Charlotte Cooper bassist and co-vocalist of The Subways

[the_future_modernes]

If you ever saw a movie named Rock n Rolla, you may have heard the song Rock & Roll Queen by the Subways. To my belated knowledge and GREAT GLEE, the bassist is Charlotte Cooper. (google images)

The Subways Rock And Roll Queen

Charlotte Cooper Interview from bassplayer.com

Who are the bass players you most admire?
It was inspiring to see Muse play, since they’re also a three-piece band. Chris Wolstenholm is wonderful—melodic and rhythmic. And he has such a powerful presence onstage. And I love Krist Novoselic’s slow, lollop-y style with Nirvana; it’s lazy but technically demanding at the same time. “Lithium” has got a great rumbling bass line.

Do you hear their influence in your own playing?
Sometimes, though it’s mainly vocal melodies that influence what I play. It’s hard to tell, because I listen to so much music: pop, heavy metal, dance music.

How do you write your bass lines?
I work with what Billy is doing on guitar and with the vocal melodies. I hear the lines in my head when I hear his chords. Then it’s just a matter of finding the notes. But other times I like to keep it quite simple note-wise and go along with what Josh [Morgan] is playing on the drums.

I’m experimenting more on our new songs, like by playing farther up the neck. That’s the great thing about the bass: There are so many areas to explore. I find it thrilling. With each new song we write, I try to come up with a totally new bass line—something I’ve never done before, something that’s not derivative.
MORE

The Subways - I Wont Let You Down (Live At Abbey Road)

The Subways - Oh Yeah - Official Video

Q & A with Charlotte Cooper from The Subways

There are so many great female bass guitarists like Suzi Quatro and Juliana Hatfield. Are there any that you particularly look up to?

D’Arcy who used to be in Smashing Pumpkins, Melissa Auf der Maur who used to be in Hole – I was a massive Hole fan. Obviously there’s been various different female musicians who’ve been in that band, and they’re all musicians that I look up to. PJ Harvey as well – I know she’s a guitarist rather than a bass player, but in the way that her stage presence is. Shirley Manson, amazing frontwoman. There’s lots of people.MORE

The Subways - This Is The Club

The Subways - Alright - Official Video

my interview with ’the subways’ bassist charlotte cooper

(TMTKJP) how would you sum up your bass style?

(charlotte cooper) i use a white lakland bass....it has a really lovely warm deep sound!

(TMTKJP) who are your bass heroes?

(charlotte cooper) Nick Harmer from Death Cab For Cutie, Alex James from Blur, Chris Wolstenholme from Muse

(TMTKJP) whats the secret to playing well?

(charlotte cooper) Playing bass well in a band is, for me, all about fitting inbetween the melody of the guitar and the vocals, and the rhythm of the drums.
MORE

Charlotte from the Subways and Jenny Huston

The Subways - Shake! Shake! - Official Video