Question 6 // What makes someone an "influencer"? (feat. Ian Allison)

Ian Allison (@ianmartinallison) is known to most as a studio and touring bassist for the likes of Eric Hutchinson, Jeremy Messersmith and many many more but to me, he’s a mentor. I first met Ian in 2004, studying my undergrad in music performance in Minneapolis under his bass tutelage. For a few years following, I learned far more than music from Ian and he became one of the most influential people of my adult life thus far. Sit down with Ian in any scenario and the convo is going to end up going deeper than you expected and this was no exception.. Years ago, He actually introduced me to the Minneapolis staple of a breakfast spot known as The Bad Waitress so it felt only fitting that I met up with him on a Tuesday morning for some coffee and conversation.


In this episode we talk about:

-What makes someone an Influencer?
-Shortchanging your creative voice
-the lowdown and proper mindset of approaching music gear and art: “Kurt Cobain and the Fender jaguar guitar”
-Why asking someone what gear they used on a session is the wrong question. (and what you should be asking)
-Ian’s story about taking a lesson as a teen with Brian Bromberg
-The need to embrace your past. (Everyone you think is ’cool’ now, was once a Weird Al fan)
-The need to not feel embarrassed about your enthusiasm and being true to yourself
-Why, if he could eat sushi professionally, Ian would never touch a bass again (maybe)
-Playing what what gets you pumped, in music, but making sure it isn’t coming from a place of boredom and is serving the song
-Embracing the right music for the right context // looking past yourself and your own esthetic likes and dislikes.
-Ian’s last min ‘dan wilson’ story. “NEVER SAY NO AGAIN!!!”

Helpful Links To Some Of The Musicians We Talk About:
-Radiohead, Vulfpeck, Justin Meldel-Johnson, Joe Dart (Vulfpeck’s Bassist), Brian Bromburg, Chris Morrissey, Mike Michel, Dan Wilson


Recording Location: The Bad Waitress Diner, Minneapolis
Food: Breakfast Omelette and Black Coffee


Connect with Ian: Social Media - @ianmartinallison | Ian on FACEBOOK

Featured Song: Ian Allison bass unrealness on ‘Sleepless One’ by Verskotzi
Want to hear another Ian Allison track? Check out American Princess by Eric Hutchinson 

These artists have been rad enough to let me feature their music without suing my ass off. Please show your love and support by downloading every album they’ve ever recorded. 


I’m so thankful that I don’t have to deal with sponsors. 

Otherwise, I would have to tell you to visit Guinness’ website HERE Otherwise, I’d be inclined to tell you that Guinness Draft (with it’s distinctive dark amber body and rich creamy head) is possibly God’s greatest gift to mankind and is the sole reason I’m thankful for being alive after it’s birth in 1759.

I’d also have to recommend that you to hire Narrate Films for your next video/film/music-video/photo booth/wedding photography/any photography needs and to visit their website HERE

Whew… so thankful I don’t need to deal with that crap. I’d feel so dirty having to tell you that this episode was sponsored by Bittercube Bitters NO WAY IN HELL am I going to tell you that Bittercube has been featured in Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food, Playboy, Imbibe Magazine, Timeout, Chicago Tribune, New York Times, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, GO – AirTran Inflight Magazine, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, NPR, and Daily Candy, among other publications.