Everything You Need to Know: Sick of Sarah

by Heather Patterson

Sick of Sarah is an all female band out of Minneapo....booorrrrring.

You can read their bio dozens of different places, the story behind their name, their influences, that's all in the bio on their facebook , the bottom line is YOU HAVE TO CHECK OUT THIS BAND. I promise you will not be disappointed. Their music is catchy alt pop-rock combined with interesting, heart-felt lyrics.

I first heard of this band about a year ago when I saw Abisha on Brunch With Bridget, of course a few minutes of Abisha and anyone would want more. I immediately started checking them out and by the end of the first time I watched the music video for "Bittersweet" I was in love. Abisha, Katie, Jessie, Jamie and Jessica are talented, unique, hilarious, super sweet, and let's face it, smoking hot. I saw them live for the first time in September 2009 and I was blown away! These girls are AMAZING live. I've been to a lot of concerts and shows, but I have never seen a band that is as fun to watch as Sick Of Sarah, there is nothing I can say here that would do their live show justice, it's something you need to see for yourself. And make sure you don't leave without meeting them, they're very approachable and so nice. I adore each and every one of these girls, they're the sweetest people I know and even let me pretend we're friends.

Sick of Sarah is in the studio in El Paso now recording their next CD and I couldn't be more excited. They previewed some of the new stuff on their most recent tour and HOLY SH!T, so good....so so good. So check them out, buy the music, check out their HILARIOUS youtube vids and go see them as soon as you can.

If you've never heard them, start here:

Kickback (Youtube)

Kiss Me (youtube)

Bittersweet

Fall

Not Listening

Mr. Incredible

Autograph (youtube)

Breakdown

Common Mistake

Hardest Part

~ Heather Patterson (http://twitter.com/Heather_D_)

photo by Amber Mcdonald (http://photo.ambermcdonald.net/)

footage by Karyn Brawley

Band: http://sickofsarah.com

Exclusive: An Horse Interview

Yeah, no introduction necessary. One thing I should mention is I didn't know if Kate or Damon would be answering the questions, normally I would reword the questions before posting so they are directed at who's actually answering. However, Kate turns this into something hilarious so I didn't even bother! Enjoy!

How was it finally touring Germany? I know fans had been wanting to see you guys there for a long while now. (hence, #AnHorseForGermany)

Germany was great. A lot of fun and SO much food. The crowds were really appreciative and energetic.

How did the remix EP, Beds Rearranged, come together?

Our label suggested it to us. At first we weren't sold on the idea but we heard a couple of remixes and we really loved them. It was a really fun project. It was really interesting to see what people did with our music.

Do you guys have a release date for the new record? If not, could you tell us about when we could be expecting it?

We are recording it in Vancouver in July/August with Howard Redekopp. We don't have a release date yet. We are super excited to make it!

Though I’ve read this once before, I was wondering if you could tell us what the songwriting process is like. Does Kate write all the lyrics?

I usually write songs quietly in my house and record them. I then send a whole batch to Damon and he goes away and listens to them. Then we get together in a practice room and work on them. I write all the lyrics. Damon sings a few things that he has come up with.

Sonically are you guys moving in a different direction on the new record?

I think you have to develop with every record you make. Damon and I always want to be pushing ourselves sonically. I don't doubt this record will sound different to Beds.

I recently saw footage of Kaki King playing lap steel during a performance of “Little Lungs”. It was pretty amazing. Any chance she’ll appear on the new record?

Umm I don't think so. Maybe? We haven't asked. I am sure if Kaki wants to play or we think there is something she could shred on it would happen but I don't think we could figure that out until we are making the record.

I’m a huge Intercooler fan. Damon, I was wondering if you’re still working with them at all?

No he isn't. Horse is pretty all consuming. (He is watching a movie right now so I had to answer that).

Damon you also had a band called Mary Trembles. I saw a show poster/flyer with both Intercooler and Mary Trembles on the bill for the same night. How was it to play drums for two bands on the same night?

He is still watching the movie! I am pretty sure it was tiring.

You’ve toured with Tegan & Sara, Death Cab, Silversun Pickups, and Telekenisis, to name a few, and are now on tour with Kaki King. Is there any other band/artist you would like to tour with that you haven’t yet?

