Nicole Fiorentino transitions from Veruca Salt to Smashing Pumpkins and Garbage – Guitar World

. I had met him a few times and he must have noticed me playing bass. A year later, he called me to ask me to join the group.“I remember being so nervous. Obviously, I was a big fan, so it was quite intimidating for me. A week later, I was on stage with them in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. It was pretty surreal.”

What was it like joining Veruca Salt?“I was still living in Boston. I flew to Chicago to audition at Soma Studios. They were finalizing a tour and needed a bassist pretty quickly. They told me I had the gig, gave me five burnt CDs of their music – most songs were completed, but there were only drums to the more recent songs. But on the older songs, I could tell what I was in for!”

What approach did you take to playing in Veruca Salt?“Taking on the bass role in Veruca Salt was an interesting task for me. Jim Shapiro had been the original bassist, and he had pretty unique ways of playing that were hard to replicate. But it was an amazing time.”

What gear did you use for Teargarden by Kaleidyscope and Oceania?“For the Pumpkins, I mostly used my Reverend Decision and Mesa Boogie rig for a good part of the tours. I was pretty happy with the setup I had back then. I never actually had the chance to plug in a Kemper back in those days.”

How did you become linked with Garbage?“Shirley Manson and I had been talking when we’d bump into each other at shows. She heard from Billy Corgan, actually – he was the one who suggested me. They were looking for a bass player in the lineup and he recommended that she speak to me.”

What attracted you to Garbage’s music?“They’ve always tried new techniques, and when it comes to stage arrangements and each band member, they have always been very innovative. The Minneapolis sound is so beautiful! I admire the contrast between the guitars and the way the drums are played – it’s never ostentatious. I’m really looking forward to attempting to recreate those parts.”

What can we expect from your role with Garbage going forward?“I’ve never played a Helix before, and it will be fun to experiment playing without any pedals. I’ll be using in-ear monitors, which I’ve never used before. I’m mostly looking forward to the challenge, rather than the fear.”

What advice do you have for aspiring bassists?“Don’t be afraid to forge your own path. Always be open to new opportunities and different challenges. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions and take risks. Just go for it – even if it’s scary. Music is about taking risks and pushing boundaries.”

In her journey from Veruca Salt to the Smashing Pumpkins and now to Garbage, Nicole Fiorentino has carved a niche for herself as one of alt-rock’s prominent bassists. Her unique playing style, versatility, and willingness to take on new challenges have solidified her reputation as a go-to musician for some of the most iconic bands in the alternative music scene. With an unwavering passion for music and a commitment to pushing boundaries, Fiorentino continues to inspire aspiring bassists to pursue their dreams and create their paths in the world of music.