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The all-girl band Sister Wives has been together almost eight years singing everything from soulful blues to fiery rock. We talked to the band collectively through e-mail about its music and future.
Describe your music.
We primarily play blues music. Some people hear the word blues and they think down-tempo, good-love-gone-bad music. We really play a range of music from traditional blues to hard-driving, blues-influenced rock. We also like a description we got when playing in Vancouver, that we are "punk blues."
How is the band different from others?
We don't know any other all-female blues bands anywhere who play like we do. Not to stereotype, but women musicians have a reputation as folk singer-songwriters. Or a female musician will front a rock or blues band, but the rest of the musicians are guys. What makes us unique is that all of our members are female.
What is it like being an all-female band?
We tend to make decisions more as a group and we really focus on the relationship we have with one another. We have developed close friendships with each other that allow us to really connect during a performance. It also makes it much more painful to make hard decisions about personnel changes. Fortunately we haven't had to do much of that. (We've been playing with our current personnel for over six years.)
Have you ever had to deal with female stereotypes?
We haven't really noticed problems because we are all female. It probably is as much a benefit as a detriment. On one hand, we may have a hard time getting booked into a venue because they just don't think a bunch of girls could create music that's upbeat enough to dance to. On the other hand, we have gotten gigs because of the "novelty." Either way, one of our favorite things is to watch people's expectations being totally blown away once they actually hear us play.
Do you have any albums?
Yes, we have three CDs: "Polygamy Blues," our first. "Bootlegged," which is all original music. And we just released our third called "Unenhanced," a live recording of one of our performances.
Describe a live show.
We include the audience in the performance. We have an energy that we share with each other that translates into a shared experience with the audience. We love that the first reaction from a new listener is one of surprise at how big a sound four women can create.
Where has your music taken you?
We've taken multiple trips to Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California and Nevada, plus all over Utah for shows. There are a few recurring gigs we are particularly fond of, including the last seven years (and booked for the eighth) at the Bicknell International Film Festival. What a party! We play private parties, all types of festivals, local and distant bars, beachfronts and corporate shows. But not too many weddings, since the blues doesn't really lend itself to weddings.
What would you say to other women interested in starting a band?
Do it! Find a genre you love to play, even if it isn't "the norm" for women, and then just do it. There is such an increased presence of women in the music scene in roles that have been typically male-dominated, like lead guitar, drums and bass. Just make sure you're wearing really cool shoes when you do. —
It's a girl thing
When • Saturday, Oct. 23, at 8 p.m.
Where • Owl Bar inside the main building at Sundance Resort, 8841 N. Alpine Loop Road.
Info • sisterwivesband.com