Yes there are tonnes of bands we would love to tour with. Perhaps too many to list here. I think we can tour with a really diverse range of people. From pop to punk.

What is your favorite record by your favorite band?

Oh that is way too hard! I have lots of favourite records from lots of favourite bands! I couldn't possible name one as my favourite. I have a really eclectic taste so nailing down one album is so hard. I love Kylie and Beyonce and I love Cancer Bats and Fugazi. I love Patti Smith and I love Carol King. See what I mean? Difficult! haha.

Would you ever consider doing a Tegan & Sara cover?

I would consider covering anyone!

Lee (@hoosierforlife) asks: “Why did Kate move to Montreal?”

It seemed like a good idea and it was! I love it.

Katie K (@K8tKp)asks: “Ninja or Pirate?”

Pirate.

Julia (@Julieisntmyname) asks: “When are you coming back to Texas?

Umm we were just there so probably not again until the new record comes out!

thanks janay!

kate xo

LINKS!!!

http://www.anhorse.com

http://twitter.com/AnHorse

photo by: Lindsey Byrnes (@LindseyByrnes)

live footage by: Wojo4hitz (@Wojo4hitz)

Kaki Is King...No, Really

When I say "Kaki Is King" it sounds cheesy as hell. But what I mean by that is she's mastered her craft. In fact, she's mastered a few. The one time professional drummer has since mastered her now signature finger-picking technique, lap steel and from what I hear on 'Junior' has truly taken control of her vocal ability. A King shows no fear and clearly neither did Kaki during production of this record. There's the pop goodness of "Spit It Back In My Mouth" and "My Communist Friends" and "Death Head", my personal favorite, brings to mind the complicated yet rhythmic riffing of Carrie Brownstein (and you KNOW how I feel about HER). Then there's the genius pop/rock blend of "Falling Day", the first single, in which many parts are repetitive and catchy and worthy of a sing-along, it's a hit (and she didn't even use autotune)! Only a fearless leader of a composer would dare put these songs on the same record as the heart wrenching "My Nerves That Committed Suicide" and the haunting "Hallucinations From My Poisonous German Streets".

The only King worth serving is one who is brave enough to bare their scars such as Kaki does on "Sunnyside", a weeping yet angry tale of heartache and abandonment. Don't ever put this record on 'shuffle', it cheapens the experience. This is a novel meant to be read in order of chapter or it won't feel right at all.

I repeat, Kaki Is King!

"Falling Day" day live! Footage from "CrazyBen1969, my "go to" channel for live Kaki footage during her European tour!

LINKS!!!

http://KakiKing.com

http://twitter.com/KakiTwit

http://musicnerdery.wordpress.com/

Tegan Quin: A Moment of Your Time?

So if you've been paying attention at all you know that I have been trying to get an interview with Tegan or Sara for a while now. Seven months and a billion emails later, I DID IT, or rather their manager took pity on me and did it! I was told they didn't have time for blog interviews (blame Australia...) but one of them could probably answer 5 questions for me. So I narrowed down my 15 questions accordingly. The fact that Tegan took time out to do this is just a testament to her and Sara's devotion to their fans (they know I don't work for a publication). I hope you guys enjoy this. I really asked what I thought were the best 5 questions you could ask Tegan or Sara Quin, if told you could ONLY ask Tegan or Sara Quin 5 questions.




July 18^th is the 10-year anniversary of the release of ‘This Business of Art’ (first Vapor release). You guys seem to have had a well crafted career; from the way in which you’ve marketed yourselves to the way you’ve essentially built your own fan base. Is the successful career you have now the result of some sort of 10-year plan?

When we started out 12 years ago we decided not to try and sign to a major label and instead focus on trying to find a partner to make records with. Vapor came into our sights and reassured us of that goal. Ultimately Sara and I were striving for longevity and creative ownership rather than fame and fortune. Since then, over the past 5 records with them we have continued to focus on that rather than how to become more famous or make more money. Although those things are important and definitely play into our day to day decisions when we look long term and think big picture, its always about HOW to stay creative for as long as possible!



If you were an only child or didn’t have a sibling that wanted to make music do you think you would have pursued a music career?

