The Pierces - Interview

Alabama raised Allison and Catherine Pierce have made their mark on the New York music scene for over a decade. Managing the ups and downs that a professional musical career goes though in this era has been no easy task, but these talented ladies have done so with impressive class. With four albums now under their belt, their latest "You and I" is at last garnering them the attention they most certainly deserve. 

Presented here in two parts is a video interview I conducted earlier this year.  Additionally, a phone interview was done with the blonde half of the duo, Catherine Pierce – a month or so later.  What follows in print is a combination of the two interviews.  As you can see, both Allison and Catherine graciously answered all questions put to them with wit and sweet southern charm.

During your live shows you exhibit great confidence and appear to be truly enjoying yourself. Do you ever get nervous and worry about performing?

 

The key to winning the crowd over is to be relaxed and not so self-conscious. I find that meditation helps a lot with anxiety issues. Sure, there have been times when you worry what if nobody shows up. Fortunately for us we have a loyal following whom we can't thank enough.

The first track off of your latest album, '"You'll Be Mine" has harmonies that at times sound like classic 80's pop band The Bangles. Have you heard this referenced before?

 

 "We pretty much hear every comparison that has two females harmonizing. We've heard Heart, The Bangles, Fleetwood Mac, Abba - even Bananarama!

How did making this latest record differ from the previous albums you've done.

 

We went for a more natural sound. We learned along the way that some producers want you to sound perfect. They want every note to be pitch perfect. And I think that kind of sucks the soul out of it a little bit. I think it's nicer when you hear more of the humanity in it.

The song "Secret" from your previous album "Thirteen Tales of Love and Revenge" is the theme music for the popular television show "Pretty Little Liars." How did that come about?

 

Someone made a fan video of it on YouTube and readers of that book series kept writing to us to say how perfect it would be for the show. The video they made - they made it before the actual show was on. So there was an odd synchronicity to it all. Then one of the girls who stars on the show suggested it to the producers. She said that this song would be perfect, so they called us up and asked to use it.

What is the songwriting process like? I've noticed that album credits tend to list you or your sister separately and only rarely together in collaboration.

Mostly we write separately. On this latest album we wrote "Kissing You Goodbye" together. Allison had an idea for a melody and we sat down and hashed it out.

 

It's been noted that you are avid readers. What have you been reading lately?

I've recently read the Steve Jobs Biography. We got Kindles last Christmas from our lovely manager and I keep downloading book after book so now I have, like 20 books lined up to read.

 

INFO BOX

1. Band address:  http://www.thepiercesmusic.com

2. Origins: Birmingham, Alabama, New York City, Los Angeles

3. What it is: For those who like sweet female vocal harmonies and heartfelt lyrics.

4. For those who like: Fleetwood Mac, Simon & Garfunkel, James Levy

5. Relevant info: Performed their single 'You'll Be Mine' on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in March. Headlined shows in New York, Los Angeles, and Austin (for SXSW) and supported Coldplay on their recent US tour.

 

Other links:

On The Deli Mag:

http://nyc.thedelimagazine.com/node/9511

Published print interview here:

http://www.thedelimagazine.com/band-interview.php?artist=the-pierces