Super cool bass player Beatrice Hatherley joined electronic rock band Zoot Woman two years ago. marmaLADYa.com catches up with the stylish gal
How did you get into music?
I’ve always been passionate about music and learnt the piano and guitar when I was younger. I even sang in the school choir! It was a natural progression for me to join bands and I’ve played with several before joining Zoot Woman. My heart has always been with electronic music, and I fell in love with the Zoot Woman sound before I joined the band. Because I love the music so much it makes playing with them a real pleasure!
What is it about Zoot Woman you love so much? How did you end up as their bass player?
I’m into the Boards of Canada, early Eurythmics, Depeche Mode etc and so it made sense for me to love their stuff. I think it is beautifully crafted music and I never get bored of listening to it, or playing it! A friend gave me a copy of their second album and I was hooked. I wanted to work with them. I knew Stuart Price was focusing on production and working on other projects and that there could be a vacancy in their live line up. I contacted them offering my services and the rest is history!
Do you come from a musical family?
Yes, I have two sisters and they are both musicians. We always used to put on daft concerts together at home when we were young. My dad writes musicals and my great uncle was a famous opera singer in Australia. I guess it does run in the family!
What's it like getting on stage in front of 3000 people? Do you get nervous?
Initially I was terrified, but after doing it again and again the terror subsides! I get more nervous playing in front of a small audience as it is more intimate.
You play in a fab pair of blue stilettos. Where did you get them and are they good luck for gigs?
Topshop, darling! Topshop! They are fab and are more popular than I am! Every girl I’ve ever met starts drooling when they see them! They aren’t really good luck, but they certainly help me act the part on stage!
What's your favourite thing about performing live?
We’ve played some mental gigs recently, hot and sticky with stage invaders. It’s great when the audience are really into it. It’s good fun and very satisfying. I love seeing people enjoy themselves. I also like them feeling that anything could happen. I like that feeling of being on the edge. Normally I am a bit of a control freak, but you can’t be like that when you play live. It’s good for me!
What are the plans next year gig-wise? And when is the next album due out?
We may have a couple of small tours in January and March, but the main focus will be on finishing the album. We’re really excited about the new material and it should be released around summer time next year.
What advice would you give someone wanting to get into music?
Simply go for it. Don’t be shy, get yourself out there. Get online, get gigging, don’t stop and enjoy it.
We heard you were chatting with a male supermodel at your last gig. Do you often get to meet gorgeous men doing live shows?
Haha! Yes I did have a chat with a rather tasty male supermodel but believe me it was a one-off! But you never know what 2007 will bring! Bring it on I say!
