Wanda Ortiz

Infobox musical artist
Name = Wanda Ortiz


Img_capt =
Background = non_vocal_instrumentalist
Birth_name = Wanda Ortiz
Alias = Steph Harris (The Iron Maidens)
Origin = Huntington Beach, California, U.S.
Instrument = Bass Guitar
Genre = Heavy Metal
Hard rock
Tribute
Blues
Classical
Occupation = Musician
Years_active = 1997—Present
Label = DRZ Records
Powerslave Records
Associated_acts = The Iron Maidens
Rotten Rod & the Warheads
Field of Vision
Heartache City
URL = http://www.theironmaidens.com
Notable_instruments = G&L SB-2 Bass

Wanda Ortiz is the bassist of the all-female tribute band The Iron Maidens (billed as the "World's Only Female Tribute to Iron Maiden").

Biography

Wanda Ortiz first learned to play the bass at the age of nine, when the elementary school she attended had a music program that enabled students to sign up and choose an instrument. When she arrived late on "instrument day" of that class, she wound up with a junior-sized double bass. While she took lessons on playing her first musical instrument, she taught herself to play electric bass at the age of 11 when her school had a jazz band. Wanda continued playing bass throughout her school years, eventually earning a B.Mus degree from the University of California, Irvine. [ [http://www.planetbass.fsnet.co.uk/wandaortiz.html Planet Bass - Wanda Ortiz Interview] ] [ [http://badassbassplayers.com/content/view/45/93/ Bad Ass Bass Players - Wanda Ortiz Interview] ]

Before joining The Iron Maidens, Ortiz was the bassist of the band [http://www.myspace.com/rottenrod Rotten Rod & The Warheads] from 1997 to 2002 and Heartache City from 1999 to 2001. In 1998 and 2004, Ortiz won the Best Female Bassist award at the Rock City News Awards and in 2003 , won the best bassist award at The All Access Music Magazine Awards. [ [http://www.rockcitynews.com/awards/winners98.html Rock City News Awards Show 1998] ]

On September 2002, Ortiz joined The Iron Maidens after Melanie Sisneros left the band. She has constantly remained with the band ever since. As a member of The Iron Maidens, Ortiz's stage name is "Steph Harris," a female version of Iron Maiden bassist/founder Steve Harris.

In addition to The Iron Maidens, Ortiz works as a freelance musician in various groups and orchestras in the Southern California area, including The South Coast Symphony Orchestra as principal bassist since 1996. She was also the bassist of an original rock/blues band called [http://www.fieldofvision.net Field of Vision] in 2004. [ [http://www.indie-music.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2845 Indie-Music.com - Field of Vision] ]

Aside from Steve Harris, Ortiz cites Geddy Lee and Chris Squire among her influences.

Discography

Heartache City

* "Heartache City" (2000)

Field of Vision

* "FOV" (2004)

The Iron Maidens

* "" (2005/2006)
* "Route 666" (2007)
* "The Root of All Evil" (2008)

Equipment Endorsers

Wanda Ortiz is endorsed by BBE Sound, Digitech, Dunlop Manufacturing, G&L Musical Instruments, RotoSound Strings, Schroeder Superior Sound Cabinets, Coffin Case and Monster Energy Drink.

References

External links

* [http://www.theironmaidens.com/ The Iron Maidens official site]
* [http://www.theironmaidensjp.com/ The Iron Maidens official Japanese site]
* [http://www.myspace.com/theironmaidens The Iron Maidens official MySpace site]
* [http://www.glguitars.com/featured_artists/WandaOrtiz/WandaOrtiz.asp G&L Guitars' Wanda Ortiz profile]
* [http://www.fieldofvision.net/ Official Field of Vision site]