 |
Sometimes it seems like there is a failure of imagination in modern music. We have broad genres that encompass every piece of music ever written, whether the artist likes to admit it or not. But once in a while, a musician attempts to break the bounds of a particular genre, blending different styles together to create a completely unique form of music all their own. Enter The Callen Sisters of New York City. Their music could be categorized as being folk, but with a blend of rock and pop. Combined with their soulful vocals and deep lyrics, the product is something different than what most are used to. They have been compared to the likes of Tori Amos and Fiona Apple, and it's no surprise that they list the two songstresses as influences. The Callen Sisters, Jessa and Beth Callen, have been a musical duo since they were kids. "We would always sing together, both learned piano at a young age, both played woodwind instruments, and then both played guitar," says Beth, who plays the acoustic guitar. You can tell these two were born to perform together. "We were always writing songs and lyrics; it was second nature. We performed live in high school at various venues in Saratoga Springs." However, they didn't become The Callen Sisters until after moving to New York City in 2006. Since then, they have been busy performing and recording together. by Mysh Svidersky |
Was there a person in your childhood who inspired you to become a musician?
Jessa: I would have to say our mother was our biggest inspiration. While she didn't directly inspire us (she was an artist and fashion designer rather than a musician), she insisted that we begin musical studies and dutifully facilitated music lessons for us, from paying for them to driving us there from when we were children until we could do it ourselves.
What was your first music-themed memory?
Jessa: My first musical memory would have to be the day I came home from school at around age 6 to an empty, locked house. This had never happened before and I was rather terrified. I was just walking down the driveway to seek refuge at my best friend's house when my mother sped down the road with Beth in the passenger seat. My mom was horrified that she hadn't gotten there before me and when tearfully asked where she had been, she explained that she had been out purchasing our first musical instrument, a Casio keyboard. That was the start of a blossoming career!
What made you choose as unconventional an instrument
as the concert harp?
Jessa: I chose the harp after first learning the flute and guitar. I had gone to a new age convention with my mother in Massachusetts and saw a harp player. I mentioned to my mom that I could do that, it was kind of like guitar. The harpist stopped playing and said no, the harp is nothing like the guitar, it is like the piano and is the hardest instrument to learn. I thought this was a strange outburst but I didn't take it to heart and must have mentioned to my mother that I wanted to learn to play (although I don't remember doing so). When we moved to New York State, our mom saw an ad for harp lessons and asked me if I would like to play. The rest is history! As for singing, Ive sung for as long as Icould remember. I have a memory of myself at age 3 saying "I wanted to be a famous singer when I grow up!."
How do you go about the writing process?
Beth: Writing is different for every artist. Most of the time, a guitar riff or chords
will come to me, and I know it's a song. I write words and ideas and fragments in a notebook
and those become lyrics. Then I sew the two together. Melody and words have equal importance
- I'll either alter a phrase or come up with a new melody to make it work. Sometimes, in
moments of clarity, the whole song will just come to me. I love when that happens.
Jessa: I generally starting plucking on the harp and come up with the music. Occasionally
the lyrics and melody come at the same time (which is always nice!). If they don't, I write
the music, then work out of a journal filled with brainstorms that I've jotted down. I take
material from there as well as write new words. I find lyrics are much more challenging to
write than music!
What are you trying to say with your music and lyrics?
Beth: For me, music is heightened expression of human emotion. It's healing, it's engaging,
it's real - I feel so alive and connected - even euphoric when I play. I hope to be able to
bring that experience to others. Writing is like connecting with a higher source.
Jessa: I draw from my life experiences and attempt to express what is happening to me in a
way that other people can relate to. I always loved reading others people's lyrics and saying
-"Yes! I know exactly what you mean - I'm feeling that way too!" It was comforting to know
that other people have similar experiences. Sometimes it's fun to throw in a random story
that is entirely fictional.
What has your experience been being indie?
Both: Being indie has been an enormous learning experience. You are at once the writer, performer, manager, booking agent, lawyer, driver, record label, promotion team, etc...the list goes on. It's a big task. It is interesting to balance the business side of music with the creative...they are very different bags - but a successful indie musician masters both.
What do you have to do to make it?
Beth: Is climbing a mountain hard? Maybe if you don't have the right shoes, or a warm
coat, or food. But it is a goal that makes you stronger, and the journey is breathtaking.
It is really amazing to see what you are capable of when you take your destiny into your
own hands.
Jessa: As for making it, this line is very subjective. Making it to one musician means an
entirely different thing to another. If you are true to yourself, if you are following your
correct path and are putting all your efforts into it, you will gain the success you seek
and more than you could ever have dreamed of!
Who has helped you succeed?
Both: The support from friends and fans is the single most motivating factor in this process. To hear that one of our songs really moved someone, or they keep singing it in their head, or even post it on their MySpace page is truly humbling and reinforces our desire to express what we know in our hearts is our truth.
Do you have any advice you could give to someone who is just starting out in the music business?
Beth: Read a lot of books about the business. If you aren't professional, it will come across and people won't want to book you. Stay up-to-date (for example, have a current website and MySpace page) so you don't remain in obscurity. It is not egotistical - you, as a musician, must promote you! Be sure this is what you really want to do, because it takes the courage of a lion and complete determination. Remember, it's about the journey, which is always a learning experience. You determine your own success, whatever that means to you. Jessa: Be organized, prompt, and clear. Realize that you are running a business and act like one! The more professional you are, the more people will take you seriously and the further you will go. Remember to have fun!
Do you have any insane tour/band related stories?
Both: Working with your sister is pretty insane in itself. We live and work together so sometimes it gets a bit volatile. But deep down we really love each other and totally respect each other as musicians, so it usually works itself out. Carting the harp around is a task! Between renting cars that will fit the harp, parking in Manhattan, and getting that thing up and down stairs, we're always bound to have a crazy experience!
What can you absolutely not go on tour without?
Both: Our instruments! Ha ha! Also lots of nice pillows and a toothbrush and toothpaste!
Visit their Website or MySpace to listen to some samples of their music.