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: Aston Barrett Jr.

Bands & Artists: The Wailers

Home: Miami, Florida

How have you been passing time during the lockdown?

I’ve been working out, staying healthy, and making music, incuding the upcoming Wailers album.

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

I’ve been working on finger exercises. Practicing jazz helps me to keep my finger-playing in shape and consistent.

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 other bass players for all kinds of inspiration: My father, of course, Aston “Family Man” Barrett, Robbie Shakespeare from Sly and Robbie, Marcus Miller, Charles Mingus, Victor Wooten, Doug Wimbish, Bootsy Collins, and other greats.

What bass gear have you been playing and trying out?

I’ve mainly been playing my Fender Jazz Bass, but also my Mana Basso bass, Moollon bass, and my Sadowsky and their preamps.I also use a Rupert Neve Bass Di RNDI.

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

I’ve been digging documentaries, such as Standing in the Shadows of Motown, Marley, and Metallica: Some Kind of Monster. I’ve also been reading The Book of Exodus: The Making and Meaning of Bob Marley and the Wailers’ Album of the Centruy, by Vivien Goldman.

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

To finish and release the next Wailers album, which I co-produced along with Emilio Estefan.

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

Life is one big road, with lots of signs, but when your riding through the rocks, don’t you complicate your minds. The words of Bob Marley.

Follow Aston: Here 

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

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