Oh wow, I have no idea. Its hard to say. We have always written alone and we definitely didn't always want to do this growing up. Even once we started making records and touring professionally we have had differences in opinion about how serious to take what we do and how long we'll both agree to doing it. I think that we both have grown to love music and our career so much that no matter what we do it will always be somewhat related to this industry and being creative. But its hard to say what we would have done different 15 years ago had we not had one another. I have no idea.



You guys have been doing a ton of in-stores and acoustic sessions. Is this done as a way to stay connected with fans as your main shows get bigger? Is this something you think you will always try to make time for?

You hit the nail on the head. Sara and I are trying to do more instores, radio performances for contest winners and fans as well as book acoustic shows when we can as an attempt to get back to our roots and connect with our very loyal and devoted fan base. We love that our band is getting more popular and doing so well but as the shows get bigger we miss the intimacy of our former days and so we are trying to balance that out with some more intimate gigs. And its working!



You have one record left with Warner. I’ve read that it wasn’t your choice to be on a major label so my question is do you see the end of the contract as an end of something, or as a chance to be free to pursue other things?

Its hard to say. I have nothing against major labels personally. I think they play an important role in spreading the word about a band. Our band has benefited greatly from being on Warner. BUT when we finished The Con we were DONE! It was 10 years later and we were about to become free agents. Mainly we were excited about this because we knew The Con was going to be very successful and we were looking forward to renegotiating a record deal that would give Sara and I ownership over our masters. When Sanctuary closed its doors, our catalogue and US went up for sale. Warner became our owner. And while they are a great owner and home for T+S, it meant we had to renegotiate sooner and so we now have to make 2 more records [after The Con] and not retain ownership. Which sucks. Hopefully we are able to stay at Warner or find a home for T+S soon when our deal is up that WILL allow us to finally be owners of our own music. Fingers crossed.


Both of you have talked about how you’re interested in other areas of the music industry aside from making music. You have both produced on other records and Sara has done A&R for An Horse. You’ve also steered much of your own career through smart marketing. With all this knowledge and skill under your belt I have to ask: Do either of you think you would ever start your own independent record label or production company?

I think that Sara and I both have an open mind when it comes to what we do next or what we do to fill the time off between tours and records. We're definitely both taking the opportunities that come our way and we're exploring and experimenting with different paths. Right now I have no ambition to be a record label or an A&R. The industry is changing so fast and I really don't think I'd do a better job than the one being done. But I do hope to always have a job in this industry. I think next I'm going to do some song writing with other artists. That seems to be where my instincts are pulling me!

photo credit: Lindsey Byrnes (http://twitter.com/lindseybyrnes)

photo credit: Jaime Wojodowski (http://twitter.com/wojo4hitz)

LINKS!!!

http://teganandsara.com

http://twitter.com/theteganandsara

Hesta Prynn: Why Everyone's Talking About Her

Hesta Prynn (or as I like to refer to her: Coolest Person Alive), is almost set to release her debut full-length record. I had a chance to get some details from her about the upcoming release. She also talks about working with Chuck Brody, Playboy, and Sara Quin.



I have to ask you about your name. I LOVE it and I've always wondered where it came from. I was discussing it with a friend who told me about The Scarlet Letter, a famous novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The main character is named Hester Prynne, is there any relation?

Yes when we decided to form Northern State I was really drunk and the first thing I said is "let's not name it something over the top feminist like Hesta Prynn" (which was me making a hip hop joke about Hester Prynne) and it stuck.


You are not signed to a label correct? Not unlike a lot of artists/bands I listen to. As long as artists are able to get fans out to shows and sell merch, such as you've been able to do, is there a need for label support?

I'm not signed to a label yet but I will be pretty soon. Even then though I really like having fans involved in my music. As an artist you really work for your fans, not your label and I like making them feel involved and part of my project because ultimately it's all for them.


On the material you released with Northern State there were political and feminist themes. What are some themes covered in your upcoming record?

My new album has political and feminist themes still but they're not as overt. I'm really experimenting musically and I think the main theme of this record is about blending genres - live drums vs programmed drums, vocals vs bass, modern vs vintage. The theme of this record is less lyrical and more musical.

The first single off your record, "Can We Go Wrong", is being called "electro pop". I'd say it's a fitting description. It's very high energy, an awesome dance track. Is this the overall feel of the record?

