Janek Gwizdala Podcast
Dive deep into the music universe with the podcast that unveils the journey of one of the most influential bass players in the music industry – Janek Gwizdala. Designed for bass enthusiasts and musicians alike, each episode is a sonic exploration into the world of groove, gear. technique, and artistic evolution.
Janek Gwizdala, renowned for his mastery of the bass, shares his life's narrative – from the early days as a budding musician to his current status as a sought-after sideman and solo artist. Whether you're a seasoned bassist or simply appreciate the magic of live music, join us as we unravel the layers of Janek's experiences, revealing the secrets behind his signature sound.
Expect in-depth conversations with Janek and special guests, offering unique perspectives on music, composition, and the art of creating an unforgettable groove. Explore the challenges and triumphs of a professional bass player, gain insights into the creative process, and discover the stories behind some of Janek's most iconic performances.
Whether you're looking for inspiration for your own musical journey or simply want to bask in the rich tones of the bass, "The Janek Gwizdala Podcast" is your backstage pass to the world of bass and music.
Subscribe now for an intimate look at the life and legacy of Janek Gwizdala's bass-centric career.
janekgwizdala.substack.com
Was This The Right Move?
2025-09-30 15:04:00
It can be tough to admit you’ve made a mistake or done something wrong, not least of all when it involves something you pretend to actually know a little about. In this week’s episode I come clean about a pedal blunder, discover my brain doesn’t work the way I want sometimes, and find comfort in the simple things in life. I also mention in the episode that two pieces of gear are leaving the studio and are up for sale in The Gear Store. If you’re subscribed to my newsletter you’ll see them before many other people listening to the podcast. They are pieces that simply aren’t getting used anymore, and with so many new things arriving in the coming months, it’s time to make some space. It’s gear that has meant a great deal to me for a multitude of reasons, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it ends up and how it gets used. As always, I’m offering them with free shipping worldwide. More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
It can be tough to admit you’ve made a mistake or done something wrong, not least of all when it involves something you pretend to actually know a little about.
In this week’s episode I come clean about a pedal blunder, discover my brain doesn’t work the way I want sometimes, and find comfort in the simple things in life.
I also mention in the episode that two pieces of gear are leaving the studio and are up for sale in The Gear Store. If you’re subscribed to my newsletter you’ll see them before many other people listening to the podcast. They are pieces that simply aren’t getting used anymore, and with so many new things arriving in the coming months, it’s time to make some space.
It’s gear that has meant a great deal to me for a multitude of reasons, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it ends up and how it gets used.
As always, I’m offering them with free shipping worldwide.
More soon,
Janek
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
The New RKM 5-Strings are FINISHED!
2025-09-24 15:04:00
My collaboration with RKM basses is now shipping to the lucky few who were able to grab one in our short run of the instrument. In today’s episode I go into some detail about the venture with RKM, play the bass a ton, and also have a look at some of the challenges we face when using synth pedals as bass players. More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
My collaboration with RKM basses is now shipping to the lucky few who were able to grab one in our short run of the instrument.
In today’s episode I go into some detail about the venture with RKM, play the bass a ton, and also have a look at some of the challenges we face when using synth pedals as bass players.
More soon,
Janek
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Is This The Greatest Reverb Pedal Ever?
2025-09-17 15:04:00
I haven't been this excited about a pedal in a very long time, and thought I would be waiting much longer to get my hands on one. The entire run of 400 sold out instantly a couple of months ago, and I imagine the next run in October will do the same. From its small footprint to the incredible depth of functionality, this reverb is musically very inspiring and I look forward to bringing you more updates on my progress with it soon. More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
I haven't been this excited about a pedal in a very long time, and thought I would be waiting much longer to get my hands on one. The entire run of 400 sold out instantly a couple of months ago, and I imagine the next run in October will do the same.
From its small footprint to the incredible depth of functionality, this reverb is musically very inspiring and I look forward to bringing you more updates on my progress with it soon.
