It's not unusual to be an 18-year-old kid in a rock 'n' roll band, playing all-ages shows and house parties while still learning exactly what to do with that stringed thing in your hands.
It's less common to be an 18-year-old in a band that's huge in Europe, and get whisked away to tour the European countryside weeks after joining said band. Sophie O., the brand new bassist of The Love Me Nots, recently returned from her inaugural trip playing with the band across the pond, where they performed at the Free Wheels Festival in France alongside Joe Cocker, The Jim Jones Revue, Molly Hatchet, and more. Which is to say, a slightly bigger gig than most rockers her age could hope for.
We caught up with Sophie fresh from her flight home, to talk about her new experiences, the age difference in the band, and what record she's crushing on this year.
Up on the Sun: How did you come to join The Love Me Nots?
Sophie O: This all started because we all know and love Jim Diamond (Love Me Nots, White Stripes, Detroit Cobras)! I've recorded some of my own music with Jim, and when he came to Phoenix a few years ago to record the Love Me Nots, we all met up. We've kept in touch since then, and last year in Detroit I actually ended up singing backups on a few songs for Demon and the Devotee. When the band needed a bassist, they asked me to try it out. And now here we are.
How crazy does it feel to be touring Europe?
Touring Europe is insane. We just played at the Free Wheels festival in France for thousands of European Hell's Angels. It's pretty surreal to play such exciting shows, meet some very cool people, and the food is great, too---that doesn't hurt.
Were you a fan of that band before joining?
I've been a fan for a while now. I remember first seeing a live performance at the George and Dragon and loving the energy. It's definitely fun to be on the other side now.
Is the age difference between you and the other members at all strange?
....Jay can get pretty immature sometimes, but we all try not to let it bother us.
What records have impressed you this year?
I have a big crush on Ty Segall's Goodbye Bread.
