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Where are you based Delia?
Kings Cross, London, UK
When did you first take a bass in
your hands? When I was about 16 but
what I didn't know was that it wasn't a very good one with really high
action and out of tune and i found it really hard to play! so i gave up
til a fair bit later.
What attracted you to playing bass? It was the only instrument left in the
band to play.
Did you play any other instrument before you started playing bass?
Guitar and drums and flute.
Can you remember the first song you
ever learned on bass? Erm....Something
by N.W.A. actually - I had a 12" record that had the different parts split
up on it so I used to put the drum bit on and play along
What was your very first public
performance? Age 3 being an angel in
the school play.
What's your current band?
The A-Lines (see Links page - Ed.), Manic Cough, The Schla La Las
(but I drum in that one)
What other bands have you been a
member of? Mambo Taxi (an all girl
band with girl bassist! I played guitar); The Family
Way (I played guitar and sang); Baby Birkin (I played guitar); Action Time
(I played drums); The Phantom Pregnancies (I played guitar); VA6 (I played
guitar). These are all bands that have actually released albums or
singles....
What's your main bass?
I've got an Epiphone Firebird and a Wilson bass that I use mostly and
sometimes a Burns Jazz bass. (Did Burns make a Jazz bass? - Ed.)
What is your backline bass amp
setup? an H|H head and speaker.
Fingers, plectrum or both?
Fingers.
What type of music do you play?
Pop and punk mainly.
Who do you listen to when you're not
playing? The only bassist I can
think of that I particularly notice is the chap out
of the Violent Femmes that pretty much makes it a lead instrument.
Have you recorded/released any CDs?
The A-lines have an album, Manic Cough are on various compilations and
will have a single out soon, The Schla La Las have just released a single.
What was your worst moment onstage?
When I made a joke that went wrong and someone tried to bottle me and my
friend stopped him but he punched her in the face and the promoter said
keep playing or it will all go a bit mad....so we had to finish our set
with me blubbing. (Nice fans indeed! Ed.)
Do you own any other instruments?
Drums and guitars.
Do you sing?
'fraid so.
Did you ever perform onstage without
your bass? Yeah with drums and
guitar and just singing
What's your opinion on basses with
more than 4 strings? I'm due to get
any day now a Burns Barracuda! a 6 string bass ! but an octave higher then
regular basses. It's to get that 50s/60s twangy kinda sound. I'm looking
forward to having a go!
Did you come from a musical family?
Oh yes! My dad was in a guitar/fiddle duo and they had a peel session in
the '70s! My ma plays flute and guitar. My granny and grandad were in an
entertainment troupe in the war...My brother is a great musician.
If forming your ideal live band,
what instruments would you have with you onstage?
drums, guitar...erm....maybe a swirly hammond organ.
Apart from your own projects, have you played recording sessions with
other artistes? Hmmm a band called
Punjab Rovers which was two of Mambo Taxi, Two of Cornershop and a man
called Neil.
Have you ever been to Ireland?
Oh yes! only once but it was great! Castles everywhere and jellyfish in
the sea and everyone was lovely!
What other instrument would you like
to play? Harp maybe. or timpani.
What CD are you listening to most
these days? Manic Cough (one of my
own) and a girl group Halloween compilation.
What are your ambitions?
keep playing...
Do you have a pet?
Maggie the evil cat!
Do you write/compose?
No I'm rubbish!
Do you have a day-job or do you play
professionally? Day job....boo!
Give one piece of "golden" advice to
someone who has just bought their first bass?
Don't stop! if you go wrong just keep going with the right rhythm 'til you
find the note again.
thanks to Delia for being part of BassGirls.Com
text and images are copyright
of Delia Sparrow
and
BassGirls.Com
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