The Michael League Interview: The Secret of Snarky Puppy
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- čas přidán 25. 06. 2024
- In our latest episode of our CZcams interview series ‘Behind The Bass Lines’ with none other than Michael League, bassist of the Grammy-nominated band Snarky Puppy, we go over his history of basses and how he found his way to the PBass, some of his most iconic solos, his take on effects and gear and so much more!
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Video Breakdown:
00:00 - Introduction
01:54 - The Early Days of Snarky Puppy
03:24 - Michael’s Bacci Amrita IV Woodworm Bass
06:08 - The Original Snarky Puppy Bass
09:57 - The Evolution of Michael’s Sound
12:06 - Playing Soft vs Hard
17:44 - Recording Bass
18:44 - Signature Sound vs Versatility
20:48 - Michael’s P Bass Journey
25:08 - Michael League, Cory Henry & Nat Townsley
28:26 - Palm Muting
35:38 - Strings
37:21 - Soloing - PT. 1
40:34 - THE Willie Weeks Solo (Everything is Everything)
43:09 - Soloing - PT. 2
51:10 - The Reluctant Bass Solo
01:00:51 - Playing at your Limit
01:04:20 - Summary of Mike’s Solo Approach
01:06:21 - Lingus & Effects
01:09:16 - Hearing Globally
01:10:42 - The Power of Taste in Music
01:11:00 - Is Bass EASY?
01:14:30 - Mike’s Philosophy on Effects
01:19:41 - Summary
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CREDITS
Videographer with Michael League: Jep Jorba Vidal
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Hey all, Scott here... just wanted to say thanks so much for all the amazing comments and feedback! This new remote format was a total unknown for us, so we didn't know how it was going to be received. I'm sooooo pleased to see that you guys dig this style of content, not only because Ian and myself had a blast interviewing Michael, but also because I really do believe that these long form style interviews are so valuable to the global bass community... it gives us the ability to really 'see under the hood' of some of the worlds greatest bassists.
We've already got a bunch scheduled, so keep a look out on the channel more interviews coming your way!
Thanks so much. Scott xoxox
great job man! beautiful words
That interview could have been twice as long - great job guys!
Valuable not only to the global bass community. I'm not a bassist and I found this interview inspirational, entertaining and full of useful musical, compositional and improvisational insights. More please!
we need part 2!!!
If short 3 minute pop songs and TikTok short content both decrease attention spam then I guess long content like this should actually increase it. Thank you guys, keep going, lets go 2 hours next time! 💪
Found this information very valuable, like a bass version of Guthrie Govan's Words of Wisdom 🧠 Also noticed that the way all three of you speak is so so enjoyable, it's like your musicality translates into the dynamic, rhythm, melody of your speech.
But phew .. WWWWD seems to be real deal, the bassman's Abra Cadabra!
Snarky Puppy were a revelatory find for me. There's definitely a 'before' and 'after' in my life.
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Couldn't agree more, totally the same for me.
Same here man.
That's a great way to put it. Music at its max.
Absolutely! Snarky Puppy changed the music I listen to now!
this is the most high production long distance interview I've ever seen. That aside, Michael is such an inspiration. And he is almost aggressively humble haha
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Aggressively humble is such a great and accurate description. Haha.
Great discussion/ interview. Very articulate people. Fantastic
Bass fire...Solid
Yeah I was thinking so humble it almost sounds arrogant but I like aggressively humble.
Michael League is a bassists bassist in the best way possible
Eugh. Everything this man says is just GOLD.
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It was interesting to hear Michael say "That's why music wasn't meant to be recorded". Just saw Snarky Puppy in Dallas, and thought every song sounded better live than it did on the recording. And the recording was awesome! Of course, you can hear more of the music live than any speaker can reproduce, but they had lived with the songs for a year, and they sounded more mature...if that's a thing.
Different kinda band, but I had that with Slift recently, where I like their albums, but seeing them live blew me away. Perfect rendition but with the added bonus of the energy and rawness of the live performance. That doesn't happen with a lot of bands, but when it does, it's almost transcendant.
