Worship Bass Coffee

Josh and Jay continue their conversation with Jordan Ray Landers of Backburner Noise in Part 2 of this two-part series.In this episode, Jordan dives deeper into his approach to preparing for worship—focusing on intentional listening, understanding the heart behind the lyrics, and grounding everything in Scripture. Rather than relying on charts, he shares how internalizing songs and connecting them to the message transforms not just how you play, but how you lead.The conversation also explores life on the road, from unforgettable venues like Red Rocks to the reality that sometimes the most meaningful moments happen offstage. Jordan opens up about mindset, handling mistakes, and why preparation—both spiritually and practically—changes everything.To wrap it up, Jordan gives a full breakdown of his basses, pedalboard, and the story behind Backburner Noise, including the creation of Big Booty Judy and what’s coming next. It’s a deep dive into tone, creativity, and building tools that actually serve bass players in real-world settings.Whether you’re a worship bassist, gear enthusiast, or just love honest conversations about music and calling, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.Now grab your favorite cup of coffee and come hang with us.

In this episode of Worship, Bass, Coffee, Jay sits down with Miguel Jimenez—a faithful member of the community and a full-time tile installer from Wisconsin—to talk about balancing work, family, and serving on a worship team. Miguel shares his journey into music starting with orchestra and eventually finding his place on bass through his church, along with the influence of early worship music like Hillsong United. The conversation dives into real-life rhythms of being a husband and father (including raising children with special needs), the importance of communication at home, and how that directly impacts serving well on Sundays. Miguel also talks through his approach to preparing for services, learning songs, handling mistakes, and understanding the role of bass in supporting both rhythm and melody. From practical tips to heartfelt moments, this episode is a great reminder that we’re not there to serve ourselves, but to serve others and create space for God to move—so grab your favorite cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy the conversation.

In Episode 18 of Worship, Bass, Coffee, Jay sits down with his friend and fellow musician Nate Sousa (aka “The Sooze”), the Music Director at The Bridge Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Nate shares his journey from growing up in a musical family to becoming a multi-instrumentalist and seasoned worship music director.The conversation covers Nate’s early years playing drums, teaching himself guitar, and eventually discovering his passion for music directing while in college. He also talks about his time working alongside worship leader Aaron Blanton, the move from California to Tennessee, and how those experiences shaped his approach to worship ministry and music production.Jay and Nate dive into topics like preparing for Sundays, the role of an MD in supporting the worship leader and band, how musicians can serve the song rather than themselves, and the importance of dynamics and listening in a worship setting. They also discuss gear, tone, bass and guitar perspectives in worship music, and Nate’s work with Tone Junkie creating guitar presets.Along the way, the episode includes plenty of funny stories, gear talk, and practical advice for musicians who serve on worship teams—whether they play bass, guitar, or lead bands from the MD chair.It’s a relaxed, insightful conversation between friends about worship, musicianship, and the joy of serving together in church music.So grab your favorite cup of coffee, kick back, and enjoy the conversation.

Episode 16 of Worship Bass Coffee features session and touring bassist Samuel Rady, a longtime “Insta-friend” of Jay’s whose playing you’ve probably heard even if you didn’t realize it. Sam shares his story of getting started on bass, landing early opportunities with Housefires, and how that path led into the rise of Maverick City Music—including what it was really like going from church gigs to arenas and huge stages. They talk about the reality of touring (the good, the hard, and the unexpected), the importance of the people you’re surrounded by, and what it takes to stay grounded as opportunities grow. Of course, they also go deep on the gear: Sam walks through his bass lineup (including a PJ Custom Shop, a ‘92 Thunderbird with Lollar pickups, a G3, a Mustang, a Coronado, and more), his live setup with the Quad Cortex, and his “absolute unit” studio board—plus why the Noble DI is still the one piece he can’t live without. The episode wraps with rapid fire favorites, coffee talk, and practical advice for worship bassists and aspiring touring musicians who want to grow the right way. Grab your favorite cup of coffee and listen.

