
We caught up with Sister Jane to talk about their first album Mercy, their influences and much more.
The first and last time I ever saw Sister Jane live was in February 2009; can you fill me in on what has happened between then and now?
Exactly two years later we'd finished and released our first album Mercy, which we're very pleased with. We keep playing shows whenever we're able between jobs and other band commitments. We keep writing songs and are currently completing our second album for release mid 2012.
How did you become a part of the Broken Stone Records family?
They liked us and we liked them, as well as the other bands on the label, and on hearing our master for Mercy they put their hand up to release it. We drank some beers and shared some meals at the Cricketer's Arms and a deal was happily struck.
The February showcases are not simply bands playing, but a night of visual delights! What contributions did Sister Jane make to the video-art that will be showing on the nights?
Really we're waiting to be amazed along with everyone else who attends the shows. It's all under wraps and a bit mysterious at this stage, so come along ready to take a trip with us.
Bands such as Buffalo Springfield and The Doors get thrown around a lot when people try and describe Sister Jane’s sound; what are some the your influences that people wouldn’t assume?
They probably wouldn't assume much since we're still not that well known, but some less obvious musical loves include hidden in our record collections might include anything from Prince's Paisley Park through to Sinatra.
Did coming from the Blue Mountains, rather than the highly concentrated Sydney, have any influence on Sister Jane’s music?
I think so. Landscape seeps it's way into music and the landscape in the mountains is pretty dramatic. I like to imagine it lends it's darkness to the songs.
Some of the old 50s and 60s stock footage in your Great Highway clip is incredible; do you have a favourite moment in the clip?
Yes, our friend Ian backer pulled it all together for us. I love the part where the dear finds itself in some kind of meteor shower by the lake. Very beautiful!
Who designed the artwork for Mercy? It’s very 1960s pin-up.
It's a silhouette cameo cut from paper by Naomi Crew, sister of our very own Lauren (vocals, organ, flute). To me it's very 19th century. We all love it very much.
Why did you decide to rerelease the album on vinyl?
The sound, the experience of dropping the needle on it, the sensuality of the experience. Something for our fans to indulge in if they so desire.
What are you hoping 2012 bring for Sister Jane?
A new record, lots of shows, more trips to regional Australia, new fans, and to keep enjoying it all the way we have so far.
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Catch Sister Jane this February playing that Broken Stones Records Road Show near you!
February 9th - Bellingen Memorial Hall - Bellingen, NSW
February 10th - The Brewery - Byron Bay, NSW
February 11th - The Waiting Room, West End - Brisbane, QLD
February 17th - The Street Theatre - Canberra, ACT
February 18th - Kyneton Town Hall - Kyneton, VIC
February 19th - Horse Bazaar - Melbourne, VIC
February 22nd - Lass O’Gowrie Hotel - Newcastle, NSW
23 February - The Standard, Surry Hills, NSW
24 February - Clifton School of Arts, Clifton, NSW
25 February - Baroque Room, Katoomba, NSW