Has being a bandleader gotten easier for you?It gets easier in that I know what’s coming, and I’m starting to get more confidence and learning to trust myself.
In terms of musical judgment?Definitely the music part of it—trusting what I believe in and feeling good about putting it out there. But running a band is about so many things—personalities, business, building a brand. The good thing is I’ve surrounded myself with fabulous people.
Does being a bass player help you as a leader?I think it brings a unique perspective because bass plays such a support role. There are other players who might consider bass as more of a lead instrument. I do leads, of course, but I’m coming at it as a team player.
As opposed to much of your work in bluegrass bands, you use drums on Inside Out. Do you change your approach when you’re working with a drummer?I feel like it is changing my sensibility as a player. I’m acutely aware of what’s happening between the drummer and me all the time. I never bought into the idea that one person keeps the time—like the bass player in bluegrass. Everybody has to have a hand in it.
CHECK HER OUT
Missy Raines & the New Hip, Inside Out [Compass, 2009]
GEAR
Bass Plywood-top late-’30s Kay upright
Strings D’Addario or Thomastik steel strings, set “a hair high”
Rig Fishman Full Circle pickup and Crown lavalier microphone, Fishman Bass Blender; Gallien- Krueger 112MB combo
Studio Røde NT5 mic pointed at right hand or at upper bout, plus Røde NT1000 pointed toward the top, just above bridge; GML mic preamp