Bass Musician Magazine - SPECIAL August 2014 Female Bassist Issue | Page 98
songs in such a tasteful way by not over playing or just playing
roots, but by giving the bass lines incredible melodic movements
with such a groovy feel.
As for female musicians, I was really inspired by a local band called
Vendetta, a riot girl band from Salisbury.
I would go to their shows with my best
friend Ally, as her sister was in it. They
made me realize that girls can seriously
rock and write really catchy tunes. They
were really supportive and introduced
us to all kinds of amazing bands such
as Nirvana, Hole, Bikini Kill and Joan
Jett.
In an industry dominated by
male musicians, do you find
that this hinders or helps your
opportunities?
I feel that it has worked to my advantage
and my disadvantage. I suppose the fact
there are less female musicians means
I do stand out, and people remember
me a bit more. Then again I also haven’t
got a gig because there was already another girl in a band and
apparently it would look ‘weird’. I don’t really get it though, I just
see my self as a bass player; if you like what I do and play then
why should it matter if I’m a guy or a girl?
What is your opinion of the image of female bassists in
today’s music industry?
I suppose if you look in the main stream day-to-day media - it’s
non existent, which is a shame. It’s heartbreaking to see that the
majority of female musicians are vocalists, that are perceived as
sex-icons rather than talented women.
I feel recently that the band ‘Haim’ have really pushed the idea
of female musicians in a positive light. Este is probably one of
the most well-know female bassists at the moment, and it’s great;
she’s an amazing player that has fun on stage. I hope this inspires
more girls to realized that you don’t have to prance about on stage,
Photos: Ilan Terrell | Yokan Studios
trying to be sexy... It’s about creati
great to see Beyoncé using an allhow I found out about Divinity Ro
watch the ‘Beyoncé: I Am World T
backside to practice - those girls
What spec
as a femal
Not getting
say,“Wow yo
What do yo
I don’t think
the end of th
player and i
or a girl.
Do you find
prove your
musician th
I’m always
musician. I
good enoug
there is so m
and prove myself to others as we
I think if people don’t know me,
they see and hear me play. I get a
expecting that!” - it always make m
here to play bass so what were yo
to prove myself before I get respe
What is your advice on how to
the music industry?
Be on time, be prepared and put y
From a practical point of vi
the weight of a bass challeng
special techniques/advice?
Not really. If I like a bass it’s som
an Ibanez ATK when I was young
practiced whilst looking at my pos