Bass Musician Magazine - SPECIAL August 2014 Female Bassist Issue | Page 26

[inspiration]

I’m Krystle Baller from Bassments &
Addicts, and Director of Music for
Girls Rock Charlotte.
My Band
www.bassmentsandaddicts.com
Girls Rock Charlotte
www.girlsrockclt.com
The picture to the right was taken just a few
weeks before I gave birth to my daughter,
Cadence. She’s now 9 months old and
loves to dance to my bass lines and slap
the strings. When she was still in utero I
would feel her kick along on the beat as I was
playing, she also flashed us the horned hand
during an ultrasound. Her name doesn’t lie,
the girl was born with rhythm.

dreaming. That is why I volunteered to teach
bass to girls ages 10-16 with Girls Rock
Charlotte. It’s amazing to witness the power
music has over people and the power it gives
us when we create. My bass guitar gave
me confidence in myself that I never had,
and I’ve witnessed it transform kids, even
introverts, into rockstars.
The awesome thing about music is that
everyone is on an even playing field
regardless of your gender, race, or sexual
orientation. As long as you put the time in,
you can become the musician you dream of
being. I’m always learning something new
and challenging myself to be better.

Having a daughter really made me remember
what it’s like to be a young girl in a man’s
world. It ignited a new-found passion in me
to want to help create a community where
girls aren’t afraid to pursue their dreams just
because of social stigmas, or let those social
stigmas prevent them from even

I love my Ibanez SR 500 bass with DR
Marcus Miller Fat Beam strings. It’s very
versatile and the tone is very rich, plus I just
like the way it feels in my hands. My rig is
a SWR Workingman’s 15” Combo Bass Amp
stacked with a Gallien-Krueger 410BLX-II.
I’ve been playing bass for 14 years, but
really started taking it seriously 6 years
ago. I plan to keep teaching, learning, and
creating. I’m currently working on a new
album.

Photo: Knoblezada Photography