Janek Gwizdala Podcast

Bass players, coffee drinkers, ladies and gentlemen, the podcast is back!
Full disclosure: I used chat gpt to generate the description of the podcast below based on a transcript of the episode. I’m still not sure how I feel about the whole AI thing in general, but I realized it saved me a ton of legwork today with something I’m not particularly good at (writing descriptions of things), and provides some information that might help you better understand what the episode is about and bring a little more value to you without accusing me of selling my soul to Sam Altman.
I want to make it very clear that I have never used AI in the creation of music or of any of my books, and never will. That, to me, is a very clear line that should never be crossed.
I would like your honest feedback on this, and to know whether youtube descriptions are a tolerable use-case for the technology since it allows me way more time to focus on practicing, playing and recording real music and video lessons to share with you all.
Here goes…

In this episode I catch you up on everything that's been happening, from touring with Steve Smith's Vital Information, to moving house here in Southern California, finishing my brand-new book How to Transcribe, and preparing for the release of my new live trio album Quiet Places.I also spend a good portion of the episode exploring one of the most inspiring harmonic concepts I've encountered in years: Neo-Riemannian triadic transformations. It's a simple idea built around major and minor triads, but it's completely changed the way I'm thinking about harmony, improvisation, voice leading, and creating melodic movement in my bass lines.We also talk about:• Why transcription is really about ear training• How immersion and repetition accelerate musical growth• Touring with a minimalist pedalboard setup• The Walrus Audio Mantle in real-world situations• Preparing mentally for performances with musical heroes• Building freedom through harmony instead of memorized licksIf you're interested in becoming a more musical improviser (not just learning more scales) this episode is for you.If you'd like to see a full rundown of my current touring pedalboard, leave a comment below. If enough people ask, I'll make a dedicated video.
Thoughts?
More soon,
Janek


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After years of building one of the most extensive bass pedal collections imaginable, I’ve made a big decision… I’m letting almost all of it go.
In this episode, I talk through why I’m selling over 200 pedals, what triggered the shift, and how simplifying my setup is already changing the way I make music.
This isn’t just about gear, it’s about creativity, focus, and letting go of the “collector mindset” in favor of something much more intentional.
Owning more gear doesn’t necessarily make you more creative. In fact, it can do the opposite. I reference the Generation Loss Mkii as a key component of the process. It’s about removing friction, reclaiming focus, and getting more out of less.
More soon,
Janek


Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe

The podcast returns to its own channel with a 2026 reset: a clearer lane for each part of my output so the main YouTube channel can stay focused on harmony/theory-based lessons, while the podcast and live/performance content live on their own separate channels. I outline six recording projects I'm aiming to track across the year, share a packed touring schedule (US, Japan, Europe, Asia), and talk through a more realistic approach to tour gear—from compact boards to MIDI control, flight cases, and what I actually use on gigs.
In this episode
Why the podcast is back on the podcast-dedicated YouTube channel
The 3-lane restructure for 2026:
Main channel = harmony/bass lesson content
Podcast channel = long-form conversation + gear talk
Clips channel = live performance, studio, behind-the-scenes
The “why” behind the shift: reduce stress, increase clarity, serve each audience better
The six album/projects Janek is planning to track in 2026
Touring: how the volume is increasing in 2026 and what that means with family life
A candid look at saying “yes” vs “no” as a working musician, and how that advice changes by age/career stage
Gear logistics: what’s realistic to fly with, compact boards, and why “small but powerful” wins on the road
Compact rig idea: Walrus Mantle + HX Stomp
Testing rigs on warm-up gigs before international runs
New Gator / Vertex case system and a compact board build plan
MIDI control with a Morningstar MC4
The honest truth: on many gigs, only a fraction of the pedalboard gets used
How the harmony/triads videos unexpectedly clicked, and why that success triggered the restructure
The role of Substack: the hub where people can choose what to watch/listen to
Links Mentioned in the Episode
- Main Channel Triad Video 0 and Triad Video 1
- Clips Channel
- Podcast Channel
- SBL MIchael Jackson Cover


Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe

The latest short run of basses with RKM, in three new colors, is here! Check out all the specs below and use the contact email at the bottom of the description to enquire about ordering one today.
We also get into triads on dominants chords and a recap of the comments section of the now infamous Mantle video from a couple of weeks ago.
RKM CUSTOM 5JG Collab 2Scale: 33”No. Frets: 24No. Strings: 5Distance between strings: 17mmBody wood: Mahogany selected 2 pieceNeck: Hard rock Maple w/ carbon fiber reinforcementFretboard: Birdseye maple / Gaboon Ebony (fretted / fretless)Position markers: Luminlay Side dotsPickups: Nordstrand NP5F/NP5Fa (bridge/neck)Preamp: TRICKFISH IPA 3 band 18VTuners: Hipshot Ultralite w/ Bass XtenderBridge: Hipshot Style A 17mm brassStrap buttons: Dunlop StraplokGigbag: MONO Stealth blackOptions available:Body color:Dark Green / Dark gray / Surf BlueStyle:Fretted / Fretless with reference lines / Fretless clean fretboardTuningEADGC / BEADGOrder via email here: batch2@rkmbasses.com
More soon,
Janek


Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe

We're taking a look into the new Bass DI and preamp from Walrus audio in collaboration with Ian Martin Allison. Spoiler alert... It's a beautiful piece of gear, and the minor meltdowns about the price happening in the comments below the launch video are a little puzzling.
For the most part though, the feedback is hugely supportive and positive which is both great, and greatly deserved.
Hopefully this Episode gives you some perspective, some sounds, and a few things to think about when choosing the right gear for you.
Besides sending me the unit to try, Walrus Audio are not a sponsor in any other way. I’m never paid for my opinion, and Walrus have no say in what I present to you. As you well know, I just like to make cool sounds with cool stuff.
More soon,
Janek


Get full access to Janek's Newsletter at janekgwizdala.substack.com/subscribe