One of their best interviews . Michael League is a great teacher that any bass player can gleen from.
This is one of the best interviews I've ever heard. It sounds like a conversation between friends where everyone is super engaged and bringing out new insights in each other. Michael is hilarious and he's able to explain really abstract concepts like tone and technique effortlessly. You guys are perfect in a supportive role as hosts.
Thanks for the kind words, man!
Michael is fascinating; it's always been very clear that he is the bandleader and the guy steering the ship with Snarky Puppy, but never in a way that I would consider "showy", despite his evident chops. This is a great conversation (I'm not even a bass player!) with a lot of food for thought and philosophy just about life as well as music.
Youre so right about the band-leader thing. Many amateurs assume that the line between artistic band leader and eccentric control freak goes unnoticed but to an audience its as clear as day, and this man has always been the former in my eyes and ears.
Yes! He is no little dictator as James Brown was and maybe also Zappa. I love how he enjoys music when performing, also the music of the other band members.
I met and spoke with Michael between sets at a Snarky Puppy concert in San Francisco at the Boom Boom Room. In fact I saw the band perform twice at that relatively small venue. Stood in the front row a few feet from Cory Henry and Mark Lettieri on stage! Magical performances!
We're gonna look back and say ... Michael League is one of the best ever. I don't know that he gets enough credit. His mind ... it's next level.
The point of playing soft and relaxed really stood out to me. Giving it a shot to my playing has made the WORLD of a difference, positively!
I’m grateful for hearing this.. it’s one of those details that pushes your tone “journey” feel more like you’re on the right path even more now.
Thank you Michael, Scott and Ian.. and everyone at SBL.
Again, you’ve helped me out more than you intended to.
That's awesome, glad that some of what Michael is talking about has helped you like that!
This interview is like a family reunion where your uncles go through all of the embarrassing family photos! Lol Michael is so humble and critical of his past work just like many of us, myself included. But he’s a megabeast!
Thank you SBL for the incredible nuanced interview. Y’all rock! Snarky Puppy forever. ❤
His warm tone while playing is also 5% due to his flip flops that can be seen 1:17:57.
Jokes aside, his incredible bass intelligence is surely opening up some new bass doors in my mind.
Big thank you to the team over at SBL as well as to Michael League.
Listening to this is such a gold worthy of a privilege to us people who are trying to master this craft.
Greetings from Serbia! :)
FYI there’s a “bass” version of the Inner Game of Tennis book Michael mentioned - it’s called “The Inner Game of Music” and written by a bassist! (His name is Barry Green)
And it is a reading recommended by one John Petrucci, who knows a thing or two about music himself :)
thank you a lot!
i'll recommend back to you
Ouspensky "In Search of the Miraculous" Chapter 7 - its fucking crazy
I spent a lot of time reading both inner game books during my MA.
We came to the conclusion that reading tennis gave a better grasp of concepts than the music book.
I love seeing bass players vibe, man. League is hands down one of my favorites. It's so fun seeing Scott and Ian engage with him and be right on the same page with a lot of his points. These videos are gold.
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It's good to know that every musician, including Michael, has an evolution over the course of their lives regarding tone, one day we prefer one thing and after a while, another. Exploring this is essential and very pleasurable, we learned so much!
Damn, this interview is PACKED with great advice/direction.
Michael League has such a divine message from Music itself to Musicians (basically everyone on earth).
This guy achieves the almost impossible feat of remaining both, extremely inhuman and gracefully human at the same time, in his playing as well as in his being.
You are a true inspiration, and the works of Snarky Puppy and all affiliates of GroundUp and IT'S affiliates as well are all abstract yet extremely powerful motivating factors in my everyday life ❤
Blessings to you ML,
Scott, and Ian.
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Michael is one of the coolest dudes ever. What an incredible chat this was
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Thank you so much for making this video, being able to hear Michael’s advice and stories (and for FREE) is wonderful
Mike's solo on The Curtain is RIDICULOUS!
