Four Strings and the Truth

Author: Sandy Smallens

"Four Strings and the Truth: The Bassists Who Changed Music" features intimate conversations with players who have changed the course of the music that came after them, and continue to do so. We'll uncover their four-string mindset - their influences, approach, artistic practice, and how they go about practicing, playing, composing songs, being in a band and living their lives. Host Sandy Smallens, an indie- and major label-recording artist and bassist of 40-plus years, shines a light on the sometimes unsung (or at least under-sung) heroes who continue to redefine the bass's role in contemporary music, channeling his experience as a music writer and founder of Spotify's original content department. Check out the official pod playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2NJT1Dpc6eGi09uJOuQWKs?si4d76eeff2b5c4615. Theme music: "TRIBES" by Surface Wound. To purchase that track, check out: https://surfacewound.bandcamp.com. "Four Strings and the Truth" is an Audiation Original production.
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Language: en

Genres: Music, Music Interviews

Contact email: Get it

Feed URL: Get it

iTunes ID: Get it

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Feeling Minnesota Nice with Greg Norton (Hüsker Dü, Ultrabomb, Buddies)
Episode 5
Sunday, 10 August, 2025

We continue to tick off the bucket list, player by player. In the wake of a trip to Minneapolis for the Caterwaul Festival, we chat with Minnesota's favorite son, Greg Norton - who filled his time in-between Hüskers tours as a chef, eventually opening an eponymous restaurant. After going 14 years without touching a bass, and surviving a health scare, Greg is back in the driver's seat: he's got his rejiggered super-trio UltraBomb; a Greg Norton + Buddies tour in which fellow travelers can jump on stage and sing the Hüskers song of their choice; and the debut of his very own signature bass! We also announce the winner of our IdiotBox Effects Blower Box Deluxe pedal - tune in to find out if you're gonna be bathing your tone in distortion. Hüsker Dü on Bandcamp (https://huskerdu.bandcamp.com/music) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/artist/16bN8mhtDFdegWbg0z3s10?si=4Aycdgk-QamjQk43e_fdxg) UltraBomb on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ultrabombmusic/), Bandcamp (https://ultrabomb.bandcamp.com/) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/artist/4u2NU0NKwALURZY2qvtYQb?si=_JkfJPB2RAKRD1yT7DmauA) Greg Norton Tour info (https://www.songkick.com/artists/2924031-greg-norton/calendar) Hüsker Dü Live in London 1985 (includes a great version of "Diane") (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CphIHzsxduY) UltraBomb's YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXttjijPvr-QXDwevC5Iqdg) Caterwaul Festival in Minneapolis (go next year!) (https://www.caterwaul.org/)