P&W Bass players that sing lead, how do you control the songs volume/dynamics?

idma said:

What I mean is that the loudness, softness, interesting hits/snaps/riffs/melodies, are never heard by the bass. Its done by everybody else, and the bass provides, well, the bass. As in it certainly adds a lot of weight to a part, but it doesn't bring in the interest.

You can argue that bass certainly provides the loudness to a song, but its something everybody builds on and therefore only goes so far in dynamics.

As for leading while playing bass, do you basically give all responsibility for dynamics to your team? How complex does your playing get rhythmically?

The reason I ask is in the P&W song recordings, while the swells, melodies, and over all dynamics can be pretty far reaching, the bass really doesn't contribute much the moment there are more instruments playing.

I can only hear its impact when there is a particularly soft part of the song and barely anything is playing, and the bass stops. Then the song ramps up a little but only the bass is added in. At that point I can feel its weight and how the song feels like its gonna get more exciting. But then the moment everything else comes in, the bass is regulated to just...well...the bass.

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I think you're noticing something common in a lot of modern church music. The bass can sometimes sound lower in the mix when the band is in full swing. But that doesn't mean it's less important—its role just shifts.

The bass is crucial in providing a solid foundation and rhythmic pulse for the band, (hopefully) enhancing the overall worship experience. The bassist's primary job is to establish the groove, lock in with the drummer, outline the chord changes, and create a supportive and cohesive sound.

In big, layered sections, the bass anchors the harmony, groove, and energy. You may not hear it distinctly, but you feel it. Even when it's not in the spotlight, the bass is essential. Remove it, and the song loses warmth, drive, and depth.

The magic often comes from being felt, not featured. The congregation may not always notice you, but they'll notice when you're gone.

As for signalling tempo or volume change, consider some of these:
You can use physical cues and body language. Step forward slightly, make eye contact, or nod your head when a change is coming. Move to face the drummer so everyone knows a change is coming. Nod your head to indicate the new tempo. Lean in toward your instrument or exaggerate your movements to indicate intensity changes.

Disclosure: I have not led a worship group since the mid-1970s, but I have been playing electric bass guitar or double bass to support congregational and choir singing in the Catholic church for about 45 years.

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