|
Just Passing Through: Tegan & Sara!
Addictively talented Canadian sister duo Tegan and Sara have been touring since the release of their fourth LP, "So Jealous" and will be bringing their sassy, spirited show to Los Angeles August 1 at the Henry Fonda Theatre. We were able to catch up with the half of the pair known as Sara and talk a bit about what is has been like coming of age in the music business, surviving on the road and how much the sisters enjoy their LA fans. Catch Sara below or visit Tegan and Sara's website at www.teganandsara.com.
TLAMS: Which are your favorite LA area venues?
Sara: I thought the El Rey was awesome. The Knitting Factory is great. We are excited to play at the Henry Fonda Theatre. Playing The Wiltern with The Killers and Ryan Adams were all amazing experiences in terms of venues.
TLAMS: How responsive (or difficult) to you find LA crowds to be?
Sara: LA crowds are AMAZING. SOME OF OUR FAVORITE SHOWS! Our audience in Los Angeles is very diverse and I find them to be one of the most enthusiastic crowds to play music for.
TLAMS: Are there certain markets you find really "get" your music and others that are just a little slow in catching on?
Sara Generally we have a great response everywhere we go. However, I do find from an industry perspective, the UK press can be a little hard to crack (unless you're on crack).
TLAMS: My Mom in South Florida, for instance, has never heard of you. How should I tell her to find your music and fall in love with it?
Sara: Up until "So Jealous" it was almost impossible to get our records in mainstream outlets like Walmart or Target. But now you can. I think our website is a good indicator of what you will get with Tegan and Sara. There are videos, downloads for music, lots of photos, and plenty of humorous journal entry/bio blurbs.
TLAMS: You've literally grown up touring; you've been on the road since the ages of 17. What are your perspectives as to how this lifestyle has affected your personal lives?
Sara: In a strange way its like we are away at boarding school. We were getting a life lesson in the music industry and most of our friends and family have been very supportive. Occasionally being on the road can leave you feeling disconnected from your "home" but we are lucky to have a family of friends on the road, and that can make the transition between touring and home easier.
TLAMS: You were signed with Vapor/Sanctuary records shortly after high school. How did this connection/process happen for you?
Sara: Vapor was one of the only labels that we approached with our independent record in 1999. There were only five people working at the label, one of which was Elliot Robert's, who manages Neil Young. They were excited about growing the project organically and nurturing Tegan and I over the course of numerous records. After the release of two records Vapor became partnered with Sanctuary. This was during our touring for "If It Was You". Sanctuary really got involved with the release of "So Jealous". It has been an interesting experience because we had grown up on indie label politics, and it really is a whole other league dealing with big business labels. I find it challenging but often in a good way! The most important thing is to be aware and be on top of what is happening with every aspect of your career.
TLAMS: You've taken a long road from fledgling teenage songwriters to the level or success you're garnering right now. Were there times you thought you'd throw in the towel and become "Respectable Members of Society," or has success as musicians always been imminent for you?
Sara: We always hoped that moving slowly and building a fan base organically would eventually help us sustain a career. Success was paying our rent. Seeing our audience grow over seven years and four records is rewarding for us because we did it our way.
TLAMS: Do you find yourselves creatively stimulated enough to write music on the road or does that process come easier while you are on hiatus?
Sara: I personally like to write at home during downtime. Tegan seems to be able to write everywhere. I feel creative on the road playing shows and challenging the live show. It’s easy to get distracted and want to write new material. I don't have enough self-control; I'm afraid I would end up playing new material before it was ready to be played.
TLAMS: You both seem like very intelligent and witty women. Do you entertain each other telling jokes on tour or do you prefer reading books?
Sara: We all take enjoyment out of one another. The band is quite funny too. There are days where it feels like we are just friends hanging out and other days where it feels like we are a band at work. I love to read, and I take a lot of "alone time" on the road.
TLAMS: What CDs do you listen to when you are feeling 1) happy, 2) out on the road and missing home and 3) silly?
Sara: I love listening to new music I find on the road. Right now I am loving Sufjan Stevens new record. Antony and the Johnsons is beautiful and sad. And we all love CocoRosie.
TLAMS: Is there a particular song for either of you that you particularly enjoy performing for your audiences?
Sara: I love playing "I Bet it Stung" and "You Wouldn't Like Me". I get excited when we start playing old songs and people cheer louder then when we play new stuff. It makes me think that we have a great fan base that isn't just interested in "singles".
Article by: Cami Raben
Submitted: July, 2005
Photos: Artist's Website, Press Kit
Artist Website: www.teganandsara.com
| 
