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: Sean Hurley

Bands & Artists: John Mayer, Vertical Horizon, Robin Thicke, Michael Bublé, Ringo Starr, Annie Lennox, Selena Gomez, Alicia Keys, idina Menzel, Stevie Nicks, Morrissey

Home: El Segundo, CA

How have you been passing time during the lockdown?

I have two kids, so there has been a lot of meal cooking, game playing, reading, and home schooling going on. I’ve also been doing sessions and lessons from home, which is fun and keeps me busy.

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

I have been practicing my sight reading, analyzing songs and bass lines, and generally trying to keep a bass in my hand as much as possible.

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

I have been listening to Leon Bridges, Kacey Musgraves, Vulfpeck, and Phoebe Bridgers, as well as lots of current pop a la Niall Horan and Shawn Mendes via my daughter, and plenty of Billy Joel, courtesy of my son.

What bass gear have you been playing and trying out?

I’ve been reacquainting myself with all the gear I own that I often overlook, or just don’t use anymore; primarily my ’69 Fender Jazz Bass. I’ve tracked a couple songs from home with it. It was fantastic!

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

My day starts with making breakfast and eating with the kids, then taking a 5K run with my wife, while the kids are Zooming with their school. My run has become an essential part of clearing my head and starting my day with a fresh outlook. I recommend any kind of exercise that works for you. I also take a walk or two midday to get some air and look at Monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, and whatever other things are flying by. I’ve enjoyed looking at and talking about all the birds, bugs, and animals with my kids.I usually watch a show or two at the end of the day, with my wife. I highly recommend Mind Hunter on Netflix. That’s been a lockdown viewing winner for us.

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

I’m anticipating some live sessions that were cancelled to get back on the books when they can. I’m also releasing some play along songs that some friends and I recorded last year. Each has a full mix version, plus a mix minus drums, a mix minus bass, and one with just bass and drums. We finally have the time to get that finished. Beyond that, there may be some more John Mayer recording sessions to be done. Those will be a highlight and tons of fun.

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

Staying positive can be hard to do. It’s a day by day, sometimes hour by hour battle. I find my midday coffee helps! I recommend enjoying this time with your friends and family, even if it is only virtually. I’m part of a few group texts that help keep us all laughing and letting each other know that we’re all feeling the same ups and downs during the lockdown. Communication really helps lift spirits!

Follow Sean: Here and Here 

Check out Sean’s Signature Bass: Here 

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

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