More soon,
Janek
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
I'm Opening a Record Store (Sort of)
2025-09-10 15:04:00
We get to some new stereo sounds in the pedalboard and even a short lesson on outlining dominant chords in today’s episode… But first, in a music industry dominated by the internet, streaming, social media, and ten-second clips, I’m trying something a little different. I’ve always had the red light on when I’m playing live. I’ve recorded hundreds of shows over the past two decades, many of them as a bandleader performing my own music. Now, I’m sharing them in a new project I’m calling The Record Store . I get so many emails asking why I’m not on Bandcamp or where people can buy my music because they don’t use streaming services—and this is my answer. All the live shows from the past, every studio album, and as many new live recordings as I can add in the future will be available for download in one place: The Record Store . As I mention in today’s episode, if just 1% of this channel’s subscribers bought one album, it would fund one—possibly even two—new studio albums within the next 12 months. So, as I continue my quest to write, record, and release as much music as possible while I’m still here, I hope this project will help fuel the creative side of my career and make it possible to bring you new music on a regular basis. More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
We get to some new stereo sounds in the pedalboard and even a short lesson on outlining dominant chords in today’s episode…
But first, in a music industry dominated by the internet, streaming, social media, and ten-second clips, I’m trying something a little different.
I’ve always had the red light on when I’m playing live. I’ve recorded hundreds of shows over the past two decades, many of them as a bandleader performing my own music.
Now, I’m sharing them in a new project I’m calling The Record Store. I get so many emails asking why I’m not on Bandcamp or where people can buy my music because they don’t use streaming services—and this is my answer.
All the live shows from the past, every studio album, and as many new live recordings as I can add in the future will be available for download in one place: The Record Store.
As I mention in today’s episode, if just 1% of this channel’s subscribers bought one album, it would fund one—possibly even two—new studio albums within the next 12 months.
So, as I continue my quest to write, record, and release as much music as possible while I’m still here, I hope this project will help fuel the creative side of my career and make it possible to bring you new music on a regular basis.
More soon,
Janek
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Why I Still Practice Like a Beginner
2025-09-02 15:04:00
With more than 30 years invested in the process of learning and playing music, I'm still trying to get better and improve my technique. If you’re a fan of cycling like me, you may have heard about Tadej Pogačar and his zone-2 training revelations, as discussed by Peter Attia and Tadej's former coach Inigo San Millan. I've tried to start applying similar concepts to my daily practice routine, and I'm starting to see improvements, even after more than 30 years of playing. I'm excited to be able to share some of my progress from the past few weeks in this episode. More soon, Janek P.S. The pre-order for my new book “How To Transcribe” is now open. Transcription is the single most powerful way to train your ear and unlock your musicianship. This book is more than a manual—it’s a complete system for learning how to listen deeply, recognize musical language, and translate sound directly to your instrument. Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
With more than 30 years invested in the process of learning and playing music, I'm still trying to get better and improve my technique.
If you’re a fan of cycling like me, you may have heard about Tadej Pogačar and his zone-2 training revelations, as discussed by Peter Attia and Tadej's former coach Inigo San Millan. I've tried to start applying similar concepts to my daily practice routine, and I'm starting to see improvements, even after more than 30 years of playing.
I'm excited to be able to share some of my progress from the past few weeks in this episode.
More soon,
Janek
P.S. The pre-order for my new book “How To Transcribe” is now open.
Transcription is the single most powerful way to train your ear and unlock your musicianship. This book is more than a manual—it’s a complete system for learning how to listen deeply, recognize musical language, and translate sound directly to your instrument.
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Jazz vs AI. Who Wins?
2025-08-28 15:04:00
Special guests on this week's episode are my great friends and musical collaborators Justin Vasquez (who you will find on my albums Live at the 55bar, It Only Happens Once, and Found) and Gabriel Santiago who is a phenomenal Brazilian guitarist and composer I've worked with for many years, and appears on "Night Watch" as a vocalist. Check out Gabriel's Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ @GabrielSantiago Stream Justin's music: https://open.spotify.com/album/4TKrrFy4Ga39ugWx1ZObOI?si=StqQEUpmQCyHNESD-RH47Q
Special guests on this week's episode are my great friends and musical collaborators Justin Vasquez (who you will find on my albums Live at the 55bar, It Only Happens Once, and Found) and Gabriel Santiago who is a phenomenal Brazilian guitarist and composer I've worked with for many years, and appears on "Night Watch" as a vocalist.
Check out Gabriel's Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ @GabrielSantiago
Stream Justin's music: https://open.spotify.com/album/4TKrrFy4Ga39ugWx1ZObOI?si=StqQEUpmQCyHNESD-RH47Q
An Influence I Rarely Talk About
2025-08-21 15:04:00
In today's episode we get into some Django Reinhardt, the ii-V-I, and a pedal that's been at the top of my wishlist ever since it dropped a few weeks ago and sold out instantly! More soon, Janek New Book Bundle Available Now! Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
In today's episode we get into some Django Reinhardt, the ii-V-I, and a pedal that's been at the top of my wishlist ever since it dropped a few weeks ago and sold out instantly!
