Cover
Douglas Castro, The Beautiful & Brutal Truth: October 2019 Issue
It is early in the morning for me, and late in the evening for Douglas Castro, as I sit here drinking my morning coffee with 4 hours of sleep.
Douglas Castro has just finished a long day at Darkglass HQ and is winding down with a beer getting ready for what was yet to come.
We ended up talking for 3 hours, going through Doug’s journey from the musician he thought he wanted to be to an awakening moment and transition that would take him for the ride of his life, and beyond his wildest dreams.
One step at a time, one relationship at a time, Douglas Castro took his vision and crossfaded it into reality in the form of one of the most influential bass specific pedal and amp companies on earth today, and rightfully so!
Darkglass products will literally shake your foundation and the earth you walk on.
Talking in-depth with Doug truly confirmed what I thought I knew about the man and what kind of determination it takes when you’re going to take over a piece of the bass world as we know it, with just a dream as your starting point.
You need to be relentless, creative, resourceful and dedicated at all costs when it comes to following through with your vision till the end.
If you can do that, then there is a really great detailed and inspiring story behind that journey that can only truly be told by the master who has physically and mentally put in the time and effort, which turns them into masters of their own design.
Douglas Castro is such a Man.
This to me is one of the most inspiring interviews I’ve ever done, as the conversation weaves in and out in ways that we can all relate to in true-life situations, as well as being funny, honest and very down to earth in the best way possible.
Yes, we talk about the company and what it took to get there, but we also talk about the true inner honest feelings… like two guys sitting down having a beer and coffee in front of each other for real.
I edited our 3-hour conversation down to 43 minutes and I urge you to sit down with your ears and your minds and take in this truly inspiring interview/conversation as it is full of real treasures and truths about our life’s dreams and how far we are willing to go to have those dreams come true.
I want to thank Douglas Castro for the great interview and wish him continued success in following his true light alongside the Darkglass and Neural Family.
For more on Darkglass Electronics & Neural DSP Technologies, visit online at darkglass.com and neuraldsp.com
For more than six decades, the sound of the upright bass in modern jazz has carried the unmistakable authority, elegance, and intelligence of Ron Carter.
Recognized as the most recorded jazz bassist in history, Maestro Carter’s tone has become part of the very architecture of the genre.
From shaping the harmonic foundation behind countless landmark sessions to collaborating with many of the greatest jazz artists of our time, his artistry has both defined and expanded what the bass can be.
But beyond the staggering discography lies something even more enduring: dedication.
Maestro Carter has never stopped learning, never stopped refining, and never stopped listening. His commitment to excellence extends well beyond the stage and studio. As an educator and mentor, he has invested deeply in the next generation of bassists, setting a living example of discipline, curiosity, and musical integrity.
Now, in yet another inspired chapter of his extraordinary career, Maestro Carter joins forces with renowned choirmaster Ricky Dillard for a powerful gospel–jazz collaboration, Sweet Sweet Spirit, released February 6, 2026.
This project beautifully bridges sanctified soul and sophisticated swing, blending Carter’s masterful touch with Dillard’s uplifting choral brilliance.
The result is music that feels both reverent and rhythmically alive, deeply rooted, yet refreshingly expansive.
It is truly an honor to share this conversation with a living legend whose work continues to inspire musicians across genres and generations.
Here is Maestro Ron Carter.
Photo, Paul Rivera
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For decades, we’ve had the privilege of following the remarkable career of Nathan East, listening closely to his albums, tracking his milestones with Yamaha Instruments, and watching his evolving partnership with Laney Amplification with great interest. Along the way, we’ve talked gear, tone, and technique, while hearing his unmistakable musical “voice” woven into the work of more iconic artists than we could possibly list.
Today, we’re thrilled to reconnect with this true giant of the bass world following the release of a very special new album, Father Son, produced by Nathan alongside his son, Noah East. It’s a deeply personal project that showcases not only extraordinary musicianship but also a powerful family bond.
Join us as we dive into the making of this outstanding record, explore the new Laney Nathan East Signature Bass Preamp, and look ahead to what the future holds for one of music’s most respected and influential bassists.
Here is the one and only… Mr. Nathan East.
Photos, John Abbott @johnabbottphoto
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
www.NathanEast.com
FB, IG, X, & YouTube @NathanEast
For nearly seventeen years, we’ve followed the ever-evolving journey of bassist Cheikh Ndoye, watching with admiration as his musical vision continues to deepen and expand. Each project has revealed a restless curiosity and a commitment to sound that resists easy categorization.
When we last spoke in 2018, Ndoye was already hinting at new directions, and he hasn’t slowed down since.
In the years that followed, he’s been quietly and intensely at work, culminating in a new album, Genetic Tones, a project that captures both his roots and his forward-looking approach to music.
I recently had the great pleasure of listening to several rough tracks from the album, and, as always, I was both impressed and genuinely excited by what I heard. Genetic Tones feels like a bold and thoughtful statement, rich in texture and intention. Join me as Cheikh shares insights into the making of this upcoming release and reflects on the ways his musical language has continued to transform over the years.
Photo Credits: Courtesy of Cheikh Ndoye and Courtesy of Aguilar Amplification
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
IG @thegenetictones
tiktok.com/@cheikh.ndoye.the
This month, we have a real treat for all you metal fans out there! Joining us is none other than Pär Sundström, the powerhouse bassist and co-founding member of Sabaton, a band many consider to be the #1 global power metal act in the world.
Pär isn’t just the man behind those thunderous bass lines; he’s also one of the main lyricists and the band’s manager, helping to shape Sabaton’s unmistakable sound and unstoppable rise.
Hailing from Sweden, Sabaton has been conquering stages and hearts around the world for over twenty-five years, delivering their signature blend of history, heroism, and heavy metal might. And now, with the release of their brand-new album ‘Legends,’ the band is gearing up for a tour that promises to be absolutely spectacular.
We’re diving into all the details, from the making of Legends, to the evolution of Sabaton’s epic sound, to what lies ahead for this legendary band.
So, without further ado, let’s welcome the man himself… Pär Sundström!”
Photos: Jens De Vos (cover & interview photos), Ben Alexis (interview photos)
Featured Videos:
Templars”
“Hordes of Khan”
“The Duelist”
“Lightning at the Gates”
“Crossing The Rubicon”
(Featuring singer Jonny Hawkins and guitarist Mark Vollelunga of NOTHING MORE)
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I’m sure many of you will remember that I had the pleasure of chatting with Lettuce bassist Erick “Maverick” Coomes just last year, where we covered a ton of great material. (If you missed it, you can check out that interview here>>>bassmusicianmagazine.com.)
Now, with Lettuce on the verge of releasing their brand-new album Cook, I thought it was the perfect time to catch up with Erick and see what’s been cooking… pun definitely intended!
In this conversation, we dive into the new album and the videos that accompany it, explore Lettuce’s exciting collaboration with Aquila Cellars on their signature wines, and get a glimpse into what’s next for the band.
So sit back and enjoy… here’s Erick “Maverick” Coomes!
Cover Photo, Alex Varsa | Other Photos: HIllary Clinton, and Sam Silkworth
Featured Videos:
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Maestro Ron Carter, Sharing the Spirit – June/July 2026 Issue
New Music: Danielle Nicole, Tug Of War
Right Hand Technique Strategies with Dr. Randy Kertz
New Music: Golden Flower, Are You Even Awake?
Interview With Bassist Adam Russell
Right Hand Technique Strategies with Dr. Randy Kertz
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