Episode 14 kicks off 2026 with Nashville session bassist Jacob Lowery, whose résumé spans everyone from Reba McEntire and Michael McDonald to Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, and more. Jacob and Jay talk about what a “normal” week in the studio really looks like, how inspiration (and learning songs) often beats practicing scales, and how relationships + being a great hang can open doors just as much as playing the right notes. Along the way, Jacob shares early influences from church and radio (a true Louisiana gumbo of styles), surreal career moments on massive stages, and the discipline of serving the song—knowing when to add a little “spice” and when to stay out of the way. They also dive into gear: Bluesman basses, strings, and Jacob’s signal chain (including his always-on approach to tasteful drive), plus his upcoming Bass Summit where he mentors players on sessions, charts, tone, and real-world etiquette (sometimes with a Bluesman bass giveaway!). Jay closes the episode with an invite to join the Worship Bass Coffee Bible reading plan, a Psalm reading and encouragement for anyone feeling under attack, and a reminder that this community is better together—so grab your favorite cup of coffee and listen in.

In this Christmas-season episode of Worship, Bass, Coffee, Jay sits down with fellow Texan and tone architect Bryce Vaughn for a conversation that’s equal parts gear talk, real-life honesty, and worship-community heart.They dig into what life actually looks like when your weeks are stacked with Sunday sets, midweek services, artist dates, studio sessions, and the constant tension of staying creative without burning yourself out. Bryce shares how growing up as a pastor’s kid in an all-Black gospel church shaped his feel, his pocket, and his instinctive approach to worship bass—and how that background still influences the way he plays today.From the “why” behind his pedalboard to the story of how he started building presets and eventually launched Backline Resources, Bryce talks openly about tone, inspiration, and what it means to carry your own musical DNA rather than copying someone else’s settings. He also offers grounded, heartfelt advice for new worship bassists—whether they’re teenagers stepping onto a stage for the first time or adults discovering the instrument later in life.So brew your favorite cup, settle in, and enjoy this Christmas-season conversation.

In this episode of Worship, Bass, Coffee, I sit down with LaVon Rushing — gospel bassist, MD, multi-instrumentalist, and one of the most joyful and gifted players influencing modern worship and gospel music today.LaVon shares how growing up in Virginia with a guitar-playing father and a bass-loving mother shaped his musical DNA, eventually leading him from early church experiences to a full career in Orlando’s vibrant creative scene. LaVon and I revisit their first meeting at Disney’s Joyful! Christmas show, his move to Florida, and how unexpected opportunities — including playing on multiple Hilary Duff records — opened doors he never imagined.LaVon talks honestly about balancing an intense weekly schedule of rehearsals, sessions, and family life, and breaks down how he practices “by thinking the impossible,” using recording moments as his time to grow. He also dives deep into the reality of Sunday morning life at his church, where sets change last-minute and everything is “on the fly,” requiring intuition, talkback communication, and trust.Gear lovers get a full walkthrough of LaVon’s world: his custom 7-string Bootleg bass, unique tunings (down to low F#), Bartolini pickups, Aguilar preamps, DI choices, and the pedals he relies on — including the H9, OC-2, Tone Hammer/AG, Whammy, and more.LaVon also shares powerful reflections on leading worship from the bass, adapting across genres, finding the right church environment, listening deeply, and the importance of surrounding yourself with peers who sharpen you. In one of the most heartfelt moments of the episode, he opens up about losing a close friend and how God has been reminding him to embrace the present, move with purpose, and be fully here for the people you love.If you love gospel chops, gear talk, worship conversations, or simply want encouragement in your musical and spiritual journey — this is a can’t-miss episode.

