Artist Bio
Leah Kolbe, also known as LowEndLobster, is a New-England based bass player, consumer advocate, and bass-centric content creator. Born in Massachusetts in the late 80’s, she grew up surrounded by music. She started playing the piano at age 4 and trumpet at age 9 but never really connected with those instruments. However, those experiences had laid the foundation for her fruitful journey as a bass player.
Leah first picked up the bass freshman year of high school for the school play, Les Miserables. She had no prior experience with the instrument, but was drawn to the deep sound and power of the bass. Leah approached her band director, Joe Wright, to see if she could play bass for the musical and got the part. With nothing but a dream, a borrowed Ibanez Gio, and encouragement from her band director, Leah dove head first into the wide world of bass. She grew quickly as a bass player, playing in several more musicals, marching band, jazz band, choir, concert band, orchestra, and was fortunate to be surrounded by an amazing array of musical peers and instructors that would open her eyes to groups and artists like Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, Stevie Wonder, Return to Forever, Weather Report, Charles Mingus, Marcus Miller, and others.
At the beginning of 2020 Leah started the LowEndLobster YouTube channel which focused on providing independent consumer focused gear reviews. She was motivated by the over abundance of YouTube gear videos that felt too much like advertisements and didn’t address questions that players want to know about a bass. Years later, Leah continues to create in depth bass centric content with over 600 videos analyzing a variety of instruments and experimenting with modifications. Her reputation as a player focused independent gear reviewer is complimented by her melodic improvisations, variety of playing techniques, and lighthearted sense of humor. She is also an outspoken advocate and member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Photo by Katie Brogan – https://www.
