Bass Musician Magazine - SPECIAL August 2014 Female Bassist Issue | Page 169

world at least). And the women playing bass
were often given the choice of playing bass or
staying home, while the family band went out.
So you can imagine they weren’t always playing
out of passion (for the instrument). That world
has changed dramatically.

Do you find that you constantly have to
prove yourself... as a musician, or a
musician that happens to be a female?
These days I only think about working as a
musician, period. Working as hard as you can,

I worked as a side-man for years. These days,
as a woman and a bandleader (Missy Raines
& the New Hip), I feel particularly blessed and
empowered. I know that had I been doing this
even 20 years ago, it would have been a lot
harder; many walls have been broken down in
that area by women such as Alison Krauss, Lynn
Morris, and of course, folks like Esperanza.
I had conversations with several women who
came before me (Lynn Morris, etc.) and I know
the challenges and obstacles they faced were
greater than any I’ve had to conquer. They fought
sheer and plain sexism, no bones about it. They
paved the way for us.
Do you feel, as a female bassist, that you
receive the professional respect afforded
male bassists?
Yes

because there are so many players around you
both male and female. I don’t see as much of a
distinction being made any more.
When I first started, yes, there was a bigger deal
made; there weren’t as many women playing any
other instruments period, (within the Bluegrass

What is your advice on how to be taken
professionally in the music industry?
Be nice, but strong, and be excellent. Take every
gig seriously, no matter how small it may seem
at the time, as you never know what it will lead
to. Be original and be creative. Return calls and
emails, even if you are turning down a gig. You
never know.
From a practical point of view, do you
find managing the weight of a bass
challenging? If so, do you have any
special techniques/advice?
Yes, from time to time, it does get a little tiresome.

bassmusicianmagazine.com | aug 2014 | #bassmusicianmag | the face of bass

I know I’ve not gotten work because I was female,
but I also know I’ve gotten work because I
WAS. So perhaps it’s evened out. I don’t mind
if someone takes a second look because I’m
female playing the bass… but once they do, I
want them to stay because I’m good.