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it's my favorite example of him "stretching his legs" and I honestly wish he would do more of it lol
My favourite solo of his is in Red Sand with Bill live at Union Chapel.
Went to a show recently and they were one of the best and most vibrant and unexpected acts I’ve ever seen.
"Bass: easiest instrument to get good at, and hardest to get great at." Exactly. Although I will say that because accessibility to greatness is somewhat lower on piano and guitar, the competition is extremely fierce. Violin and Cello are both quite difficult to get great at and extremely competitive.
Agree! Bass is easier for beginners--playing chords cleanly on guitar (with shifts) is initially frustrating (takes awhile). Getting beyond intermediate on bass is no joke (you gotta work!). Great bassist--heck, above average, are rare.
Someone might have already pointed this out, but at 39:14 when Michael is talking about Chris McQueen of Snarky puppy, there's a picture of Bob Lanzetti who's another guitarist in Snarky Puppy.
It's so great that these days we can watch an interview of an hour and a half with one great bassist about playing bass. Imagine that 20 years ago... Great interview, thanks guys!
Now, that's the kind of bass I want to hear. It's the essence of bass. When I sing bass lines to myself it's that flatwound, one-finger Jamerson sound. This is the essence of bass to my ears. Good on you Michael League. [NOTE: I'm the guy that put out that "World's Prettiest Bassline" - James Jamerson video some 16 years ago]. Peace and Blessings. Live long and Prosper.
I remember that video quite well - it introduced me to the beautiful song that is "Darling Dear" and got me to spend many hours transcribing said bassline from ear ! The internet is a small place sometimes, eh.
When you've had a difficult week, then a bad day, and you start to cook your meal, look at CZcams, and you see....... and you think heaven.
When you realize that ML is not only a great musician but composes so many mind-bending pieces of music, you have to give nothing but sheer admiration for the man
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What inspiring generosity in talking of the bass being "supportive and not distracting." They are all embarrassed with the talk of Reiki and the energy world but Michael League KNOWS that it's even more important than the notes themselves....
The members lesson was awesome. The chorus for the song "Chonks" gives me chills everytime, especially due to the horns section. But of my favorite minimalist basslines ever.. Lesson 5 around the 7 minutes 50s mark.
I heard the name Snarky Puppy over 11 years ago, and I passed it over not thinking too much about them despite how my colleagues would rave about them. It was probably their cute name. Just a year ago I bumped into Live at North Sea Jazz fest video and I realized …whoa….what have I been missing out on???? Damn these guys are so damn good!!!!
Scott, this is, by far, THE BEST feature and interview you ever made - according to my taste. Michael is SPOT ON and very clear and relaxed. I just love this guys playing and precense. But what really makes me happy is the relevance of your response and questions- And since Michael is so straight, softspoken and dead relevant - plus he really has some message that comes from years and years of giggin' - it seems that both yourself and Ian become much more relaxed and "present" in the discussion. As a psychotherapist I just love that. Especially when compared to some previous broadcasts of yours, where Ian and you use loads of words and clichees and probably have a great time sharing and going to this self-accelerating state getting high over one self - yet miss the message. Hey, THIS particular feature is GREAT. Serious, loads of message, honesty, transparency and therefore a HUGE gift for the "mature players" among those of your deservedly huge audience. I'll give this feature an A1+ - GIMME MOOOORE! Thank you.
So many things to love about this interview!
Scott, I too noticed how polite Ian was in his requests that Michael, if he’d be willing…please demonstrate for the viewing audience on that wonderful signature bass you have:)
Another thing I appreciated about Michael was that almost every time he played a bassline, he would count us in. I LOVE THAT! He knows that a listener needs context, and also that bass lines can use space as effectively as notes.
And finally, I love his assessment that bass is easy to play/ hard to master. It’s a perfect gateway instrument to immediate coolness. A jr high choir kid with no guitar background can be shown where 1-4-5 is and how octaves are formed and in one lesson they feel like they’re Anthony Jackson propping up the choir (autobiographical).
