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.
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:
Published print interview here:
