Ian Martin Allison Interview | The Janek Gwizdala Podcast

In an effort to be all about the in-person interview as much as possible on the podcast, I flew out to Minneapolis to hang with bassist, podcaster and educator Ian Martin Allison this past weekend.
We talked about the very contrasting ways in which we use the Line6 HX Stomp, touring as a sideman vs musical director, how being a parent changes everything, and what it's like to transition from freelance musician to artist.
Make sure you check out Ian's killer HX Presets packages that we demo in the video here: ianmartinallison.com/store
If you're into the weirder side of the HX sounds I also have a presets pack here: janekgwizdala.com/store/line6...
Ian's main online hang is Instagram: / ianmartinallison
Get my Bass Books Here: janekgwizdala.com/store
Join My Newsletter for more free stuff: janekgwizdala.substack.com/
#ianmartinallison #basspedals #scottsbasslessons

[@janekgwizdala]

Important Correction: During the episode we get to talking about how some instruments define players and genres. I totally blew it when it came to one of my heroes Joel Smith. I said he played a Ken Smith bass (which he could have done at some point... 🤷‍♀), but I was way off in terms of what his main instruments were. I've seen him play MTD and Fbass, and if you have more information or would like to comment on this thread I would welcome any insights you have into the legend of gospel bass that was Joel Smith. 🙏

[@musicmaestro88]

Didn't know you were into gospel bass at all. Get your ears on Michael Atkins ( "Big Mike" ) from The Pilgrim Jubilees. Start with the "In Revival" album. Mike was a jazz bassist "stuck" in gospel quartet genre. He's a treat if your ear works. Cheers.

[@bestprato]

Please active automatic subtitles 🙏

[@IanMartinAllison]

Janek you are such an inspiration. Thanks so much for spending this time with me.

[@janekgwizdala]

you're the man. Really appreciate your time, and helping me share it with the good folks of the bass world!

[@Mrpsblobsoflowendmung]

This was so good to see you two together ! Fun and full of inspiration. Great to hear the opposite ends of the game with so much in common .

[@mrclyde678]

Ian & Janek ! Dope interview guys ! bass love from Morocco

[@JFreitas116]

One of the better interviews I've seen in a long time. You both have such wonderful and unique approaches to the instrument and it was a blast to hear you share (and play together!!) for a while. Thank you both so much!

[@musicslick]

Totally agree as you are too IMA

[@copasetic1]

The fact that Ian interviewed Janek as much as Janek interviewed Ian is such a beautiful testament to the value of coming together with another artist and being wide open to each other’s perspectives and experiences. It’s more a conversation, or even a therapy session, than it is an interview.

[@wolfwarren6376]

This felt like the bassist version of Actors on Actors; your similarities and differences compliment each other so brilliantly. Not that you’re going to be a new “series regular” on SBL, but man, if this is what it could be? You’re making us hungry for more of you, Scott, and Ian together. 🙌

[@raichoo]

OMG, this is a thing now? Pinch me. I feel like the world is getting better and better. More bass players are coming together to share their ideas. LUV IT! Sorry for being overly excited to watch this 💗

[@BassStevie]

Two lovely guys, with huge experience talking about meaningful experiences with no egos. Delightful. That was the best discussion I’ve heard since I saw Geddy and Alex chatting.

[@inkeye1]

I don’t normally tune into Podcasts because the conversations feel one-sided. This was a great conversation between two great and accomplished bassists. This is a format I can get into.

[@KyleS.1987]

Ian's such a fun dude. Hell of a player and teacher, too.

[@waynefrance4545]

Hey Janek - Gotta say I got a little lump when you talked about your Mom buying you both pedals and not just one or the other. Great take and thank you for sharing!

[@reueldaniel4995]

I am smiling so hard, my first reaction when this video popped up on my phone

[@crunchymunchy55]

What a day to purchase the hx stomp, need that janek x ian helix deep dive

[@akashdhurbarry9157]

Really nice to see you two chatting and geeking out on tricks and experience with HX Stomp. Love those requests for the wishlist. Hopefully someone from Line 6 is watching / listening 😇

[@christophercheney1006]

That was absolutely fantastic! So thankful that cats like you, Ian, Scotty The Glove, Dr. Rich Brown and Damien Erskine constantly rep for the bass community and delve out such great wisdom and insight. How could I not want to play bass 24/7? You mofos constantly light a fire under my ass. Thank you!

