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It did not take long for us to fall in love with Brothers And Sisters’ sunny side up folk-rock as heard on their eponymous full-length debut. The band specializes in pop tinged alt-country with melodies reminiscent of '60s era California and harmonies fit for any decade and state. They recently finished recording a new EP in L.A. -- a five song effort including three new songs, an alternate version of “Sunday Living”, as well as a Neil Young cover. Brothers And Sisters were also reviewed in MOJO Magazine in May, garnering four stars for their musicianship.
We caught up with Brother Will (Courtney) over email recently to assess the state of the band before this Saturday’s Wall Of Sound Festival in Fort Worth.
How was the experience of growing up in a household with a Grammy winning parent (Cynthia Clawson). What part did that play into guiding you towards a musical career?
For kids that love music and want to hear it and see it being recorded and like to hang out in studios and backstage at concerts a lot, having a Grammy winner for a mom is the thing to do. I think it played a big role in guiding us towards making music as a career. It’s really all we knew. Our dad (Ragan Courtney) is a writer, so both parents worked out of the house for most of my life and traveled on weekends to perform. I like that schedule.
Continue reading the interview after the jump! And enter below for your chance to win two tickets to the 2007 Wall Of Sound Festival!
Brothers And Sisters: [myspace]
Appearing at the 2007 Wall Of Sound Festival on Saturday, September 22nd
Image courtesy of Brothers And Sisters’ MySpace, Author Unknown.
Is the band line-up set at a certain number of members?
We keep it at around 6 at all times with the occasional extra musician or two. As much as we love the big group, it gets harder the longer we are a band to guarantee that everyone can be available for all shows.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing live at the festival?
Spectrum. I've never seen Sonic Boom live. Big fan. Love Spacemen 3.
What 2007 album do you need to have in your iPod or tape deck this summer?
It’s rare that I get excited about new music. Luckily 2007 saw the release of the unreleased John Phillips record from 1972, Jack of Diamonds. I have been enjoying it recently. If you want a current record, I love Wilco's Sky Blue Sky., it reminds me of the best parts of Bread, early-Fairport Convention and Plainsong. Underrated in my book.
What musical instrument or piece of equipment do you love to play with the most?
I mostly play acoustic guitars. I love my old Gibson Hummingbird. I also got a 1965 Gibson classical guitar when we were in L.A. in June that is incredible. I guess the guitar I covet most is a 60's Gretsch White Falcon. Luckily, Ray Jackson, who plays pedal steel with us, just traded his 1963 Jaguar for one. He let me hold it once.
If your life was represented by a full length album, what would it be?
Great question. Besides Brothers And Sisters' debut? It’s a split between two records -- Randy Newman, Land of Dreams and Euphoria, A Gift from Euphoria.
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