Much love!
I was at the University of North Texas during all this happening. It was crazy. I was just a random person seeing history. I actually used to see Chris McQueen sometimes practicing classical guitar (because he had to for school requirements) in the courtyard of the music building. His girlfriend at the time worked at a sushi restaurant on University Ave. They would play at bars called Haley’s and rubber gloves. There were great bands during that time. Like Oso Closo, Henry without a head. Really great music was happening. Memories wow.
Such incredible music and musicianship! Watching Snarky Puppy perform is always a wonderful experience. One of my favorite part or any performance is the pure joy Michael expresses when he plays. Brilliant!
Michael League is definitely our philosopher for bass players in this era!
This interview should win the award for best music interview editing. Great job!!!
Thanks so much for the warm words!
Came here to say this. The video editing, the quality of the feeds, holy cow it's glorious
It's brilliant to hear Michael talk about bass specifically and not just music. I've been obsessed with his playing since The Curtain - his bass solo in that is unlike anything I've ever heard before or since. Such a playful approach to rhythm, he really stretches the gaps in which he plays his notes. Astonishing.
Scott! - great interview by you and Ian with the great Mike League- it's amazing how far you've come and how much you've contributed to educating bass players at all levels around the world- so glad I stumbled upon the major scale lesson you posted on CZcams prior to the creation of the SBL website many years ago (been a member since your first started the website)- just want to say thank you brother (btw, Ian you're a great addition to SBL - your excitement, positivity, and lesson clarity fits well with Scott and you're both bad ass musicians!)
One comment on the headroom issue: This doesn't mean that you need Michael's level of headroom to play a gig, it just means you need the level of headroom to play the role you have in the band at the moment. So, if you are a beginner playing out root notes, you should practise enough that you develop the headroom to do that easily and confidently. Learn that balance between practice/rehearsal and performance, because if gives training a purpose.
Michael League just seems to have it all figured out, you know? Such a hyper-conscious, philosophical approach to what he does! His brain must be processing music all day and night… Fascinating mind!
gah thank you for this. can never get enough michael league or snarky.. this man truly changed my life.
This is a truly wonderful interview, on both sides. Scott and Ian ask great questions, and Michael's humor and wisdom shines through. Also, I truly love that y'all get into the "bigger picture" regarding music making...the limitations, the conversation, the community. 🙌
I really liked what Michael said about how our perception of music completely changed when we take a solo, I was like hold up lmao he’s so right about that
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When Michael League speaks, I listen and I always learn something super valuable.
Michael has nailed my single greatest challenge - staying relaxed. I'm always telling myself to relax when I play.
Epic interview; the amount of condensed crazy good advices for all level bass players in this interview is just huge. Thanks guys.
I love his focus on his dynamics, so subtle but effective
Absolutely, a lot of what Michael does is subtle but very effective!
Best interview, good rapport and so many knowledge bombs! Great work guys
Thanks for checking it out!
I really loved this video, Michael talking about Self1 and Self2 resonated and the idea of playing below our headroom/ability and how if you only have the bare essential to play the part you don't give yourself anywhere to go and feel restricted/constrained really resonated with how I feel about my playing. I always feel my playing is trapped in a box of my lack of "reps" as Scott and Ian put it. I am now very aware of this and the realisation came before this video, but Michael very kindly articulated it for me, and am intent on getting myself to a place were I don't feel like I can only play the part I learned by heart but have the headroom to play around the situation I find myself in and feel free.
I was in an SBL live chat session with Gary Willis and someone asked about his tone. What he said - same as Michael - changed the way I play after 40 years. Like Scott, I used to dig in too much. He said turn your amp up and let it do the hard work, then play light. Game. Changer. I so love my tone now. But then I have a Jazz with Fender Tapes on through a (cheap) Behringer BDI21 preamp. Sounds sooo looowww and I love it. P-bass - nope. Sorry. Jazz - always.
