Paul Cannon has been a member of the Frankfurt-based group Ensemble Modern since 2014. A graduate of Rice University, Paul spends his days performing contemporary music of all genres. A couple months ago, I got two messages that led me to contact Paul for an interview. The first was a message from my wife with a YouTube video that had gone viral on Reddit. I also got a message that same day from Rice University bass professor and past podcast guest Paul Ellison recommending that I connect with Paul Cannon.  We scheduled an interview and had a fascinating conversation. We dig into: not worrying too much about careers early on - leave room for unexpected opportunities if your only tool is a hammer, everything looks like a nail how opportunities are useless unless you have the goods to back it up how Paul approaches a piece like Jacob Druckman’s Valentine techniques for counting 5s and 7s and getting them organic challenges with finding audiences for contemporary music Links to check out: Paul's Ensemble Modern profile page Video about Paul from Ensemble Modern (YouTube) What it's like to rehearse with Ensemble Modern (YouTube) The Negative Dialectics of Poodle Play by Ben Watson (quite a read!) Frank Zappa demoing the Sinclavier Thanks to our sponsors! This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance. Enter our latest string giveaway for Kaplan strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings! This episode is also brought to you by Rosin Saver, a revolutionary storage device that keeps bass rosin feeling as fresh as the day it was made. Rosin Saver is used by members of the New York Philharmonic, the MET orchestra, the Los Angles Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony, and many others. Use the promo code 'HEATH' at checkout for 10% off any and all orders from rosinsaver.com. Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to your inbox!