The Unexpected Encounter That Changed Everything: robert ‘Bubby’ Lewis and Andrew gouché
Robert ‘Bubby’ Lewis vividly recalls his inaugural experience at the Winter NAMM Show, a moment etched in his memory. It was 2003, and at just 17 years old, he was already immersed in the world of bass guitar, having played for a few years. Accompanied by his sister, the talented drummer Benita Lewis, he was ready to make his mark.
A Surprising Introduction
“I found myself at the Ken Smith booth, jamming with Etienne Mappé, entirely lost in the music with my eyes shut,” Lewis shared in an interview with Bass Player in July 2017.”Being from Flint, Michigan, I was familiar with names but not faces. When I finally opened my eyes, I noticed a large figure resembling a security guard watching me intently.”
As soon as he set his bass down,the imposing figure approached him,placing a hand on his shoulder and saying,’Come with me.’ In a moment of panic, Lewis attempted to text his sister for help.
The Unexpected Prospect
“He escorted me to the Mike Tobias booth and insisted I play for him.After I finished,Mike offered to build me a bass guitar if I ever needed one. The ‘security guard’ complimented my sound, and when I expressed my gratitude, he introduced himself: ‘I’m andrew Gouché.’”
“I was stunned. ‘Wait… the Andrew gouché?’” Lewis exclaimed, realizing he was in the presence of a bass legend.
A Life-Changing Connection
Thanks to Gouché’s encouragement, Lewis secured a position as Snoop Dogg’s bassist in 2007, marking a significant turning point in his career. Shortly thereafter, he made the move to Los Angeles, where he would establish himself in the music scene.
From Aspiring Musician to Industry Veteran
Now a well-known figure at the MTD booth during the annual NAMM Show, Lewis spends the majority of his time touring and recording. His impressive resume includes collaborations with artists such as Jhené Aiko,Dr. Dre, Lupe Fiasco, The Game, Warren G, and Kurupt.
While Lewis has built a reputation as a gospel, hip-hop, and R&B bassist, he continuously hones his skills in soloing over intricate chord changes, adapting to the demands of a modern bassist.
The Art of Improvisation
“Every time I plug in my bass, I start improvising. Without any backing music, it might sound chaotic, but I hear chords in my head and try to play over them. when I explain this to others, they often ask, ’Don’t you practice songs?’ not really. Sometimes, I just sit down and play whatever comes to mind,” he explained.
Breaking down Musical Barriers
lewis embraces the challenge of creating melodies spontaneously. ”it’s tempting to think, ‘We’re in E minor, so I’ll slide up to the 12th fret and play some E minor pentatonic licks.’ But I thrive on the challenge of crafting a melody in real-time,” he shared.
Influences and Inspirations
Growing up in Flint, Lewis was inspired by his friend Eddie Brown, who could effortlessly play complex pieces on the organ while gazing at the ceiling. “He wasn’t focused on scales; he was simply hearing and playing what he felt,” Lewis recalled.
He also admired guitar virtuoso Allan Holdsworth, who perceived the guitar neck as a canvas of notes to explore over various chords. “Frank Gambale, another of my heroes, echoed this sentiment. If you know where the notes are, you can express anything you want,” Lewis added.
Expanding Musical Horizons
To cultivate new ideas, lewis emphasizes the importance of diversifying one’s musical influences. “If you only listen to the same genres,you’ll only hear the same sounds. My roots are in gospel, funk, R&B, and hip-hop, but exploring rock and country transformed my perspective. Indian music has also had a profound impact on my playing,” he noted.
A Journey into Indian music
Lewis’s exploration of Indian music opened his eyes to a world beyond Western music theory. “I delved into raga, qawwali, and sufi music, and eventually studied classical Indian and Arabic music,” he explained.
The Impact on His Playing Style
This exploration has significantly influenced his approach to music. “When asked to play a jazz piece, I might channel the essence of Bade Ghulam Ali Khan instead of sticking to a traditional Charlie Parker style,” he said.
The Importance of Musical Openness
“To grow and evolve, you must remain open to various musical styles. Many of my friends dismiss punk rock and metal, but playing classic Robert Trujillo basslines while performing with Suicidal Tendencies is an exhilarating experience.Thundercat even had Mike Muir reach out to me for a few gigs in Japan,and it was a workout!”
From Security Stare to Snoop’s Stage: How Robert ‘Bubby’ Lewis Mistook Andrew Gouché for a Bouncer and Landed the Gig of a Lifetime!
from Security Stare to Snoop’s Stage: How Robert ‘Bubby’ Lewis Mistook andrew Gouché for a Bouncer and Landed the Gig of a Lifetime!
