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Teal Collins (The Mother Truckers) and Barbara Nesbitt (Tim Flannery & The Lunatic Fringe) met at a mutual friend’s gig in Austin and decided to get together to sing a song or two. By the time they reached the first chorus they knew there was magic in the room. They wrote songs, added members to make it a 6-piece band, and in one year played their first show, and released their debut album.
Teal and Barbara, you met at a mutual friends gig, had you two not met, what do you think you would be doing?
Teal: I think we would both be doing music! We're die-hard singers, songwriters and musicians!
Within one year of meeting, you played in your first show together. How did you prepare to take the stage as a band?
Barbara: Whiskey, of course!! Also a lot of writing and a few rehearsals. We have both been doing this for quite a while, so taking the stage is the most natural thing in the world. We were ready to get up there and play.
What is the most challenging task that you encounter when working with a band?
Teal: Creating a band out of thin air takes a lot of focus and musicians that are really excited to be a part of something new! I think convincing the music-going audience is the main challenge, especially in Austin where there is so much great music to chose from!
You have been labeled “the city's hottest new roots music act.” Is there pressure to live up to this title?
Barbara: I don’t think we feel pressure. We are grateful and love what we are doing. The fact that it is resonating with the listeners is icing on the cake and we hope to continue makingmusic people want to hear.
Who do you find yourselves being most compared to?
Teal : Actually nothing! There are like NO two girl fronted bands
that have "made it" before us and our music, though totally
pop/Americana based, is not really like anything that has been
popular in mainstream radio.
You released your self-titled debut album "The Whiskey Sisters"in
2013, how has the response been?
Barbara: We have had a great response to our record and have sold
out of our first three shipments. On top of that, we received quite a
few accolades from the Austin Music Awards.
What can your fans expect next from The Whiskey Sisters?
Teal: We will continue to rock and bring music to our fans! There
is so much work that goes into being a successful artist.
What advice can you provide to the local artists that are looking to have their music heard?
Barbara: The most important thing I find is LOVE WHAT YOU DO.Everything else is gravy! But you must work at it and get out there every chance you can to play, even if it’s an open mic/jam.
www.theshiskeysisters.com