In this episode of Worship, Bass, Coffee, I sit down with Ethan Eichhorn — a longtime Instagram friend turned real-life hang. Ethan shares his journey growing up in a musical family where both parents were professional musicians, and how bass became the perfect blend of groove and melody for him.By day, Ethan leads in the construction world after earning a degree in electrical engineering. Between travel, remote work, and raising three kids, he still finds time to serve at The Orchard, often pouring into the student band so he and his wife can serve together. We talk about how he prepares for Sundays—listening first, visualizing the parts during his commute, and memorizing songs so there’s no stand between him and true worship.Gear heads will love this one. Ethan walks us through his setup: a Fender Roscoe Beck V with La Bella Super Polished rounds, a Sire Z7 five-string with Ian Allison strings, a Lake Placid Blue American Original P-Bass strung with low-tension flats, and a sentimental ’90s MIM PJ that still sees plenty of play. His all-in Quad Cortex rig delivers clean SVT-inspired tones, smart routing, and studio-grade flexibility—perfect for both church and travel.Ethan’s wisdom runs deep: get on stage, play with musicians better than you, memorize the set, and honor your season. Whether it’s leading worship, investing in family, or simply serving faithfully where you are, his story is a reminder that humility and preparation go hand in hand.Grab a cup of coffee and join us for this grounded, encouraging conversation.

In this episode of Worship, Bass, Coffee, I sit down with Ken Reid — a fellow bassist at The Bridge and someone I first got to know over a simple coffee. Ken shares his journey into music, from his punk rock and metal roots to discovering his place on bass in church. We talk about his current role at Ramsey Solutions leading the content team, and how he balances family life, work, and serving on Sundays.Ken opens up about what it’s like preparing for worship without relying on charts, how he finds time to practice in a small closet under the stairs, and why memorization builds both confidence and connection on stage. We dig into the challenges of being a musician while raising three kids, the importance of heart preparation alongside musical preparation, and the lessons he’s learned about recovering well when mistakes happen.Of course, there’s also plenty of gear talk. Ken walks us through his G&L bass, his simple but powerful Aguilar Tone Hammer setup, and the tones that inspire him. From influences like Muse and Flea to the melodic basslines of Colony House, his approach is both practical and creative.Whether you’re serving every Sunday or just starting out, Ken’s story is full of encouragement, humor, and wisdom for bass players and worship musicians alike. Grab your favorite cup of coffee and join us for this inspiring conversation.

In this episode of Worship Bass Coffee, I sit down with my good friend Brandon Robold—bassist, musical director, and background vocalist for Zach Williams. Brandon’s journey is full of heart, grit, and faith, and I think you’ll really enjoy this one.We talk about everything from his early days growing up in Maryland, to how a middle-school crush led him to pick up the bass (yes, really!). Brandon shares how playing in church shaped his foundation, how his time at Liberty University stretched him as both a musician and leader, and the years he spent grinding it out with his band Backroad Anthem.Brandon opens up about the heartbreaking loss of his bandmate, his decision to leave the club scene, and how God opened the door for him to join Zach Williams’ band—a role he’s now held for over eight years. He talks about life as a touring musician, standout shows (Red Rocks and The Beacon Theater), and the powerful experience of recording a live record inside Harding Prison.We also dive into his gear and tone (from his vintage Fender P-Bass to his Noble DI and Aguilar setup), his approach to serving on Sunday mornings, and how memorizing songs frees you to “serve the song, not the chart.” Outside of music, Brandon shares about his passion for real estate, the balance of road life with family life, and what it means to be a husband, father, and worshipper first.And of course—we wrap it up with the rapid-fire round: flats vs. rounds, P-Bass vs. Jazz, desert island pedal, favorite bassists, coffee picks, and more.Whether you’re a worship bassist, a gear head, or just someone who loves stories of faith, family, and music, this conversation will encourage and inspire you.

In this episode, I sit down with Parke Cottrell—bassist for Colony House, worship leader, and all-around creative—to talk about his musical journey and heart for serving. We chat about everything from his early days learning piano, to falling into bass by accident, to what it means to lead with humility on and off the stage. We cover life on the road, building a family while touring, leading worship alongside his wife, and the value of staying connected to your local church. We also get into some fun stuff: favorite coffee shops, gear talk (P-Bass fans, this one’s for you), and what it’s like playing Red Rocks with Switchfoot. Whether you’re a worship musician, Colony House fan, or just here for the bass + coffee, I think you’ll enjoy this one.