Bass Musician Magazine - SPECIAL August 2014 Female Bassist Issue | Page 82

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?
Not at all, but I do a lot of working out and
yoga to keep my body balanced. A good
instrument and set up is a must, and so is
knowing your gear.
What do you wish someone had
told you when you were first getting
started?
Nobody could have told me anything
specific… I felt awkward being the only
girl in the band and insecure until I saw
MeShell play - her ease and energy
onstage just blew my mind. After I saw her
everything changed for me and I stopped
feeling out of place.
Any advice for other females
interested in getting started on the
bass?
Find a female instructor! I find it incredibly
important that female instructors be
included in any educational context. I teach
at Rock Camps, Jazz Seminars, University
Master Classes, etc. and see girls and
women get inspired, whereas the boys and
men respect me and see a female bassist
as a normal occurrence, rather than a weird
curiosity. This is very important.
What can we look forward to from
you in the coming year?
I have several tours in the works with my
duo, as well as some educational materials
in the making.

Photo: Tue Nam Ton