Reader Spotlight: Leslie Dirksen

Leslie DirksenMeet Leslie Dirksen, a bassist from Plymouth, Massachusetts, and our player in the spotlight for February 1, 2011.

Bio:

I started playing bass at age 17, being snuck into bars for blues jams. I attended B.I.T. Summer Session and then enrolled at Berklee in Boston. I played bass for Boston’s all female heavy metal group “She’s So Loud” in the early 90’s. Now, I play bass for the New Hope Chapel Worship team every Sunday for 400-500 screaming Christians (LOL). It’s the best gig I’ve ever had, being able to use my faith and my music in a contemporary Christian setting which leaves me very fulfilled as a musician.

Location:

Plymouth, MA

Day gig:

Sales

Years experience:

22 years

Bands & Gigs:

I play at Plymouth Memorial Hall every Sunday for my church worship team, we play contemporary worship which is so cool. The guys in my band are all in their 20’s and they are the some of the best musicians I’ve played with.

Gear:

  • Peavey Cirrus BXP
  • GK 400RB
  • Peavey Black Widow

Why I play the bass:

I saw Def Leppard and I thought Rick Savage was so cool. I wanted to be the female version of him.

My bass superpower/claim to fame

I think just getting up in the late 80’s early 90’s in Boston, playing covers of Dream Theatre and Queenryche tunes in an all girl band. The guys’ jaws hit the floor, seeing girls do that kind of stuff.

My influences

Stu Hamm, Billy Sheehan, Flea, Stanley Clarke

More on the web:

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