Cold Open Question of the Week: My wife shares a story of seeing Matchbox Twenty in concert, and Rob Thomas announcing the next song is one they wish they wrote, before playing “American Girl,” by Tom Petty. What’s a song that you wish you wrote?
Murphy Karges:
Our guest this week is bassist, musician, and writer, Murphy Karges. Murphy was a founding member of the ‘90s hit-makers, Sugar Ray, whose albums Floored, 14:59, and Sugar Ray, featured radio hits “Fly”, “When It’s Over”, and “Someday”, just to name a few.
Last year, almost to the date, I penned an open letter on my Substack to Murphy, asking him to join us on the podcast, and good to his word, Murphy is here to discuss life (as seen through the eyes of a bass player), his career in the music industry, and talk about his upcoming book: Basics for Bassists or How to Not Suck at Playing Bass! which is available for pre-order this Tuesday, June 18th.
The Book: Basics for Bassists or How to Not Suck at Playing Bass!
Murphy explains how the idea of the book came about, starting with notes from a yellow legal pad for a video series, and takes us through the two year journey of the book from writing to publishing.
He said the challenge was to explain playing bass, which can be a complex thing, in a simple way that’s easy to understand and not boring.
We find out what readers can expect? The challenge of putting what he knew as a musician into the format of a book format? And getting those all important blurbs.
The book has some great blurbs, by the way, including YouTube guitar teacher, Marty Schwartz from Marty Music, and a host of other musicians, bassists and drummers.
The 1990s:
We discuss the origins of Sugar Ray’s 1997 breakout hit, “Fly,” and how Murphy and the rest of the band saw early hints of the song’s potential.
Murphy also discusses the frantic, non-stop schedule and demands as one of the biggest bands of the ‘90s, and some fun memories from the road, such as learning about catering from 311, allowing Adam Levine to use the band’s treadmill, and more.
Murphy also recognizes the legacy of the band’s music, still being played today, including at his son’s college parties.
Quick Hits:
We ask Murphy some probing questions:
I’m heading up to Bethel Woods, N.Y. to see Hootie and the Blowfish and Collective Soul in two weeks. Any stories or memories of those guys?
Favorite Bands You’ve Performed/Toured With?
Band You Wish Performed on MTV’s Unplugged?
What album are you bringing if you had to live on a desert island for a year?
Favorite “new” song or artist?
Be Sure to Follow Murphy on Social Media:
Website: www.murphykarges.com
Instagram: murphykarges
YouTube: @MurphyKargesBass
Episode 101: The One About Bass with Murphy Karges