The record is very energetic and all of the songs have pop structure but even on that song there are live drums and lots of live instruments - even the vocal effects were done with a space echo which is a vintage analogue delay machine so even tho it sounds "electro" it's actually quite live.


Is the team that you worked with on the 'Civil Sheppard' EP the same one you worked with on the full-length?

It's basically the same group but it's expanding to include more and more people. More talented and exciting artists get in touch weekly so there's a lot of people I hope to collaborate with.


I know you and Chuck Brody have a long history. He's produced so many great records. He's worked with Ra Ra Riot, Lykke Li, You Say Party We Say Die - the list just goes on. What is it like working with him?

We basically fight and make everyone else feel awkward! Just kidding (kinda). We have similar taste but come at everything from completely opposite sides. We meet in the middle on everything and that middle ground is where all the dopest stuff comes from. Lots of bickering but we both know we've kind of found our life writing partner. I'm REALLY lucky about that even tho he drives me bananas!


Sara Quin also did production on your new record. She's mentioned that she's very meticulous and a bit of a perfectionist when approaching her own music. Was this similar to the experience you had working with her in the studio?

Sara is amazing and really fast. She doesn't have tons of comments but her comments are ALWAYS right on. She's an incredible songwriter and really a fabulous producer because of it. She can hear a song and know exactly what's missing, what needs different arrangement, what needs to go and what needs to come back in. It's pretty amazing watching her work, her talent is ridiculous.


I saw you tweet that you were working on Playboy's 'Rock the Rabbit' this year. Can you tell us anything about the project?

Yes we are designing an exclusive Hesta Prynn tshirt for Playboy. I just saw the finished version and it's amazing, my favorite piece of merch I've ever seen basically! I love the Playboy brand and have a lot of respect for them and it's really exciting that they've kind of taken me under their wing.


Now I loved the 'Civil Sheppard' EP and I love your new single and am very excited about the new record. But I also loved you as a MC- because I think what Northern State did was make hip-hop relatable to women, it was refreshing. I'm scared to ask but, are you done with hip-hop?

I think hip-hop has evolved and I've evolved with it. The best new hip-hop is really genre-blending. The days of an MC and a dj have passed in my opinion - it's been done and been done great. I prefer to bring hip-hop into what I'm doing now. I still rap a bit on this record tho.


I follow Hesta Prynn's Hot List! It's hilarious. I was wondering if you could do a little hot list right now. What are some things in entertainment you're into right now? What are some you hate?

I luv the new Tool Academy, I watched the season premiere last night at like 2am and it was dope. I was way into Jersey Shore but that's kind of passed already. I'm not really into this whole Tiger Woods thing, nor am I into the Olympics. I basically spend all of my time working and the rest of my time watching horror movies. I love Eli Roth, Joel McHale, Maz Jobrani and Ruby Rose.



No title or release date yet for Hesta's record but she says she will keep me, and therefore you, posted;)


photo by: Sara Quin
(photo on widget by: Shervin Lainez)

LINKS! Where Hesta Prynn is, you want to be:
http://myspace.com/hestaprynn
http://twitter.com/hestaprynnmusic
http://hestaprynn.tumblr.com/
http://hestaprynn.bigcartel.com (MERCH!)

Indie Rock My Valentine

Well I don't have a "valentine" but I love you all. And I'm not sure if I had a girlfriend I would even celebrate this "holiday". The things people do to celebrate Valentine's day are literally things they should be doing like every other weekend or so. It's a shame if you can only get it up once a year buddy.

Now, I shall woo you with my "would be" Valentine playlist!

(not ALL these are "indie" and/or "rock" but most are)

"Burn, Don't Freeze" - Sleater-Kinney
"Arrow" - Tegan & Sara
"Electric Feel" - MGMT
"Lost Without You" - Robin Thicke
"Valentine" - Kina Grannis
"Love Gun" - The Cliks
"Lay Lady Lay" - Bob Dylan
"I Want You" - The Beatles
"Autograph" - Sick of Sarah
"Sex Type Thing" - Stone Temple Pilots
"And I" - Ciara
"Your Little Secret" - Melissa Etheridge
"I Can Be" - Aaliyah
"Dance With Me" - Hot Hot Heat
"What It Is To Burn" - Finch
"Catch & Release" - Silversun Pickups
"Skin On Skin" - Queens of the Stone Age
"Hold The Door" - Armor For Sleep
"Ocean Avenue" - Yellowcard
"Still In Love" - The Stills

ok....so all these aren't exactly "love" songs. But they express what we are feeling at any given moment around this time: love, lust, anger, regret and frustration. This post is for everyone, not just those in love.