[@joninawhitecoat]

Oh my that was wonderdul. Please do another one. You and IMA, talking about absolutely anything and it'll be wonderful.

[@haddockvision2631]

Two of my favourite guys to listen to and watch. Very informative as ever. Please do it again soon.

[@Dax_Smith]

That was awesome. You guys have to do another one. Make a patch together and then jam together. Like an effects cooking show.

[@dtkincaid]

What a great way to spend an hour and a half!

[@callmejs]

Great episode, such an interesting exchange... thanks Janek and Ian! And Janek, take good care sounded quite rough at the end...

[@monkey010279]

What a treat this was. Totally respect both of you and never imagined you two getting together for a discussion. Had me glued the entire time. Loved the topics and perspectives. Thank you two so much!

[@adityanemlekar]

OMG I was just rewatching the ScottIanJanek podcast on SBL! This is my lucky day!

[@djowelv]

Wow! Pure bass influencer synergy! Love it, Janek and Ian. Such an inspirational pod ep. Thank you, Janek.

[@joannalewis5279]

Great to see such inspirational players with different styles overlap with their love of tone

[@schwoebel]

Two of the nicest beings in the professional bass world in a warm, deep and of course a little bit nerdy conversation, I love it! And great German accent, Janek. 😜

[@musicmaestro88]

Agreed Ian... aesthetics definitely matter Ian. I'm a photographer as well as a bassist and I ABSOLUTELY have cameras that I like to look at ( Rollei35S ) that I rarely shoot. Haha. I just like owning it. In fact, I use other cameras to take pictures of that camera just to make art to sell. ( I've sold lots of pics of that camera... lol ). I'm not there (collecting) with basses but I'm totally there with cars and cameras. I have one caveat... all of my stuff gets used (or could )... no "trophys" here. Cheers!! PS: Janek seems to be having so much fun these days, it looks good on him. 🎸💪🏾

[@stevendawson2331]

What a great conversation - simulatneously relatable and inspirational. I thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of IMA's deceptively pulsing D groove with JG playing out on top, like a great conversation with two different accents but entirely speaking the same language. As a bar band bassist (also 1978!) that runs backing tracks and often mixes live, I was a bit shocked to think of you two gentlemen going through the same issues with equipment, playback, levels, etc., that us mere mortals experience, albeit you're doing it with much more pressure! Thanks to both of you for the many hours of inspiration and entertainment over the years. Really great stuff.

[@emmettchristie2399]

One of my favourite things on KZbin. Two inspirational guys sharing so much knowledge, inspiration and excitement. I love how much they love music and the bass.

[@jakecrowe3797]

I love the moment when you guys were talking about your kids! I got a three month old at home and I love it when other bass dads talk about their family. Always interested to hear about making life as a musician and life as a dad work in tandem!

[@bassnmusic4572]

If you two would do a record just like this - everybody is doing his thing, i would buy it. so lovely!!!

[@IvanovBR]

What a great chat!!!!! I had the honor to interview both of them for my channel!!!!

[@tmcwilliam01]

This was fun! Two sound nerds that can play their asses off!

[@edunogues23]

I could watch a 10h ep of you 2!

[@seankent1807]

My two favorite “social media bass influencers” in one podcast! 👏👏👏

[@ivanzolotco8667]

this truly is a big day for bass. So great to see you both under one roof! Awesome episode :)

[@ShaksBassChannel]

Fantastic conversation - great flow to this and those little improvised jams were hugely inspiring! I would love to see more of these in person interviews - you both work great together - thank you for sharing this ❤

[@ChadHensley]

This is the interview I have always wanted! Cannot wait for you guys to get back together!

[@chrisbardolph264]

My first instinct was to comment something like "It'd be really cool to see you guys playing a Bass VI and see what sounds come out of it." My second thought was, hmmm, maybe I should pick up my own Bass VI and see what can be done. Anyway, really cool podcast.

[@bahadirvaroglu]

Thank you Janek, thank you Ian. I could watch/listen you guys for 4-5 more hours guys. 😂 This was enlighting for lots of the real deals for bass and music itself. In the era of internet/KZbin, lots of people working on extreme techniques but the real answer is always THE SOUND. Please do this again in near future. 🤘🏻 BTW, you both are the reason I got a HX Stomp last month. 😂

[@joshualee8448]

I could listen to you two telling stories and jamming every day. So good!

[@trebm]

Yes, the perfect podcast!!!

