I interviewed Charles Moniz , Avrils old bass player recently. Check it. And visit To view the link you have to Register for more interviews.
To wrap up the session musician features, I catch up with CHARLES MONIZ.
Not exactly a household name, but chances are you have seen him at some point on MTV playing bass for ( a pre-divorced ) Avril Lavigne . From 2002 - 2007 ,Charles has appeared in music videos such as "I'm With You", "Losing Grip", "He Wasn't" & "My Happy Ending" , performed on countless television shows ( eg.The Ellen Degeneres Show, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Top of the Pops, Grammy Awards and the Brit Awards, to name just a few of the hundreds of appearances Avril made in the 5 years that Charles was in the band ) as well backing the superstar up on two of her world tours. Charlie fills me in on what he's been doing since leaving Avril's band, his punk roots (as drummer in Canadian punk band Grade) and his plans for the future...
What have you been doing since leaving Avril's band in 2007?
Meth and uppers, mainly. I've found a beauty at keeping my heart rate at a solid 200-220 bpm throughout the week. I break for civic holidays.
Actually, I'm kidding. I built a studio in Canada and spent about a year recorded with some local friends and musicians. After that I moved to LA (where I currently reside) and I work mainly as a studio engineer and play with some local bands.
Do you think that your gig with Avril has helped you further your career in the music industry?
Yes. When you get to work in an organization as big as Avril's, it says a lot about you. There was so many schedule changes/updates, flights, shows and whatnot going on everyday that you had to be on the ball. It lets people know that you can work well in a stressful environment.
Above: Charles and Avril at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards
Was leaving Avrils band a natural progression, or is there some bad blood?
Leaving the band was a really natural situation. We had all finished over 3 years of intense touring and had experienced so many things. After the second album tour wrapped, there was going to be a minimum of a year or so before Avril released her third record. This gave me time to focus on some personal projects outside of the touring world and get accustomed to being in one place again. After the break was up, Avril had a new vision for her band and I was busy working away in my studio. It wasn't really a serious situation, everyone just did their own thing and life went on. I've since hung out with Avril and it's always been a blast. We'll always be apart of those crazy early years and I'll always remember that.
Having played both DIY/indie gigs, and sell out arenas, which do you prefer?
It's a hard question to answer because it really depends on the band. I played some of my most memorable shows in my old hardcore band just going nuts in a crowded, filthy club packed with 150 people. But if you were to put that band in an arena in front of 20,000+ people, it just wouldn't work. I'll always be a firm believer that punk rock shines in the smallest, crappiest clubs. I couldn't image watching Bad Brains at Madison Square Gardens. I'm not saying it wouldn't be good, I just can't see myself losing my mind there. At the same time, the other most memorable shows I played were with Avril in those arenas. They're two very different but equally amazing experiences. I hope that doesn't come off too vague or arrogant, but I just can't say one is better that the other.
If you could work with any artist, who would it be, and why?
Bjork. I just think it would be life-changing and completely nuts at the same time.
What are your plans for the future?
Nothing specific in a way, my life basically revolves around learning about anything and everything I find interesting and sticking to things that make me truly feel happy.
Quote
YOU CHARLIE
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