Bass Musician Magazine - SPECIAL August 2014 Female Bassist Issue | Page 182

Rhonda was the one that had me drooling over
her bass tone and swag.
In an industry dominated by male
musicians, do you find that this hinders
or helps your opportunities?
When I first started out and wanted to get a
little local gig, I would send out emails and
instead of using my full name, I shortened it
to Nik, so that no one would know I was a girl.
If they liked my samples of bass playing, they
would at least give me a chance to show them
in person. The bands were very shocked when
I walked into the room. I think that right now, it
helps opportunities because it is unexpected
for a woman to play with so much aggression
and skill. As women, we stand out! BTW, Nik
stuck so I decided to keep my name this way.
What is your opinion of the image
of female bassists in today’s music
industry?
When I started on the scene, it seemed like
MOST female bassists (and drummers) were
very boyish or tomboyish. I am a tomboy, but
I embrace the feminine side too. It was hard
for me to relate to the girls I saw, because
I didn’t want to be like a boy or look like a
boy on the bass, nor did I want to be OVER
sexualized, wearing little to no clothing. So
I was very specific about what I wanted my
image to portray.

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What, if anything, would you do to
change the industry for female bassists?
I am actually pretty satisfied with what it looks
like right now for us.
What specific challenges do you face as
a female bassist?
My aggressiveness on stage kind of scares the
Photo: Nik West Band, Blue Note Japan

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