[@ginoribotta6519]

What a conversation, i relate so much with the topics you discused, what a power ian has to communicate, to touch the real itches that we bassist have. Like the one minute D vamp got really emotional for me. So much information i took from this, sorry the Bad english love u both.❤

[@IanMartinAllison]

That moment where I'm about to tell a session story and Janek goes, "Play." And I just play D and he composes the most lovely melody on the spot. Got me in the feels as well.

[@bartasm]

Guys, You need to do it more often! Wonderful content

[@RossHoekman]

58:30 - Pro Tip: I've had really good success faking a LPF sweep with an expression pedal and the 10-Band EQ block. You can assign the exp to control multiple frequencies with different min/max settings per frequency (effectively rolling them off at different rates), so you can really tailor the sweep to your liking.

[@MartinMillerGuitar]

This is gold, thanks guys!

[@PushSueAside]

This has been my all time favorite “podcast”. Loved it. Thank you both. You are very good together. Cheers

[@blueplateradio2]

Awesome interview! Thoroughly enjoyed the conversation and listening

[@GeorgeL1994]

Absolute top content - two absolute bass nerds/connoisseurs just flying. Love it.

[@stevecullen]

Great job Janek and Ian, loved this. I have a HX Stomp and have had it for a year- feel like I'm kind of just scratching the surface, there's rabbit holes within rabbit holes...

[@Belman5]

You guys are fantastic. I'm mid 50's and absolutely love playing bass. Always something new and exciting to learn, at whatever pace you want to go. I'm a bit of a turtle, but I'll eventually get there.

[@Snibborwocky]

Great sit down interview/gear geek out/music life stories between the both of you. I could literally watch/listen to you guys for hours and hours about everything. I recently bought an HX Stomp so I'm just getting into all of it. Thank you both for the inspiration to dive into the sounds and endlessly create everyday.

[@craigsi16]

1:35:07 There's actually already visual feedback on multiple of the hx comps. You just have to be viewing that block to see it. (although I've been using the plugin for a while and haven't plugged in my hx stomp in a few months, so I don't remember if it's just a plugin thing or if it's on the stomp too. But the fact it's on the plugin version means it should be relatively simple to put it in the pedal as well if it's not already there)

[@jonbrooks4386]

Off the hook guys!!! More, more, more please. I thoroughly enjoyed this.........

[@CrystalBall649]

I have to admit it took me a while to really dig in on your channel. The depth and breadth of content was almost Abita intimidatin. The more involved I get the more relatable and useful the channel becomes. Thanks man. Your cool af. Also the album it only happens once is some of the most human music I've ever heard. Who knew improvised sub bass and all that would have me layed on the couch catching mad feels on a Sunday evening. ❤

[@alrainbow72]

Awesome, thank you for this.

[@Bassgroover]

Love these guys. Both coming at something I love music /bass from different angles. But both great communicators (and musicians obviously).

[@GreetTheSacredCow]

Love these two. Such a great episode!

[@lionsdenblog]

This is possibly and quite honestly my favorite podcast listening experience ever! Checked all the boxes! First, I consider myself a bassist at heart, though I am able to play other instruments. Second, it was extraordinarily entertaining as you guys are kinda geeky about pedals (and the accompanying technology) and you run up and down rabbit holes. Third, the “geekery” continued into HOW to play with certain artists and all this foundational shit that are what bassists do to be rock solid and somewhat minimalistic to allow the other artists to flourish. Fourth, you fellas have much finer instruments than much of the populace and it renewed my desire for picking up a bass and start not only practicing, but also contacting Dan Lenard @ Luthiers Access Group in Chicago to see about a higher end bass (5-string). Janek… now you have me considering an E-A-D-G-C setup. That’s a soloist thing, but I’m more in line with Ian’s tuning because I love the pocket, not soloing. Great info, gentlemen! ❤️❤️❤️

[@nephilymbass1]

This is awesome. Dig the conversation and the playing moments particularly when you guys played together.

[@MC-qe5qb]

Great interview. I enjoyed listening to the both of you immensely

[@jedraymond3397]

This is prob one of my favorite episodes ever…. !!!!

[@GrooveRiderExpress]

Yeah !!! I was really looking forward to this.

[@Gnarledlowend]

That was awesome 💛🙏🏾

[@javierrojas07]

Marvelous!! 👊🏽

[@indobasschnl]

I love this so much!! Thanks Janek & Ian

[@IgorOdaryuk]

What a great conversation, thanks for sharing!