As a drummer, this was an incredible interview
It's always important to remember this is Michael Leagues take on making music. Having 20 people in your band does make a difference on how you should play! There are plenty of musicians that play a ton, all of the time. They still make music and win grammy awards etc. I think this is great advice, but it's important to keep an open mind! Victor Wooten played all of the notes.... and I think he did well! Take a listen to Jamerson! It's bothers me when people say "play less". It should be, play what the music needs, play what the musicians need! It's all situational! I know some folks will hate this.
I agree. People hate on Jacob Collier (on his various instruments!) for playing too much, but it's a choice to play like that and it's a valid choice depending on the circumstance.
This interview is amazing. I loved it! Loved the idea of soloing more rhythmically and not just noodling around.
Playing softer to play louder. Yess!!
Topping out your playing at 80% to stay comfortable and controlled and not make the audience cringe.
Would love to continue seeing more interviews in this format with other bass players.
Playing softly is a game changer! I swear I was about a day away from selling my p bass and getting some boutique bubinga bullshit. Think I'll stick with it now. Thanks Michael
lol... "boutique bubinga bullshit"... the triple B! ;-)
Finally the Question about hard and soft playing!!
FOR YEARS FINALLY ❤️ Thank you SBL and Micheal
My favorite podcast interview ever and I’m not even a bass player. Good job guys!
Man, its crazy listening to Michael critique that continuum solo!? That is one of my favorite live videos and it got me much more inspired to play bass, I remember learning that entire solo note-by-note. I still think its genius!!!!
I could listen to him talking about music all day. Great interview!
wow, this is amazing. thank you so much for this! and the fact that he’s such a warm and welcoming individual is just the cherry on top! met him after the snarky puppy show in ann arbor a few weeks ago, told him I started learning bass because of him and it’ll be a highlight of my life for a long time :)
🧡🧡🧡 that's awesome, glad you got to meet him!
SO inspiring! Thank You guys for the greatest video so far! Please do more like this and do bring him back on🙏🏼
What a great meeting of minds! I thoroughly enjoyed this and wish this would last for 5 more hours. Thank you!
Michael just keeps it real. What a guy!
I've already seen this interview and I enjoyed it quite a bit the first time. That said, after seeing these guys at UConn last Friday, it's even more special.
Seriously, this band is great to hear on a recording, but you really need to experience it live. The sonic landscape they create inside a great venue can only be fully appreciated in the flesh... Just as important as hearing and seeing live music, this band must be FELT!
This video is like therapy! I loved it - I have a gig tonight and I'm going to apply all of Michael's lessons. Especially about playing softer, I play too hard, I know I play too hard - but I just can't seem to stop myself!😂
3 music genius musketeers.. this interview is a complete music journey.. loved it..❤
Great video! thanks to everyone involved
The discussion at the 1hr mark on "playing at your limit" was so helpful to hear. Fantastic interview!
Amazing talk. So deep, there's so much to this instrument and to music that I'm really excited to learn about
When Michael first picked up the bass to demonstrate things I was nervous to hear how the tone translated. So pleasantly surprised. Amazing content, tone, and a/v quality in general.
I was lucky enough to see Snarky Puppy with Charlie Hunter opening. He’s well worth checking out, guitar player but he fills out the bass parts so well you would think there’s a bass player hiding backstage.
Great interview! Thanks Scott and Ian.
Love the "Down to brass tacks" conversation!! That is "real" information that one can put to work immediately. Thanks to all!
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I can’t get over how good this video looks
Amazing interview!!!
I worked through it on a few days and it was a blast! Michael is so humble and awesome, it made me grew a lot with some of his ideas.
Thanks SBL!!!
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Thank y’all so much for sharing this! This is gold!
Not halfway through the video and I just have to stop and comment. What a great, insightful chat. Love this format and love the thought of him having a meal for the camera crew before starting.
Thanks, guys! Very enlightening for all musicians, no matter what instrument and kind of music they play.
