‘Why Bass?” Is a podcast that shifts the focus from a bass players history and CV to that age old question - why would anyone want to play the bass guitar? Donivan Blair asks this question with bassist’s of all styles and ranges on each episode and allows the guest to tell the audience in their own words who inspired them, why they chose the instrument and their gear of choice. ‘Why Bass?’ Is hosted by Donivan Blair who does not understand why anyone needs more than four strings and has been obsessed with the bass guitar since 1985. He started the punk band Hagfish with brother Zach in 1991, left their hometown of Sherman, TX and never looked back. Touring the world with Only Crime and Armstrong led him to joining the Toadies in 2008. Donivan knows why he plays the bass but is curious to find out why others have decided to follow this particular yellow brick road.
Why Bass? with Donivan Blair
Claim This Podcastby Donivan Blair
Podcast Overview
‘Why Bass?” Is a podcast that shifts the focus from a bass players history and CV to that age old question - why would anyone want to play the bass guitar? Donivan Blair asks this question with bassist’s of all styles and ranges on each episode and allows the guest to tell the audience in their own words who inspired them, why they chose the instrument and their gear of choice. ‘Why Bass?’ Is hosted by Donivan Blair who does not understand why anyone needs more than four strings and has been obsessed with the bass guitar since 1985. He started the punk band Hagfish with brother Zach in 1991, left their hometown of Sherman, TX and never looked back. Touring the world with Only Crime and Armstrong led him to joining the Toadies in 2008. Donivan knows why he plays the bass but is curious to find out why others have decided to follow this particular yellow brick road.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
2/25/2026
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Recent Episodes
June 25, 2026
Casey Orr-GWAR
<p>On todays episode Casey Orr shares his journey as a bassist, influenced by his brother and the iconic bands they grew up with. Donivan and Casey discuss the formation of Casey's previous band Rigor Mortis and his entry into the world of GWAR. Casey talks about the impact of musicians like Mike Scaccia and his collaborative experience with notable artists like Ministry and the Burden Brothers. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by artists, including threats and the evolution of heavy metal and punk rock in the North Texas music scene. The two delve into the evolution of live music in Texas, reflecting on the legacy of iconic metal bands and the personal impact of loss within the music community. Last Casey shares details of his forthcoming signature Schecter bass.</p><p><a href="https://gwar.net/?srsltid=AfmBOopHNn6w3oSkPu6D06KWfzEAy7_BOtHnsOGuW_M5cMS8LAE2e6yo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GWAR</a></p><p>Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit.</p><p>Unleash the full force of your guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks, and strings and more. Go to <a href="https://www.jimdunlop.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jim Dunlop</a></p><p>For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. <a href="https://www.schecterguitars.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Schecter Guitars</a></p><p><a href="https://kingstonunionmfg.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kingston Union</a>- Your source for the original Wino</p><p>Mentioned in this episode:</p><p><strong>Jim Dunlop </strong></p><p>Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/</p><p><strong>Schecter Guitars</strong></p><p>Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/</p>
June 11, 2026
Matt Freeman-Rancid-Operation Ivy
<p>In the episode Donivan and Rancid's Matt Freeman delve into Matt's personal collection, the significance of signature basses, and the affordability of instruments for aspiring musicians. The discussion turns to why only badasses were born on April 23rd, they share humorous anecdotes about meeting musical icons and discuss the impact of Kathy Valentine and John Entwistle. Matt talks about the Bass Bunker, Rancid, playing a Rickenbacker in Charger and why you must watch what you say when meeting celebrities. </p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MattFreemansBassBunker" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Matt Freeman's Bass Bunker</a></p><p><a href="https://rancidrancid.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rancid</a></p><p>Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit.</p><p>Unleash the full force of your guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks, and strings and more. Go to <a href="https://www.jimdunlop.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jim Dunlop</a></p><p>For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. <a href="https://www.schecterguitars.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Schecter Guitars</a></p><p><a href="https://kingstonunionmfg.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kingston Union</a>- Your source for the original Wino</p><p>Mentioned in this episode:</p><p><strong>Jim Dunlop </strong></p><p>Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/</p><p><strong>Schecter Guitars</strong></p><p>Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/</p>
May 28, 2026
Rob Felicetti-Bowling For Soup
<p>In this episode Doni & Rob talk about getting booed, and why it is bad; why MusicMan basses aren't for everyone, (especially if you're short), Rob's beginnings as a drummer and how he joined Bowling For Soup. </p><p>Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit.</p><p>Unleash the full force of your guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks, and strings and more. Go to <a href="https://www.jimdunlop.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jim Dunlop</a></p><p>For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. <a href="https://www.schecterguitars.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Schecter Guitars</a></p><p>Mentioned in this episode:</p><p><strong>Schecter Guitars</strong></p><p>Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/</p><p><strong>Jim Dunlop </strong></p><p>Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/</p>
10 total episodes available
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