1126: Adam Kubota on Postmodern Jukebox and beyond
Contrabass Conversations
In this episode, we sit down with , bassist and bandleader of the internationally acclaimed . Adam shares his musical journey—from studying bass with to becoming a key figure in one of the most innovative ensembles reimagining modern pop hits with vintage flair. Enjoy, and be sure to ! Connect with DBHQ Gear used to record this podcast When you buy a product using a link on this page, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting DBHQ. Thank you to our sponsors! - From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like Max Zeugner of...
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1125: From Double Bass to Viola - Navigating Musicianship with Stephanie Patterson
Contrabass Conversations
In this inspiring episode, returns to share a deeply personal journey of resilience and adaptation. After experiencing serious health challenges that made it impossible to continue playing the double bass, Stephanie made the courageous decision to return to the viola—an instrument she hadn't played in over 50 years. This conversation explores the physical demands of playing large instruments, the importance of fitness for musicians, and how community orchestras provide invaluable support during life's unexpected transitions. Enjoy and . Connect with DBHQ Gear used to record this...
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1124: The Journey of Creating a Bass Concerto with Jim Beckel and JuFang Liu
Contrabass Conversations
In this episode, we dive deep into the creation of Memoirs in Time, a groundbreaking new bass concerto with composer J and Indianapolis Symphony Principal Bassist . This commission represents a significant addition to the bass repertoire and showcases the incredible versatility of the double bass. with full orchestra of "Memoirs in Time: Concerto for Bass and Orchestra" featuring JuFang Liu and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and on the creation of this piece. For those interested in performing this work, a and . Connect with DBHQ Gear used to record this podcast ...
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1123: Exploring Tango and Ethnomusicology with Laura Camacho
Contrabass Conversations
In this episode, we sit down with , a double bassist, tango composer, and ethnomusicologist originally from Buenos Aires and now based in Austin, Texas. Laura shares her fascinating journey from performing with the ensemble Las del Abasto in Argentina—including opening for tango legend Mariano Mores—to pursuing a PhD in ethnomusicology at the University of Texas at Austin. We dive deep into Laura's new album, Todo Tiempo Pasado, released in November of 2025 with her ensemble, the Laura Camacho Tango Project. The album is a beautiful blend of tradition and experimentation, featuring...
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1122: The Joys of Chamber Music with Uxía Martinez Botana
Contrabass Conversations
Join us for a conversation with Spanish double bassist , who shares her journey from facing skepticism as a woman in classical music to becoming a celebrated soloist, chamber musician, and educator. Based in Amsterdam, she tours internationally with ensembles like the Budapest Festival Orchestra and Sol Gabetta's baroque ensemble, and is the first female double bass professor at a Spanish conservatory. We dig into topics like life on the road, work-life balance, her journey through the world of professional music, and her recent Mendelssohn X-Files Project. Enjoy, and learn more about Uxía...
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1121: In-depth with Gary Upton - The Craftsmanship Behind Upton Bass
Contrabass Conversations
In this episode, , the founder of , joins us for an in-depth conversation about the craftsmanship, innovation, and business of building double basses. We explore a wide range of topics including the growing popularity of 5/8-sized basses, the development of Kay-inspired plywood models, the economics of bass-making, and Upton's ventures into creating strings, amplifiers, and rosin specifically designed for double bass players. Connect with DBHQ Gear used to record this podcast When you buy a product using a link on this page, we may receive a commission at no...
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1120: Kinda Out West - Aretha Tillotson's Tribute to Western Canada
Contrabass Conversations
In this episode, we sit down with Edmonton-based jazz bassist and composer to discuss her highly anticipated second album, , releasing on November 7th, 2025. Following her Western Canadian Music Award-winning debut, , this new album pays tribute to the musicians and landscapes of Alberta and British Columbia. Aretha's chordless quartet channels the spirit of legendary groups led by Sonny Rollins and Ornette Coleman, creating a sound that's both rooted in tradition and distinctly modern. Enjoy, and give Aretha a follow on and ! Connect with DBHQ Gear used to record this podcast ...
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1119: Orchestral Insights with Andy Anderson
Contrabass Conversations
In this episode, we sit down with , the newly appointed . With over two decades of experience performing with some of Chicago's most prestigious ensembles, Andy brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his teaching role. Enjoy, and . Connect with DBHQ Gear used to record this podcast When you buy a product using a link on this page, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting DBHQ. Thank you to our sponsors! - From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like Max Zeugner of the New York Philharmonic,...
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1118: Gaelen McCormick on Simandl’s 30 Etudes
Contrabass Conversations
In this episode, renowned bassist and educator joins us to discuss her newly released . For over a century, these etudes have been a cornerstone of double bass pedagogy. Gaelen's fresh annotations bring new insights and perspectives to this essential collection. Check out Gaelen's and . Connect with DBHQ Gear used to record this podcast When you buy a product using a link on this page, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting DBHQ. Thank you to our sponsors! - From Grammy Award winners and Philharmonic players like Max...
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1117: Darren Sacks on teaching double bass
Contrabass Conversations
In this episode, we chat with , a double bass audition coach, UMass Boston Associate Lecturer, and Greater Boston freelance bassist, to discuss winning strategies for double bass auditions. Darren shares insights from his 9 years of coaching experience, during which he's helped students gain acceptance into major youth orchestras like the Boston Youth Symphony (BYSO) and NEC Prep, summer festivals including Interlochen and BUTI Tanglewood, and undergraduate programs such as Northwestern's Bienen School of Music. Enjoy, and you can . Connect with DBHQ Gear used to record this podcast ...
info_outlineIn this episode, we welcome back David Cutler to discuss his new book, "The Savvy Musician 2.0: Amplifying Impact, Income, & Inspiration" (Oxford University Press, July 2025). David shares insights from this comprehensive resource on music careers and entrepreneurship, featuring over 150 case studies of diverse performers, creators, educators, and institutions.
Episode Highlights:
- Evolution from the original "The Savvy Musician" to the new 2.0 version
- Key strategies for musicians looking to amplify their impact in today's music landscape
- How artists can diversify income streams in the changing music economy
- Notable case studies from the book's 150+ featured artists and organizations
- Practical advice for standing out in a competitive field
- Innovative approaches to music entrepreneurship
- The importance of legacy-building for modern musicians
About David Cutler
David Cutler serves as Distinguished Professor of Music Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of South Carolina. As a multi-genre pianist and composer, he brings practical experience to his work as a speaker, consultant, and what he calls an "Innovation GAME Master." His groundbreaking first book, "The Savvy Musician," helped shape a generation of artists in their approach to careers in music.
Resources Mentioned:
- The Savvy Musician 2.0: Amplifying Impact, Income, & Inspiration (Amazon)
- CBC 145: David Cutler and The Savvy Musician (Previous interview)
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- theme music by Eric Hochberg