Bassist Michael Rinne, BMusā10, is a busy guy. He has recorded with artists Caitlin Rose, Jack White and Andrew Combs, and has toured with Steelism, Mark OāConnor and, most recently, Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell. Now he is featured in the recently released Hank Williams biopic I Saw the Light, backing up lead actor Tom Hiddleston.
āI started out recording the soundtrack for the film, met the director, and got cast as Lum York, the bass player in Hank Williamsā band, The Drifting Cowboys,ā Rinne says.
These are opportunities any musician would dream of. But Rinne says the daily process of each project in which heās involved is what brings him the most fulfillment as a musicianāwatching the music evolve and getting to be part of it.
āEvery day is different,ā he says. āIām always working on multiple projects. Sometimes Iām getting up for a 4 a.m. lobby call, driving to the airport, flying to a different country, and going straight to sound check on no sleep. Which sounds really ārock ānā rollā, but itās notāitās really just exhausting!ā
He also produces, writes and co-writes songs, and plays bass on many other artistsā demos and records.
āIām finding that Iām really in love with the process. If you donāt love the process, then it will be a tough road,ā Rinne says. āAnd youāve got to be comfortable with rejection. For every big gig Iāve had, there have been 10 great gigs that I came close to and, for whatever reason, didnāt get the call.ā
What has he learned along the way that has been most important in maintaining motivation and a successful music career?
āāMust be present to win,āā he says. āYou have to show up every day. The life of any creative professional is a difficult one. Itās not consistent in quantity of work or financially. It requires you to be present and self-aware.ā
āMolly Jewell