Former HOLE/SMASHING PUMPKINS Bassist Says She Is Returning To Her Roots

January 9, 2004

Former HOLE/SMASHING PUMPKINS bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur has told NME.com that she is "returning to her roots" with her debut solo album.

"I don't think the idea of 'solo album' was the way I thought of it," Melissa said. "When I was in other people's bands, there was only so much space for my creativity. So I had a great time within those limits but there was a natural accumulation of sounds and ideas that had nowhere to go. It was time for me to give them a home and create my own world."

The CD, which was produced by MASTERS OF REALITY mainman Chris Goss at several studios, including Stratosphere in New York City (owned by former SMASHING PUMPKINS and current A PERFECT CIRCLE guitarist James Iha),reportedly features guest appearances by Iha, former NIRVANA drummer/current FOO FIGHTERS mainman Dave Grohl, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE/ex-KYUSS axeman Josh Homme, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE bassist Nick Oliveri, A PERFECT CIRCLE/ex-MARILYN MANSON bassist Twiggy Ramirez, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE/ex-A PERFECT CIRCLE guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE/ex-SCREAMING TREES singer Mark Lanegan, former HOLE/MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Samantha Maloney, and ex-ZWAN/A PERFECT CIRCLE bassist Paz Lenchantin.

Melissa explained: "I basically took all of my bank account and put it into this album. I organized everything from ordering the pizza to hiring the engineer to the studio to calling my friends and saying, 'Hey I'm making a record! And I don't have any money! Would you like to come down and play?' I was returning to my roots. I wanted to make the record in my head so I invited my favorite friends and musicians. I've been very lucky to have a lot of friends who are so supportive. Josh Homme is one of my favorite musicians ever."

Auf Der Maur will release her self-titled debut album internationally on February 2, and in the U.K. on March 1 through Capitol Records. The single, Followed the Waves" (Windows Media: Low, High, Real Audio: Low, High),will precede the album in the U.K. on February 16. "Auf der Maur" will be in stores in the U.S. on May 4.

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