One of my favourite music uni memories is having the opportunity to sit in and watch a whole day of Snarky Puppy rehearsals (I think it was mid 2012) with a few other students. They were such a huge deal to everyone studying music around that time so it was a real treat! They were all absolutely wrecked from touring but were so friendly and encouraging to a bunch of 20 year old music nerds haha. I believe it was the an early workshop session of a tune that went on to become 'Lingus' so feel privileged to witness to a bit of music history!
Ahhh that's so cool that you got to sit in on Snarky Puppy's rehearsal like that!! Definitely a memory to cherish! 🧡🧡🧡
Brilliant. A musician’s musician in the best way possible
Thank you so much for this new interview format ! It is so great to have the time to learn about the instrument but also the music philosophy from Mickael League :-) You guys did a amazing work !
Cheers!! Glad you're enjoying this new format!! 🧡🧡🧡
Unbelievable resource guys! Thank you SO much Michael for doing Scott & Ian for the chat, it's been really insightful. For the SBL Team, the production value is INCREDIBLE, so a massive well done to everyone involved.
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He will always be an inspiration. Thanks for making this interview happen. And great deep diving research Scott! Can't wait for that part two!
🧡🧡🧡 he's amazing, and has so much knowledge to share!
What Pat Metheny said about Steve Rodby, I saw about Michael League. He can play anything, but he plays what is needed only.
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Michael League is the Steve Jobs of bass and I love it!!
Thanks guys for a great interview, definitely looking forward to the follow up !
On bass solos... One of my teachers in College(Lonnie Cline) talked of Leroy Vinnegar taking a solo... (He was a local player in the Jazz scene in Portland who recently passed away when I heard this.) The teacher was reminiscing about Leroy who was trademarked by his skill at walking... so when his bandleader would ask him for a solo he would just keep walking... like he was already soloing... but you didn't know it because it was so easy to play along with... and you're just now getting it. So now I have a What Would Leroy Do moment everytime one of my bandmates calls out for me to do a fill, or take a solo. Thanks Lonnie.
I am so hyped to watch this!
Enjoy!
i hate listening to podcasts, but i love watching them? im weird. anyways, great vid! this is v inspiring
Thank you for letting me be witness to this video. I teach bass, and the choice of words used to convey a higher levle technique is exquisite. I have already shared this video to 5 different people. Keep it up!
Mike is just the greatest 🔥 one of the biggest influences on me as an arranger and composer
I've watched this interview so many times and learned from it every time. I'd love to see the follow-up interview you asked for, Scott!
Guys this kind of content is BRILLIANT!!! Do I want more of this? Oh yes I do!! 🤩🤩🤩
League is the fricken man. He has the most killer lines and is so philosophically grounded.
Slight off topic:
I just got a new monitor, and this was basically the first video/movie I watched on it. And I was blown away from the video quality. Watching that clip from 2007 it made me realize how lucky we are with this quality of content these days! Thank you guys for the amazing work! Can"t wait to see the upcoming interviews!
Thanks for that!! 👍👍👍
Stellar interview and stellar interviewee! Mike always has that depth of insight and consideration about his music and musicality. As SP always said, music for your brain and booty and he embodies that!
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Such a great conversation. Loved his comments regarding playing your part vs playing the instrument. I'm reminded of that incredible video of Guthrie Govan playing a solo for Hans Zimmer when his string breaks. It's a guitar with a trem, so the entire guitar goes out of tune with the loss of string tension. His handling of that situation (using a slide to stay on key) is such a demonstration of what Michael is talking about when he refers to always playing below your limit. Not sure Guthrie has a limit, but it's so impressive to see a musician demonstrate mastery that can overcome pretty much any circumstances.
Pretty sure that wherever Guthrie's limit is, it's going to be scary. That Zimmer video of him staying in key like that is mind blowing!
Thank you for sharing. I just LOVE listening to Michael and hope to meet him in person one day. He is a blessing
Cheers for watching, it was a pleasure to talk with him like this!
This Michael ! Of course you need to make him come back ! What about once a week ? Thanks for this awesome interview. Stoked to listen to this humble master 🙏
Glad you're enjoying it, although every week would be difficult with his touring schedule 😉