“I remember hearing Doolittle and Surfer Rosa and that incredible songwriting… Being in this position is quite a ‘pinch yourself’ moment”: New Pixies bassist Emma Richardson on how landing her dream gig made her switch to picks – and ditch the pedals

Emma Richardson of Pixies performs in concert during Noches del Botánico Music Festival at Real Jardín Botánico Alfonso XIII on July 28, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.

Not every bassist would be up for the task of replacing Paz Lenchantin in the Pixies, after her departure was announced in March 2024 – especially since the role involves taking on the iconic basslines of co-founder Kim Deal.

But UK-born Emma Richardson, best known for her work with Band of Skulls, has the right attitude. “You can really move someone with the bass,” she tells Bass Player. “If you move in the right moment it really adds to the emotion of a song.”