# Play the Gig, Learn the Lesson: James Eager on Bass, Growth & Opportunity

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/now-that-s-bass-7778716/play-the-gig-learn-the-lesson-james-eager-on-bass-growth-opportunity
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/now-that-s-bass-7778716/play-the-gig-learn-the-lesson-james-eager-on-bass-growth-opportunity.md
Podcast: [Now That’s Bass](https://stenobird.com/podcast/now-that-s-bass-7778716)
Published: 2026-06-13T14:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://peteb.podbean.com/e/play-the-gig-learn-the-lesson-james-eager-on-bass-growth-opportunity/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/qbdawx5kmr7kinjc/James_E_Audio_Onlyb1y8j.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/now-that-s-bass-7778716/episodes/play-the-gig-learn-the-lesson-james-eager-on-bass-growth-opportunity
Duration seconds: 2679

## Resource

James Eager has built a career that spans West End shows, function bands, jazz clubs, teaching, entrepreneurship and creating one of the world's largest online bass education communities through E Bass Guitar. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe and share with another bass player. Chapter timings 01:07 Where did your bass journey start? 04:10 When did you realise you could make this work as a living? 09:41 Did you ever get out of your depth on gigs? 12:44 Are you only as good as your last gig? 16:59 How has the industry changed for today's bass players? 21:26 How important is it for musicians to have business skills? 28:02 Are the opportunities still there for younger bass players? 33:49 The importance of authenticty 38:54 What advice would you give your younger self? 43:35 One bass line everyone should learn In this episode of Now That's Bass, James shares the reality of building a sustainable career in music. From saying yes to every gig in his twenties, to overcoming imposter syndrome, developing resilience, embracing entrepreneurship and finding his authentic voice, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for any bass player trying to make their way in today's music industry. Whether you're an aspiring professional musician, a working bassist, or someone navigating the challenges of a creative career, James offers honest insights into what it really takes to build a long-term life in music. What we talked about: • How James transitioned from guitar to bass • Studying jazz at Trinity College of Music • Building a career through teaching and gigging • Why saying yes to opportunities matters • Imposter syndrome and surviving difficult gigs • Lessons learned from the West End • The changing music industry in 2026 • Why musicians need…

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