonder Women feature, Kim Butler discusses her influences, custom short-scale bass, pandemic-era performances, and community-focused projects.

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

Amy Tung Barrysmith shares how she crafts the massive Year of the Cobra sound, the secrets behind her "Rig of Doom," and more in this deep-dive podcast.

7. From The Go-Go’s to Cher: Abby Travis Shares Her Journey Through Iconic Gigs and Personal Projects

Abby Travis shares stories from touring with The Go-Go’s, Beck, Cher, and The Bangles, plus her love of bass, NASA, and her latest creative projects.

8. Two Fretless Bass Giants Unite: Steve Di Giorgio and Jeroen Paul Thesseling on Quadvium’s “Tetradōm”

In this exclusive interview, Steve Di Giorgio and Jeroen Paul Thesseling share how they created Quadvium’s fretless-forward debut, "Tetradōm".

9. Groove Podcast: Billy Hamilton on Silverstein’s Evolution, Bass Tone, and Finding Balance in a Digital World

The Groove Podcast welcomes Billy Hamilton of Silverstein to discuss tone, growth, and how a teenage dream became a 25-year musical journey

10. Groove Podcast: From Reluctant Bassist to Shinedown’s Backbone: Eric Bass Tells All

Shinedown’s Eric Bass reflects on his journey from multi-instrumentalist to bassist, producer, and solo artist.