So check out these songs. Maybe you'll just fall in love with your ipod all over again. When's the last time you showed your itunes some appreciation? Told it to play something new? Well me and my Walkman have a hot date! Later days dudes!

Happy New Year!!! My Personal '09 Recap

Hi, how are you? Hungover? Yeah...me too, crazy party last night dude! Ok, I was at work BUT I have had some crazy NYE throw downs (also, not true), so I know that at this moment the last thing you want to do is read some long drawn out blog post. I dig it! I dig the energy, how about a quick recap!?

Jan/Feb: Tegan & Sara's Macbeth shoes come out a week early and everyone's all freaking out like "omg omg they sold out!" "oh no Sara's are sold out in my size"! And I freak out and tell my friend Jaime to get me a pair of "Tegans" ASAFP!


March: Thanks to a post by Trish Bendix on Afterellen.com I discover Sleater-Kinney who are now my favorite band!
I also attend my first Sick of Sarah show! Love at first face rock!


April: Silversun Pickups release Swoon, which I will still not listen to for another four months so...moving right along!
And I now attend my first 'Cliks show!!! Which is a show I suggest you all go see at least once cause it's amazing. Lucas' powerful voice filling up an entire venue with his own shredding guitar as his only competition...brilliant!

May: I see Sick of Sarah again! Also, excitement builds in the Tegan & Sara fan community as pre-production of what would soon become Sainthood begins!

June: IT'S MAH BIRTHDAY!!! I get a tattoo, see An Horse AGAIN, TnS & Co. begin recording Sainthood and The Cliks release Dirty King!
Gossip also releases Music For Men with a delicious looking album cover might I add;-)

July: Death Cab For Cutie puts on an amazing show at The Hollywood Bowl!
And you know who we haven't heard from in all of 5 minutes? That's right! Tegan & Sara were there too!

August: Mutemath releases Armistice, one of the best records of the year! And I finally listen to Swoon which was released 4 months ago and was also one of the best records of the year. The TnS/Tiesto collabo, "Feel It In My Bones", makes it's debut on the interweb. I also posted my first interview ever to/for this blog with Lindsey Byrnes. O I saw Sick of Sarah AGAIN. This was a good month!


September: Everyone had a birthday and Tegan & Sara (o look who's back) premiered 6 tracks off Sainthood to a VERY approving audience.

Footage from http://youtube.com/wojo4hitz

OCTOBER: BEST.MONTH.EVER. Went to see Sick of Sarah, yes, AGAIN! At that show I discovered The Action Design, and am still obsessed with them. I saw An Horse AGAIN, and Silversun Pickups for the first time ever and it was the best show I've been to so far!

After MUCH anticipation Sainthood is released!

November: ....I got nothing...


December: Ugh! Christmas music! JUST saying, not my thing. Not even Fucked Up can get me to voluntarily listen to a Christmas song. Not even when they have it action packed with awesome bands/singers! O yeah I need to throw some movies in here: Bitch Slap, Avatar, and It's Complicated are all "must sees" apparently.

A book I have to now recommend to everyone after reading it this month, 'The Lovely Bones'. Absolutely brilliant. It's very very very sad but an excellent read! I also recommend going to see the movie in theaters Jan. 15.
Well that sums up my year. Obviously Tegan & Sara win for the "In Your Face" award. People always attack TnS fans by calling them obsessed. It's clear to me after experiencing my first full year as a fan that they are obsessed with their fans too. It's a mutual vibe. I can't think of another band quite as present as they constantly feel the need to be.

I need to read more this year. Any suggestions? I can count on one hand how many books I read this year.

New Music: Expecting new music from Sick of Sarah, Kaki King and Nine Inch Nails this year! Pretty excited about that!