Where are you based Noriko?  We are based out of Seattle, Washington State, USA - in the beautiful northwest.

When did you first take a bass in your hands? The last band in Japan, 3 (VICIOUS) forced me to learn how to 'fake' playing bass- so I'd say I've been playing the bass role for about 6 years. But I seriously started playing it when I started the Amazombies 4 years ago. We started to play shows and record albums- so I couldn't just fake it anymore.

What attracted you to playing bass? I've always liked the timbre of bass, and to me it seemed a bit easier than learning how to play the guitar since it has 2 less strings to worry about. So wrong.

Did you play any other instrument before you started playing bass? I played the piano and violin growing up. Unfortunately I haven't touched neither of the instruments lately, I wish I never stopped playing them.

Can you remember the first piece you ever learned on bass? Tracey Ullman's "Break Away". Not too many people know that she actually played music, but she had some great pop tunes! 3(VICIOUS) covered it. I remember thinking it was the hardest thing I ever had to do. Looking back, I guess I have made a bit of an improvement.

What was your very first public performance? High school bands I sang in. We played battle of the bands and school festivals. Good times!

What’s your current band? Amazombies. We play 'punk-lite'.

What’s your main bass? I have a Fender American Jazz with active pickups.

Body colour/wood? It's red and it's pretty.

Neck/fingerboard? Rosewood board/maple neck

What strings to you like best? D'Adarrios.

What is your backline bass amp setup? I use Ampeg SVT head with Ampeg cab.

Fingers, plectrum or both? Dunlop picks.

What type of music do you play? Mainly punk rock.

Who do you listen to when you’re not playing? Anything other than punk. I've been on an Ike and Tina Turner kick lately.

Have you recorded/released any CDs? Yeah we've recorded 2 demos and an album. The latest album is out on Go-Kart Records.

What was your best gig/venue ever? Hard to say... but the show we played with Gina Gershon and Girls Against Boys was pretty fun.

What was your worst moment onstage? Having too much to drink and pulling a Sid Vicious.

What’s your favourite album/CD? Can't pick one. But any Ramones, Devil Dogs, Velvet Underground, Public Enemy albums will brighten up my day.

Do you own any other instruments? I have a guitar to write songs on.

Do you sing? I take some leads, and I am a karaoke queen!

Did you ever perform onstage without your bass? Never.

What’s your opinion on basses with more than 4 strings? I definitely don't need more than 4!

What do you feel is the bass-players function in a band? Aside from usually being the biggest babies in the band? (I'm asking the questions here Noriko! Ed.)

Did you ever have a famous person in your audience? We've had several- they seemed to have enjoyed us.

What are your ambitions? Recording another album and touring the world.

Anything else? More girls should play bass!

See Links page for Amazombies website - Ed.
 

 
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