The Unexpected encounter at NAMM
In 2003, a young Robert ‘Bubby’ Lewis attended the Winter NAMM Show, a pivotal moment in his burgeoning music career. At just 17 years old, he was already passionate about playing bass, having honed his skills for a couple of years. Accompanied by his sister, drummer Benita Lewis, Bubby was eager to make connections in the music industry.
While jamming at the Ken Smith booth with renowned bassist Etienne Mappé, Lewis was completely immersed in the music. ”I had my eyes closed, lost in the groove,” he recalled. Little did he know, a notable encounter was about to unfold.
The Security Stare
As Lewis played, he opened his eyes to find a large figure watching him intently. “I thought he was a security guard,” Lewis said.”I didn’t know who he was, just that he looked intimidating.” When he finished playing, the figure approached him, grabbing his shoulder and saying, “Come with me.”
Feeling a mix of confusion and apprehension, Lewis attempted to text his sister for help, unsure of what was happening. This moment of uncertainty would soon lead to a life-changing opportunity.
Meeting Andrew Gouché
The imposing figure turned out to be none other than Andrew Gouché, a legendary bassist known for his work with artists like Prince and Snoop Dogg. “He walked me down to the Mike Tobias booth and made me sit down to play,” Lewis recounted. After his performance, Gouché praised his sound, and Mike Tobias offered to build him a custom bass guitar.
“I was in shock,” Lewis said. “I couldn’t believe I was talking to Andrew Gouché. It was a surreal moment that changed my life.”
Landing the Gig with Snoop Dogg
Thanks to Gouché’s endorsement, Lewis secured a position as Snoop Dogg’s bassist in 2007.This opportunity marked a significant turning point in his career, leading him to relocate to Los Angeles permanently.”It was a dream come true,” he shared. “I went from being a kid in Flint, Michigan, to playing on stages with one of the biggest names in hip-hop.”
Building a Successful Career
Today, Robert ‘Bubby’ Lewis is a well-respected figure in the music industry, known for his versatility and talent. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including:
- Jhené Aiko
- Dr. Dre
- lupe Fiasco
- The Game
- Warren G
- Kurupt
Lewis has become a familiar face at the annual NAMM Show, where he showcases his skills and connects with fellow musicians. His journey from a nervous teenager to a sought-after bassist serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians everywhere.
Benefits of Networking in the Music Industry
Lewis’s story highlights the importance of networking in the music industry. Here are some key benefits:
- Opportunities: Networking can lead to unexpected gigs and collaborations.
- Learning: Connecting with experienced musicians provides valuable insights and knowledge.
- Support: Building relationships with peers creates a support system in a competitive industry.
- Visibility: Networking increases yoru visibility and can help you get noticed by industry professionals.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Musicians
If you’re looking to follow in Lewis’s footsteps, consider these practical tips:
1.Attend Music Events
participate in events like NAMM, local concerts, and workshops to meet other musicians and industry professionals.
2. Be Open to Opportunities
stay open-minded about diffrent genres and styles. You never know where a chance encounter might lead.
3. Practice Regularly
Continuously improve your skills to ensure you’re ready for any opportunity that comes your way.
4.Build an Online Presence
Utilize social media platforms to showcase your talent and connect with other musicians.
5. join Music Communities
Engage with online forums and local music groups to expand your network and gain support.
Case Study: Robert ’Bubby’ Lewis’s Journey
Lewis’s journey exemplifies how a single moment can change the trajectory of a career. Here’s a brief overview of his path:
| Year |
Milestone |
| 2003 |
Attended Winter NAMM Show, met Andrew Gouché |
| 2007 |
Joined Snoop Dogg’s band as bassist |
| 2010 |
Collaborated with Jhené Aiko |
| 2015 |
Performed at major music festivals |
| 2023 |
Established as a prominent figure in the music industry |
First-Hand Experience: The Power of Chance Encounters
Lewis’s experience serves as a reminder of the power of chance encounters in the music industry. Here are some key takeaways:
- Always be prepared to showcase your talent, as opportunities can arise unexpectedly.
- Networking is essential; you never know who might be watching or listening.
- Stay humble and open to learning from others, irrespective of their status in the industry.
Join the Beatbounty Community
Are you an aspiring musician looking to make connections and find opportunities? Join the Beatbounty platform today! Create an account and submit an ad to showcase your talent and connect with industry professionals.
Become a valued member of Beatbounty platform.
Start selling and connect with fellow musicians – LOGIN or REGISTER!
