Sunday, June 16, 2013

EXCLUSIVE! The Staves INTV!

On this Father's Day weekend, we picked a band that is making their music a family affair. England's The Staves are a trio of sisters that have taken their own spin on traditional folk rock. After releasing their debut album, Dead & Born & Grown last year, they have been touring the US and Europe to critical acclaim as they have opened for Bon Iver, Ben Howard and even sang back-up to Tom Jones. These sisters are on their way up and that is something both of their parents can be proud of, especially on this Father's Day. We spoke to singer Emily Staveley-Taylor about the bands rise, working with her sisters, and their influences. Take a look at our interview below:


What it is like being in a band with your sisters, does sibling rivalry ever impact the bands momentum or music?

Yes, frequently – but the key is to deal with it quickly and move on!

The name of the group is a shortened version of your last name, is Stave a nickname people gave your family?

Yes. Everyone would say "going over the stave's house for a cup of tea".

Growing up, did you play music together? Was it a musical household?

There was always music on at home. We never performed as a family as such, but we were surrounded by music from a young age. Mum and Dad sang a lot.

Who are some of your influences?

Beatles, Crosby Stills and Nash, Feist, Fionn Regan, and Ricky Gervais.

Even before having your debut out, you released a number of EP’s, and had the opportunity to open for Bon Iver, Mt. Desolation, Civil Wars, and Ben Howard. Playing in front of someone else’s audience, what does that do for you as a performer?

Playing in front of listening audiences, no matter whose it is or what size the crowd, is always a beautiful thing.

What was it like to finally record your debut?

Loads of fun. We are very excited to be able to share it with people.

What is it like to finally have the debut out?

Great. We made our own EP years ago and it funded us on a tour. Since then we've had another three EPs to sell on the road, so to finally have a full length album feels wonderful.

What does the title of the record, “Dead & Born & Grown,” signify?

Hard to explain, but it's the title of the first song we ever wrote together.  Seemed fitting that it became the title of the album. 

One of the most interesting things about this band is that you appeared on a Tom Jones album. How did that come about, how did Mr. Jones find out about you?

I would hope it's not one of the most interesting things about us (!), however we got a call from someone who needed cheap labour so we turned up and, of course, it was an honour to sing with such an incredible performer!

Hailing from England, how much has your country influenced your work?

We are very proud of where we come from. It's difficult to say to what extent England has shaped our music. We always try to sing in our own accents.

Coming to the U.S., is there a certain pressure you are putting on yourselves to make it here or is it just icing on the cake?

No pressure! We've never set out to conquer anywhere. It's a huge adventure to explore the States and play music out here. We absolutely love it.

Where do The Staves go from here?

Onwards and upwards! But first we're going home to do our washing.