January 31, 2002 11:45

MAUR GOOD NEWS!

Melissa Auf der Maur says the record should be released before the end of 2002...

Former Hole and Smashing Pumpkins bassist MELISSA AUF DER MAUR is working on her debut solo album.

Auf der Maur told Rolling Stone magazine that the eponymous record should be released before the end of 2002, and will be made up from songs written during her time with both groups.

She commented: "This is the best year of my whole life because of how much freedom I've had. To me, music is all about having freedom to play with whoever, however, try out different line-ups and styles. Having the freedom of not being committed to a huge, huge project such as Hole or Smashing Pumpkins, I'm in heaven...

"The LA section of the record is the prettier, more ethereal stuff. The dark, rock stuff actually - which is really my main route and the muscle of the record -- was recorded in Canada. And then in Chicago we're recording some songs with James (Iha) and Chris (Holmes) that are more mid-dissonant pop - mid-tempo, mid-volume."

Auf der Maur plans to be the main vocalist in her new group.