[@mipabass]

Loved it …especially the jams❤

[@rgw2012]

What a great conversation between two really cool dudes - thanks guys, really enjoyed, and learnt from, that 👍

[@eduluke2010]

Amazing talk!!!

[@mahdisharegh7220]

Awesome interview 😍😍

[@deangordon2215]

Your jam made me smile from ear to ear. Great stuff 😊

[@rubendpc]

Such a great episode. Great to have you both geeking about sound and gear. Please more of this. Congrats!

[@ClearStreamsUK]

Hi, I'm Mike, and I'm a hammer collector (and maker!!)😉😉

[@DavidFeilyMusic]

Two of my fav bass players together! ❤❤

[@padureancalin8096]

Thanks Janek for this interview Very nice way to start my coffee session in the morning

[@maxiburke]

Really great discussion, so many nuggets of information that can be taken and used. Two cool dudes. Enjoyed it.

[@ctodd122]

Super video! More please.

[@musictimewithjoel3020]

Loved this so much! Been using the stomp for a few years and it’s been the best gear purchase. It’s become my main recording interface since it records clean and effects at the same time. Can’t wait for the next interview!!

[@bradami1234]

This is third time watching this and it so chill and informative, well done

[@jammanmcguin]

Thank y'all 🎉

[@mdspman000]

hey I listened to this as an audio podcast because I wanted to hear when it came out and I was driving! But now I watched some parts again on video. Great talk. Now that you told Ian about the possible D/A or A/D noise from the effects loop he might start hearing it and it will drive him crazy. I think the discussion on the simplicity of a bass note and a melody or even triads is pointing to the mystery of what it takes to makes a great melody. We know a great melody when we hear it and can analyze part of why it makes sense but it doesn't necessarily help us figure out how to make another melody.

[@mikewolfe9458]

Awesome conversation, guys! I definitely hope we see more of you two together. Take care and thanks for sharing your talents with us.

[@hswalkerstudio]

Ian spoke of steamrolling through his art to stave off his dystopian outlook on life. I 100% relate to that. Great video podcast. I hope to see more. ❤

[@tim0391]

Man sharing a bottle of Bush with you guys talking about music would be 🔥 - love the chilled vibe of this whole conversation. The parent chat sidetrack was beautiful. Great to see other loving dads communicate that feeling to each other

[@alexbessonov93]

Great podcast!

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Oh this is gunna be fun!! Thanks Janek! Thanks Ian!! So cool you Two got to actually get together! “Mr Glove” 😂

[@damiankostkamusic]

Awesome chat❤!

[@rl-ub9hx]

You two are independently my favorite Bass Personalities? KZbinrs? Whatever the phrase is these days. It's incredible that we get to be the fly on the wall while the greats talks shop and share knowledge.

[@reisselpud]

Thanks !

[@TonyWeekes]

You guys are a vibe

[@imacoastaleddie]

Ok when are you guys going on tour? I love the sounds you are making ❤

[@IanMartinAllison]

Offer on the table. I want to be Janek’s bass player.

[@imacoastaleddie]

I was quite taken with your country Inspired bass vibe It had a feeling reminiscent of Bill Frisell 🤠👍

[@thepartimemusician65]

Great conversation guys, sitting here in a plumber’s van eating lunch , enjoying the banter

[@lucaspvlc]

Excelente!!!

[@La_sagne]

kind of impressed with ians beatbox skills

[@peterhammond4570]

Janek, you mentioned dr hi-beams, i have these on my bass right now and whilst i like them i think i preferred the dunlop super bright nickels, lasted for ages and bright tone that really sings

[@janekgwizdala]

I'm actually going for a really dark tone, and I can't stand the feel of nickels... way too soft for my calluses. Just a personal preference.

[@soulfred]

Go!

[@deermeadowhomes]

Ian. Your sound reminds me of Twin Peaks soundtrack.

[@IanMartinAllison]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@maryjaneforgie9882]

Massive Attack meets Glen Campbell...hell ya!!!!!

[@Lorneplumber]

Fantastic episode but then again they all are

[@janekgwizdala]

You're too kind! 🤣

[@SirGranular]

40:04 it's hammer time!

[@GrantFunkyFrabe]

Im glad im not the only one who thinks theres no bottom on the "Boctaver." I still use it live regardless. But i need to work on something better.

[@SirGranular]

55:01 I got my first real bass from the Bass Centre in Birmingham in about 1995....a Bass Collection Fretless..... which I lost/had stolen..... then found for sale about 15 years later and 300 miles away.