Henrik Linder of Dirty Loops will be coming to Singapore together with Jack Gardiner for a masterclass, and it is one of those events I’m genuinely excited to watch.

I have followed Henrik’s playing for some time, and what interests me most is not just the technical side of it. Of course, that is part of it. But more than that, I think he is a very interesting modern bass player because of the way he combines groove, control, sound, and musical ideas in a way that feels current.

That is really why I want to catch this session. Check out the link below on how to get the tickets

Jack Gardiner and Henrik Linder Masterclass Tickets, Wednesday, Mar 25 from 7 pm to 10 pm | Eventbrite

Did you know this is not Henrik Linder’s first time in Singapore? He was here back in 2014, 12 years ago, performing at the Singapore International Jazz Festival. You can watch the video here.

I am not sure if everyone first discovered Dirty Loops through their early cover videos, but that was how I first came across Henrik Linder.

The video that really introduced me to the band was their cover of Dirty Loops Baby (Justin Bieber cover). What caught me immediately was the groove. The 16th-note feel during the first verse was amazing, and later on, when the bass solo came in, that was the moment I sat straight up in my chair.

That is part of why seeing Henrik Linder in Singapore feels interesting to me now. That early video left a strong impression, and it is still one of the reasons I am curious to hear his playing in person.

I think that is one reason so many bass players pay attention to him. He is not only impressive in a technical sense. His playing also has character.

With Dirty Loops, the bass is not simply sitting at the back doing the minimum. It often plays a bigger role in the sound of the band. Sometimes it drives the groove, sometimes it adds movement, and sometimes it helps fill out the arrangement in a way that feels very modern.

That is part of what makes his playing worth studying.

Another thing that stands out about Henrik Linder is the bass itself. His Mattisson bass has a look that immediately catches your attention, especially if you are used to seeing more standard bass designs. I am not talking about the color of the body. I am talking about the fretboard!

You will notice the frets right away because of that jagged-looking design. He has spoken about it in several videos, but here is one more recent example you can watch.

Watching clips online is one thing, but seeing a player live or in a masterclass setting is different.

Usually, that is when you notice details that do not always come through fully on a screen. Things like touch, phrasing, timing, note length, dynamics, and tone. Those are the things I would be most interested in hearing more clearly.

I am also curious to hear how he talks about the instrument, how he approaches playing, and what his thought process is when it comes to groove and musical choices.

Sometimes hearing a musician explain or demonstrate something in person gives a different perspective from just watching edited clips online.

I also think there is value in students being exposed to players like Henrik Linder, not because everyone needs to play like him, but because it helps expand their idea of what the bass can do.

For some students, bass starts off as just learning notes, basic grooves, or supporting the band. That is important, of course. But when you hear someone like Henrik, you realise the instrument can do much more while still staying musical.

At the same time, I think the biggest lesson is not “play more notes.” If anything, the bigger lesson is that groove, clarity, control, and musical intention still matter the most.

For me, this kind of event is worthwhile because it is a chance to step back and listen properly.

Sometimes it is good to watch a strong player in person and simply pay attention to how they sound, how they carry themselves musically, and how they make the instrument work in context. That can be inspiring in a practical way, not just in a fan kind of way.

Even one or two small observations from a session like this can stay with you and influence the way you practice or listen afterwards.

So yes, I’m looking forward to this masterclass.

Not from the angle of trying to overhype it, but more because I think Henrik Linder is one of those bass players who is genuinely interesting to listen to and learn from. His playing has a modern sound, strong groove, and a musical identity that is very clear.

And I think that alone makes him worth watching when the chance comes around.