Where are you based Danielle? Nashville, Tennessee, USA

When did you first take a bass in your hands? I don’t quite remember exactly when it was. I started playing violin in the school orchestra when I was 9 and dabbled with uprights here and there. I picked up a guitar at age 15. The bass became my main instrument about two years ago.

What attracted you to playing bass? The rhythm aspect of it. For years I learned how to write leads on guitar and violin, but there’s not much room for a lead bass in a band. I love how I now play parts that bridge the drums to the guitar riffs. It’s just something very different.

Did you play any other instrument before you started playing bass? I was a music major in high school so I briefly learned how to play lots of instruments. I do have to say violin would be my #2 instrument now.

Can you remember the first song you ever learned on bass? My guess is twinkle twinkle little star. That was when I was 10 or so. My first modern song would have to be Pantera’s “This Love”.

What was your very first public performance? Oh jeez. I think I played a set with my old band back in 2000 in Pittsburgh PA when the bassist quit.

What’s your current band? Atomic Blonde

What’s your main bass? Daisy Rock – Rock candy bass

Body colour/wood? Basswood, with an ever so catchy Champagne Pink sparkle finish

Neck/fingerboard? Rosewood all the way

What strings to you like best? D'Addario EXL 165

What is your backline bass amp setup? I just have a Peavey TNT-115 with a 15inch speaker. I don’t think I could physically carry anything more :)

Fingers, plectrum or both? That really depends on my mood. I first learned using a pick since I was a guitarist. I now prefer fingers most of the time, however when the song is in need of a real fast 16th note pattern, I go running back to my pick.

If plectrum, which ones? Well I’d forget my head if it wasn’t attached, so If I’m in need of a pick, I’ll use whatever is laying around. Whether it is a thin guitar pick or a 1mm, I’ll use it.

What type of music do you play? Rock, metal & punk.

Who do you listen to when you’re not playing? I consider myself a metal head. From Death to Megadeth, I’ll bang my head to it.

Have you recorded/released any CDs? Atomic Blonde has a demo currently available. We’re planning on going
back into the studio soon to get some more tracks done.

What was your best gig/venue ever? The crowd is what always makes a show. You can play the largest venue in town full of people, but if they aren’t having a good time, neither are you. The Exit In in Nashville is a good-sized venue, and when we play there the crowd is always good to us.

What was your worst moment onstage? I think that would have to be the time we were headlining a little festival about 45 minutes from Nashville. The “stage” was just a platform 5 inches off the floor. I was standing there head banging minding my own business when suddenly the mosh pit got out of control and sent me flying back into the drum set. It landed me flat on my back and knocking over the cymbals. And yes, it hurt.

What’s your favourite album/CD? Hands down Megadeth’s Youthanasia

Do you own any other instruments? A ton of guitars, electric violins, keyboards and a ukulele.

Do you sing? Oh no. Nobody wants to hear that. Although I do a hysterical rendition of Green Day songs when at Karaoke.

Did you ever perform onstage without your bass? Lots of times with Violin and Guitar.

What’s your opinion on basses with more than 4 strings? Some people can get great sounds out of 5 or 6 string basses. You just have to know how to write correctly for them. For myself, a 5 string is too much hassle for 4 extra notes. And I doubt I could wrap my hand around a 6 string.

What do you feel is the bass-players function in a band? The bass is what bridges melody with rhythm.

Did you ever have a famous person in your audience?  I play in Nashville, so I’m sure I’ve had a ton of famous people in the audience. However I’m not a country fan so I can’t point them out.

What are your ambitions? I hope to get signed to a label with my current band. Nothing excites me more than the thought of quitting my day job and doing music full time.

Anything else Danielle?……….Gotta throw the horns. \m/ \m/

 
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