Bass Musician Magazine - SPECIAL August 2014 Female Bassist Issue | Page 191

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that the guys in my bands wrote my
parts, which I can’t imagine they would
assume if I were male.

let other people bring you down. And
don’t be a jerk. You have to be flexible
when you’re working with other people.

What, if anything, would you do
to change the industry for female
bassists?
Ideally, gender would have no bearing
on anything, but that’s not really specific
to the music industry.

From a practical point of view, do
you find managing the weight of a
bass challenging?
No!

What specific challenges do you
face as a female bassist?
The same challenges women face in
other industries.
What do you feel
advantages?
I’m not sure there are any.

are

the

Do you find that you constantly have
to prove yourself... as a musician,
or a musician that happens to be a
female?
I personally don’t feel like I have to prove
anything to anyone but myself.
Do you feel, as a female bassist,
that you receive the professional
respect afforded male bassists?
Not always, but the people I play with
have always treated me with respect. It
seems like non-musicians have been
the source of most of the sexism or
condescension I’ve encountered.
What is your advice on how to be
taken professionally in the music
industry?
Know your instrument, be confident in
who you are and what you do and don’t

Do you have any special techniques/
advice? regarding touring, live,
studio recording etc...
Hmmm, go in prepared and be a chiller.
Who would you consider a mentor?
I honestly didn’t have one. There’s this
great organization, the Girl’s Rock Camp
Alliance, who facilitate rock camps for
girls around the world, keeping the
different organizations in touch with
each other and aligned with a common
goal. I founded a camp in Omaha, NE,
and watching the girls and the volunteers
interact and grow together was amazing.
I wish I would have had something like
that growing up.
Any advice for other females
interested in getting started on the
bass?
All you have to do is want to do it, and
you can do it.
What can we look forward to from
you in the coming year?
My band, Big Harp, has a new record
coming out that I’m super excited about.
John Congleton produced it, and it’s by
far my favorite thing I’ve ever done.

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

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and
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As
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