More soon,
Janek
New Book Bundle Available Now!
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
The #1 Tool Musicians Overlook
2025-08-14 15:04:00
Don't ignore your ears! They're the most important part of the process when it comes to playing, learning, communicating, interacting, and producing music of any kind. The word transcription has some things associated with it that might put you off thinking it's right for you, but in today's episode I'm going to break down some of those barriers and give you an explanation of the term that might help you incorporate it into your routine more easily. More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Don't ignore your ears! They're the most important part of the process when it comes to playing, learning, communicating, interacting, and producing music of any kind.
The word transcription has some things associated with it that might put you off thinking it's right for you, but in today's episode I'm going to break down some of those barriers and give you an explanation of the term that might help you incorporate it into your routine more easily.
More soon,
Janek
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
How I Learn Jazz
2025-08-07 15:04:00
Cannonball Adderley is one of my biggest jazz heroes and in this episode we're taking a look into how he's helped me with all aspects of my playing, not just jazz and improvisation. Find and trust a process that works for you, and then get into great habits like consistency, listening, and repetition. I have also found throughout the decades of working on all music, that the less I expect in terms of results, the more I end up achieving. It’s so easy to get sucked into that vortex of impatience when you first start working on something new. But trusting the process, letting it come to you rather than forcing the issue, and being okay with it not sounding or feeling that great right away are all key elements of what is going to help you succeed. Iconic Lines could be a great place to start if you're into material like this. Even if you're not, it could be the challenge and the discipline you've been looking for to take your daily routine in a new a more productive direction. Get ready for new music tonight at midnight with the release of the new album “Found” available on all streaming platforms! More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Cannonball Adderley is one of my biggest jazz heroes and in this episode we're taking a look into how he's helped me with all aspects of my playing, not just jazz and improvisation.
Find and trust a process that works for you, and then get into great habits like consistency, listening, and repetition.
I have also found throughout the decades of working on all music, that the less I expect in terms of results, the more I end up achieving.
It’s so easy to get sucked into that vortex of impatience when you first start working on something new. But trusting the process, letting it come to you rather than forcing the issue, and being okay with it not sounding or feeling that great right away are all key elements of what is going to help you succeed.
Iconic Lines could be a great place to start if you're into material like this. Even if you're not, it could be the challenge and the discipline you've been looking for to take your daily routine in a new a more productive direction.
Get ready for new music tonight at midnight with the release of the new album “Found” available on all streaming platforms!
More soon,
Janek
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
EVERY Bass Player Needs These Two Pedal Techniques
2025-07-30 15:05:00
Even if your pedal doesn't have them built in, I have a fix to get you the sound that "trails" open up on time based effects. And when it comes to some of the hippest pedal sounds for bass, a momentary switch can make all the difference in your performance. We get to both trails and momentary switches in this episode, as well as some tasty pedal combos and a vintage octave pedal you may have never seen before... As I mention in the episode, four of my favorite pedals are up on the chopping block, and my loss is your gain right. I have a few new things I want to bring into the pedalboard, and I'm trying to be good about not hoarding pedals just for the sake of it. They have served me well, have been on several of my own albums as well as on this channel many times, and now the road veers in a different sonic direction which requires a change of pedal scenery for me. Check out these beauties on the store before they’re all gone. More soon, Janek Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Even if your pedal doesn't have them built in, I have a fix to get you the sound that "trails" open up on time based effects.
And when it comes to some of the hippest pedal sounds for bass, a momentary switch can make all the difference in your performance.
We get to both trails and momentary switches in this episode, as well as some tasty pedal combos and a vintage octave pedal you may have never seen before...
As I mention in the episode, four of my favorite pedals are up on the chopping block, and my loss is your gain right. I have a few new things I want to bring into the pedalboard, and I'm trying to be good about not hoarding pedals just for the sake of it.
They have served me well, have been on several of my own albums as well as on this channel many times, and now the road veers in a different sonic direction which requires a change of pedal scenery for me.
Check out these beauties on the store before they’re all gone.
More soon,
Janek
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe