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
How To Create Chords From Nothing | The Kenny Werner Method
2022-07-22 00:21:46
Kenny Werner, master pianist and author of Effortless Mastery, has a fantastic concept that I've been using for years to create chord sequences. The hipness is only as successful as your ability to voice lead though, so it's a great way to improve a bunch of skills with just one simple concept. Root motion, chord quality, chord voicings and voice leading. Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Kenny Werner, master pianist and author of Effortless Mastery, has a fantastic concept that I've been using for years to create chord sequences. The hipness is only as successful as your ability to voice lead though, so it's a great way to improve a bunch of skills with just one simple concept. Root motion, chord quality, chord voicings and voice leading.
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Risk Tolerance | How Do You Pay For A Tour?
2022-07-18 08:14:29
There is often an element of risk involved for the independent artist when it comes to touring. How much of a balance can you strike between door splits and guarantees? Do you have any well paid festivals to build your tour around? And what are you willing to personally risk to make it happen? It sounds more daunting than it needs to be, and in today's episode we take a look at a ton of things that you can take into consideration when assessing what your risk tolerance is, and also how badly you want to make it happen. Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
There is often an element of risk involved for the independent artist when it comes to touring. How much of a balance can you strike between door splits and guarantees? Do you have any well paid festivals to build your tour around? And what are you willing to personally risk to make it happen?
It sounds more daunting than it needs to be, and in today's episode we take a look at a ton of things that you can take into consideration when assessing what your risk tolerance is, and also how badly you want to make it happen.
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
How To Tour | The Reality of Being a Band Leader
2022-07-15 21:52:35
There are hundreds of things that go into the touring process. From the booking of shows to the performances themselves, there is a chain of events that needs to happen to give you any chance of success. That check list can be super daunting, and in this episode I chip away at a few of the big keys needed to make your tour happen. Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
There are hundreds of things that go into the touring process. From the booking of shows to the performances themselves, there is a chain of events that needs to happen to give you any chance of success. That check list can be super daunting, and in this episode I chip away at a few of the big keys needed to make your tour happen.
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Studio Stories from Spain
2022-04-12 01:03:47
Being in Spain with my music and video crew was an absolute blast. I have a few rough bounce snippets to share with you in this episode, along with a bunch of stories from the sessions that are still super fresh in my mind. The pre-order is still in full-swing at https://janekgwizdala.com/ and at the end of this episode I talk about some new bonuses we've added to some of the packages. Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Being in Spain with my music and video crew was an absolute blast. I have a few rough bounce snippets to share with you in this episode, along with a bunch of stories from the sessions that are still super fresh in my mind.
The pre-order is still in full-swing at https://janekgwizdala.com/ and at the end of this episode I talk about some new bonuses we've added to some of the packages.
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Fear and Loathing in Los Angeles | Stereo Bass Rig
2022-03-26 05:48:10
The stereo setup makes its first appearance on the podcast today. Albeit very low-key and definitely not dialed in. I thought it would be good to give you a look through the window of what is happening in the week leading up to the recording of the new album, what I'm working on every day, how the setup sounds, and what needs more work before I get on the plane. There are lots of emotions in play right now, and over the past couple of weeks I have journeyed through fear, joy, loathing, and ultimately overwhelming motivation to do the best I can do. It's always a journey, and sometimes you're lucky enough to have amazing fans along for the ride who remind you why you do what you do. Luckily the fear is in the rear-view mirror, and I'm deep in the creative and highly-motivated portion of the process which is the most exciting part. Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
The stereo setup makes its first appearance on the podcast today. Albeit very low-key and definitely not dialed in. I thought it would be good to give you a look through the window of what is happening in the week leading up to the recording of the new album, what I'm working on every day, how the setup sounds, and what needs more work before I get on the plane. There are lots of emotions in play right now, and over the past couple of weeks I have journeyed through fear, joy, loathing, and ultimately overwhelming motivation to do the best I can do. It's always a journey, and sometimes you're lucky enough to have amazing fans along for the ride who remind you why you do what you do. Luckily the fear is in the rear-view mirror, and I'm deep in the creative and highly-motivated portion of the process which is the most exciting part.
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Bass Fans Are The Best Fans
2022-03-17 00:23:27
The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter for sustainability as an artist, and in just the past four days of the pre-sale for my new album, my motivation has risen to levels I haven't had in over a decade. You, the fans, are to thank for that, and it has turned this project into the most exciting I've ever embarked on. Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter for sustainability as an artist, and in just the past four days of the pre-sale for my new album, my motivation has risen to levels I haven't had in over a decade. You, the fans, are to thank for that, and it has turned this project into the most exciting I've ever embarked on.
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Saying Goodbye to Convention | Risk vs Reward
2022-03-14 07:12:09
With streaming music services destroying what little chance of continuing to create art musicians like myself have, I'm saying goodbye to convention, and taking a different path. I hope you're curious enough to join me on the journey. Whether you're a musician yourself, or a fan interested in more than just the music, this is going to be some kind of ride and I have no idea where it might end up. Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
With streaming music services destroying what little chance of continuing to create art musicians like myself have, I'm saying goodbye to convention, and taking a different path.
I hope you're curious enough to join me on the journey. Whether you're a musician yourself, or a fan interested in more than just the music, this is going to be some kind of ride and I have no idea where it might end up.
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Four of my Favorite Solo Breaks
2022-03-05 01:54:20
We're taking a look at 4 of my favorite solo breaks of all time featuring Michael Brecker, Lee Morgan, Pat Metheny, and Nat Adderley. It's incredible how much these sounds and phrases have stuck with me throughout my career and informed what I do today, even if I don't write, play, or record in the style of any of these artists. It's all about time and sound informing nuance. I also give an update on the pre-production progress for the new album, and report on yesterday's pedal test session at the rehearsal studio in Los Angeles. Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
We're taking a look at 4 of my favorite solo breaks of all time featuring Michael Brecker, Lee Morgan, Pat Metheny, and Nat Adderley. It's incredible how much these sounds and phrases have stuck with me throughout my career and informed what I do today, even if I don't write, play, or record in the style of any of these artists. It's all about time and sound informing nuance.
I also give an update on the pre-production progress for the new album, and report on yesterday's pedal test session at the rehearsal studio in Los Angeles.
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Music | It's as Much Mental as it is Physical. If Not More...
2022-02-21 07:17:50
Marketing guru Seth Godin gets us started with a quote from the "Behind the Brand" YouTube channel, and sends me down a path of working on the mental preparation needed to position yourself for success when you pursue something in music. We talk documentary film, recording, dad life, touring, music school, and a ton more in today's slightly longer than normal episode. Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
Marketing guru Seth Godin gets us started with a quote from the "Behind the Brand" YouTube channel, and sends me down a path of working on the mental preparation needed to position yourself for success when you pursue something in music.
We talk documentary film, recording, dad life, touring, music school, and a ton more in today's slightly longer than normal episode.
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
The Past, The Present, and The Future. Plotting a Course as an Artist.
2022-02-16 22:00:38
It has been 18 years since Mystery to Me, my debut album, came out. Today I take a quick look back at the complete discography, tell stories about the sessions, and start to plot a course for what is to come in the future. As mentioned in the show, you can join my new Telegram Channel to be a part of the conversation algorithm-free: https://t.me/janekgwizdala Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe
It has been 18 years since Mystery to Me, my debut album, came out. Today I take a quick look back at the complete discography, tell stories about the sessions, and start to plot a course for what is to come in the future.
As mentioned in the show, you can join my new Telegram Channel to be a part of the conversation algorithm-free: https://t.me/janekgwizdala
Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe