How would you describe the bass lines Billy writes, and how do you go about playing them?
They’re creative and kind of melodically complicated—they rarely have the same run twice. And Billy likes to play all the way up and down the neck. My style isn’t exactly heavy-handed, but I definitely dig in hard with the pick, because the material is really heavy. On some of the newer songs, I play with my fingers. I tend to stay true to the recorded parts, but I definitely have the freedom to interpret. Some lend themselves to exploration and improvisation, but then there are the hit songs—I don’t want to mess with those.

Plus, Billy writes new songs all the time; he’ll just start playing one, and we’ll follow along. It’s great, because I’ve been able to come up with bass lines from what I hear and feel. We’re definitely always being creative—we’re not just out there playing the hits. So far on this tour, we’ve played four or five completely new songs.

Describe your playing connection with Jimmy Chamberlain.
I secretly want to be a drummer, so it’s been really cool to play with Jimmy, who’s amazing. Rhythmically, my style is very cohesive with his. He has an almost Latin feel—very soulful and bouncy. Since I grew up with Latin music, playing with him feels very natural. We’re pushing the rhythm, but not just by playing hard and driving it. I like to play tight with the drums, hitting the same accents.

The two of you rehearsed for a few months before the tour. What was that like?
We got together a few days a week—just the two of us, but sometimes also with Jeff Schroeder, our guitar player. All the time we spent playing together helped me understand Jimmy’s playing. I’ve started to get a sense of things like the fills he’d normally play. It also allowed me to get a good feel without relying on guitar or vocals.

Even on tour, we still have rehearsals during the day for a few hours. We jam a lot, which is great—nobody seems to want to jam anymore nowadays!

What does the gig mean to you personally?
Stepping into this band is like stepping into another league. Just a few months ago, I was hauling my own gear in the back of my truck. This tour is a little different, to say the least! Having a foundation in my faith helps me keep everything in perspective. I look at every day as a blessing, especially being a part of this band. That’s what keeps me going every day.

CAN BE HEARD ON

Smashing Pumpkins tour, plus her solo venture Ginger Sling, which has been featured on MTV reality shows The Real World, Pimp My Ride, and Laguna Beach.

CURRENTLY SPINNING

Sufjan Stevens, Illinoise [Asthmatic Kitty, 2005]
“I’ve gone back to my old Rush records, too.”

GEAR

Bass: Fender Custom Shop ’59 Precision Bass w/heavy-gauge Fender roundwounds
Rig: Tech 21 SansAmp RBI preamp; four Ampeg SVT-VR heads with Ampeg 8x10 cabs

By Diane Gershuny & Brian Fox