How did you get involved with Gritty In Pink?
"I met Shira at a show in Hollywood and we stayed in touch. She reached out when she started Gritty in Pink up in LA and I hopped on the bill!"
When did you start your music journey? What was the moment for you, that you knew this is what you wanted to do as a career?
"The moment I proclaimed “I’m a bass player!” occurred when I was 7. I didn’t  really even know what it meant at the time but I was hanging out in my Dad’s studio and I grabbed one of his basses to show the school friends I had over! It wasn’t until I was about 13 until I really started to take it seriously and pursue the craft."
When and how did you learn how to play bass?
"I started when I was about 13. Interestingly, my dad (a bass player) was not into the idea. I nagged him about it but it wasn’t until one of his best friends, Andy Johns, came over with a bass and Pignose amp. It was Andy that actually sat me down and gave me my bass first lesson. I took to it like a duck to water - eventually Dad realized that there was no turning back and took me under his wing. I played local gigs for a couple of years with my all-girl Catholic High School Band, Entropy. We played shows at the Whisky as well as coffee shops and school dances. I eventually decided that I wanted to take my playing more seriously and auditioned for an arts high school called LACHSA. I actually FAILED my audition….at that time, I was very nonchalant about all of the “rules” of music - reading, writing, etc…but failing that audition was a turning point for me. I was determined to try again so my parents got me a proper music teacher and I started to learn all of the rules (gotta learn them before you can break them!). I auditioned again and that time I got in. I did 2 years in the music program at LACHSA before going to UCLA and getting a degree in Ethnomusicology - it was fascinating to learn what the rest of the world was doing musically."
First concert you went to?
"ZZ TOP!"
Your father had an illustrious music career- can you tell us more about the influence he had on your journey?
"My father was a part of the 1960s London music scene - what an incredible time and place in music history!  He was in his first band with Ron Wood (they grew up in the same neighborhood) and he was also involved with the likes of Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, etc. His bands toured with the Rolling Stones and the Who - in the 60s - when it was all fresh and new and innovative. I grew up with stories about this time, full of excitement and adventure and many of these people were part of my childhood. I decided early on that that’s what I wanted to do too!"
Who are your biggest musical inspirations?
"My father is my biggest inspiration - others include James Jamerson, Rocco Prestia and John Paul Jones."
What’s one song you wish you played bass on?
"Ramble On" by Led Zeppelin"
What is it like working with female artists like P!nk, Gwen Stefani & Cher?
"It’s the most amazing feeling in the world to be able to play with such incredible artists - not only are they some of the world’s top entertainers, but they are women of integrity, innovation and inspiration. They are each in a league of their own and it’s been an honor to be a part of their incredible teams."
How was it playing Billboard Awards this year, in a “post-pandemic” world, did it feel different? Challenging? Liberating?
"It was the first time that we’d been back together in 18 months and it was an exhilarating feeling. It felt like a tease though - I was so ready to play a full show afterwards! It most definitely felt different - there was no audience, there was a lot of Covid protocol - testing days prior, etc - and we had to wear masks onstage. It was all a different world to the last time we had played but I was grateful to at least be back at it at some capacity."
Do you have a dream artist you would like to work with in the future?
"I would love to work with Robert Plant!"
When did you decide to take the leap and release solo music, stepping into the front woman role?
"I’ve been writing songs on my bedroom floor since I was 14 years old and that’s never really changed. I’d often bring them to whatever original band I was in at the time and they’d became collaborations. But during the last Pink tour I didn’t have my own band and we were on the road for so long I started traveling with recording gear. On days off I’d sit in my hotel room and write and record - I’d play or program all the instruments and after some time I had a collection of material. I decided it was time for me to just rip the bandaid off and release stuff on my own, under my own name.  It was such a fun process to see these ideas come to fruition and even more fun to take the leap and put myself out there in a different way."
What’s next for you? Can you tell us about your upcoming release?
"I’m having vinyl made for my next EP so when that’s ready (vinyl plants are all backed up right now) I’ll be releasing it! It should hopefully be coming out in the next couple of months."
Favorite TV Show?
"A few favorites are Family Guy, Fleabag, Six Feet Under, The Office (British one), SNL, Mr. Show, The Kids in the Hall."
Your favorite quote?
"You Can’t Control All That Happens To You In This Life, But You Can Control How You React To It."
One word to describe yourself?
"Inquisitive"
What’s your ideal day?
"I love to start the day with meditation, free writing and yoga or Qi Gong. After that I get to working on music or whatever creative project I’m involved in before the “day gets in the way” - the phone rings, the car breaks down, etc etc…distractions happen all the time so setting up my day with a strong foundation is key."
Where do you see yourself in five years?
"I see myself continuing to do all of the things that make me happy - making music, playing shows and meeting and connecting with wonderful people around the world."
Biggest advice for young women just entering the industry?
"We often have to have a thick skin - not letting the naysayers get you down is imperative ~ for me, that was always fuel to make me strive harder towards my goals. There really aren’t many shortcuts and it’s important to 'do the work.' Perseverance, preparation, resilience and having clear goals are key."
Any final comments?
"I’m so happy that women in music are more prominent than when I started. I’ve often come across situations where I did not get a gig because the female lead singer “did not want the competition onstage.”  It’s my hope that we come from a place of self-assurance and owning our femininity while kicking ass so that we can support each other and lift each other up in the best way possible."