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: Anna Sentina

Bands & Artists: Solo Artist, America’s Got Talent artists Emil and Dariel, Candlebox’s Kevin Martin

Home: San Diego, California

How have you been passing time during the lockdown?

The lockdown has been quite busy for me! It’s given me the chance to work on music projects I didn’t have enough time to finish before the outbreak. I’ve been working on several cool collaborations with close friends of mine that I’m excited to release. When I’m not working on music, I’ve actually been in the lab doing what I can to end this pandemic. I am heavily involved in the biotech industry, as well as the music community.

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

I’ve been working on improvisation, writing, and just jamming, honestly. Being able to pick up my bass and throw down a nice groove to a song I’m unfamiliar with has been something I’ve wanted to incorporate back into my bass practice routine while I’ve been focusing on writing. Now’s the time!

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 listening to some of my favorite artists even more now than before the lockdown, as well as making it a point to watch the corresponding videos and back story. I’ve watched Rufus Du Sol’s Live from Joshua Tree set several times a week. The music as well as the cinematography has been very relaxing for me. I’ve also been listening to several new releases that have some killer riffs and bass, like Dua Lipa’s new album, Future Nostalgia. I’ve focused on listening to music that makes me happy and helps release any anxious feelings I may have. This includes A Moment Apartby Odesza, Voicenotes by Charlie Puth, and Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine, Led Zeppelin, and Carl Carlton.

What bass gear have you been playing and trying out?

I’ve been playing with the Sark amp by Positive Grid a ton. It’s a great piece of equipment, very handy and tech-driven. I highly recommend it.

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

I’ve been reading quite a lot during lockdown, including Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, which I highly recommend if you’re interested in organizing and de-cluttering your home or work space. I wasn’t watching very much TV or movies before lockdown, but I asked my followers on Instagram to recommend their favorite shows to get an idea of what’s currently out there. Someone recommended Broadchurch, which I just finished watching and highly recommend. I typically like going to the gym, but taking walks outside and riding my bike has been more mentally relaxing than a hard workout right now.

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

I have several projects lined up with good friends of mine that I’m super excited about, of all sorts of genres. Stay tuned!

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

It’s a hard time for the music industry, especially for those who rely on sessions, tours, and live group events to make ends meet. Remember that this will all be over soon enough. Take this time to work on projects you didn’t feel like you had the time for, but wanted to finish. Keep your mental health stable by practicing healthy habits appropriate for you. Also, don’t beat yourself up in the race for productivity. Spend your time on activities that make you happy (even if that means catching up on sleep!), and take care of yourself. 

Follow Anna: Here 

Read all 180+ Bass Magazine Check-in Features: Here

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