We’re continuing the roll out of Consequence’s Bass Week with a Crate Digging list of 10 albums that influenced Mr. Bungle’s Trevor Dunn. Keep checking back throughout the week for more lists, artist-driven content, games, and more.
As a member of the genre-defying band Mr. Bungle, Trevor Dunn’s range as a bassist is quite remarkable, from playing hardcore thrash to experimental rock. A deeper dive into his résumé shows even more versatility, as he has appeared on numerous recordings by avant-garde saxophone legend John Zorn. He’s also a member of Fantômas and Tomahawk, and has recorded a handful of Melvins (Lite) releases.
Dunn plays both electric and upright bass, and his influences reflect both disciplines. He was drawn to the bass early on, telling Consequence, “I have an older brother who started playing guitar in the ’70s, and he started bringing home rock records. I really looked up to him. I would listen to him practice, and he got me into KISS and Blondie.”
He continued, “I didn’t want to do exactly what he was doing, so I decided I wanted to play bass. It’s funny, ’cause my father was like, ‘No, you should play guitar. It’s more up in front.’ But I demanded a bass.”
As for his approach to playing different styles of music, Dunn explains, “Whether it’s Mike Patton’s music or John Zorn’s music, I just try to make sure that I’m doing the best job I can to help realize their vision.”
Get King Dunn Tour Tickets Here
Fans can catch Dunn playing upright bass on his upcoming tour with Melvins frontman Buzz Osborne. The “King Dunn Tour” kicks off August 1st in Pioneertown, California, and runs through a September 26th show in Phoenix, Arizona, with tickets available here.
Below, Trevor Dunn shares the albums and artists that had the greatest influence on his bass playing, ranging from jazz to funk to rock ‘n’ roll. Then check out how many of Dunn’s selected bassists made our list of the 100 Greatest Bassists of All Time, and check back all week to see all of our Bass Week content.