As the world continues to recover from the Coronavirus, we’re all finding ourselves in unfamiliar territory given the subsequent lockdown that is keeping us off of stages and confined to our homes. Luckily, there’s comfort in the fact that we’re all in this together, and that there are still many outlets for us musicians to keep us active and sane throughout this quarantine. We’re checking in with bass players from all over the world to see what they’re doing to stay entertained, healthy, productive, and safe during this trying time.

Bass Player: Evan Brewer

Bands & Artists: The Faceless, Entheos, Animosity, Animals as Leaders, Solo Artist

Home: Nashville, Tennessee

How have you been passing time during the lockdown?

I’ve been enjoying having my wife and daughter at home. My wife is a schoolteacher and they’re out for the rest of the school year, so we’ve been spending a lot more time together during the days. I’ve also been remodeling part of our house, which will include a new music area for teaching, recording, doing videos, and whatever else.

What have you been working on in terms of your bass practice routine?

Nothing specific. If I’m not preparing to record something I’m just grabbing the bass and playing whatever I feel like playing, whether that be old material I’ve written or just making up new stuff.

What music, songs, recordings, artists, bass players have you been listening to as a source of comfort and inspiration that you can recommend?

I’ve been going back and listening to a bunch of random stuff that I grew up liking but hadn’t listened to in a long time. Off the top of my head, I’ve recently listened to all the Nirvana albums, the first two Stone Temple Pilot albums, every Grateful Dead studio album, some of the old Faith No More records, and the newer album. I’ve been listening to Dan Sartain a lot. Coming back to music you haven’t heard in a long time can be interesting. Some of it is very good some of it doesn’t really hold up anymore.

What bass gear have you been playing and trying out?

I can’t seem to put down my maple MTD 5-string. I have a 6-string on the way from MTD. I’m sure that will get most of my attention for a good while when it arrives.

What non-music activities books, shows, movies, or workout recommendations do you have?

I’m watching the Michael Jordan documentary series, The Last Dance. I watch a lot of YouTube. I watched Burt’s Buzz, the documentary about the Burt’s Bees guy. That was pretty interesting. I’ve also been watching anything with Popcorn Sutton, the hillbilly moonshine guy. I’m kind of fascinated by the Appalachian culture. I’ve been reading Dune again to get hyped up for the upcoming movie. As for exercise, I don’t have any specific regimen, I just try to get up and moving every day, and have an active lifestyle.

What projects do you have coming up when the world gets going again?

Since I’ve recently stepped away from touring to be home for my family, I’ve been teaching online, recording for other people’s projects, and working on my own music. This quarantine hasn’t changed too much for me on the music side.

What advice can you offer fellow bassists for staying positive and keeping morale high?

I’m not sure I’m the right person to be giving anyone advice, but I know what works for me. I have to stay busy, prioritize learning new things, and make time to be creative. If I combine that with some good physical activity and a decent diet, I find it sets me up for a positive healthy mindset.

Follow Evan: Here 

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All check-ins compiled and edited by Jon D’Auria & Chris Jisi