About Last Night: The Pierces @ The Rose Garden Arena 04/24

Last night has easily become one of the top five greatest rock moments in my life and it's all thanks to the band The Pierces.
You have to understand, I've been writing about music for nine years now. No one taught me how, no one showed me how to photograph a concert, I had to learn it all on my own. So as the tour manager of Coldplay lead me from the back stage and onto the Rose Garden floor I could barely catch my breath. Weaving through the endless rows of floor seats until we reached the far side of the stage, I realized I've never been this close to the stage at a show this big. Finally, ushered to the other side of the barricade and given the permission to shoot mere feet from the artists, I have to admit my first few photos were for shit cause I was so nervous. Luckily, the Pierce sisters were so wonderful to behold and their music so arresting that soon I forgot my nerves and set to capturing as many shots as I could in the three song limit I was given. 

From backstage I had heard The Pierces start the set and even without seeing them I was amazed that they sounded as good, if not better then the recordings on their latest album You and I.These sister are truly a powerhouse able to push their voices to fill the great expanse of the Rose Garden arena, not a simple feet. I can only imagine this is what it was like to see the Wilson sisters in the heyday of Heart. The awesome might these ladies have at their command was amplified by an amazing touring band who gave each song their bold rich texture. Each song radiated from the stage like a wall of sound that even Phil Spector could admire. Truly playing to the late 60's, early 70's vibe that is part of their mystic, their set, though short, channeled that wildly vibrant energy of an era that saw the likes of The Mammas & the Papas and that first amazing Monterey Pop Festival.
Watching them on stage it was apparent, like most sisters,  Allison and Catherine have their own distinct personalities. Allison has a multifaceted dignity like a young June Carter before she took the Cash name. While Catherine, like all younger siblings,  has the dramatic flare that thrives in the spotlight. Her graceful  gesturing dance could have easily been choreographed by Stevie Nicks herself. Together though, these women are simply awesome and seeing them live was a true pleasure.
I'm quite certain that The Pierces have made a slew of new fans here in Portland, myself included.  I can only hope that it won't be too long before we see them again. As for me, there are moments in your life where you get a chance to see all your hard work bare fruit and last night, like a small gift from God, was one of those moments. Thank you ladies.

10 Questions: The Pierces: Catherine Pierce

Catherine Pierce: the blonde half of the dynamic sister act The Pierces sat down and answered a few questions.  Tonight The Pierces are opening for Coldpaly at the Rose Garden Arena.

BLS: Your new album, You and I, has a bolder more instrumental sound to it than your last album Thirteen Tales of Love and Revenge. What inspired the more filled out sound?

CP: I think the new songs called for a bigger sound and we try to always follow the voice of the song.

BLS: Most bands learn new skills with each consecutive album that they make. With You and I, what were some of the pitfalls you were able to avoid and new challenged you were presented with this time around?

CP: I think we wanted this album to sound more like a complete piece.  The last album was very eclectic, and we love that about it, but I think it left some people confused as to what our sound was.  We wanted something that would define us.  That being said, we may do something different with the next one!

BLS: Both musically and visually your style draws heavily upon elements of the late 60’s and early 70’s.What is it about this era that it exacts such influence?

CP: There was a lot of magic in those times and we are both drawn to elements of that.  We are influenced by so many different things, but again, these songs kind of called for that vibe so we went with it.

BLS: You’ve had several of your songs licensed for television over the last few years. What is it like to see your song used in a television show that’s being viewed by millions of people? Are there times that you feel that the way they used a song was not in the same emotional intent that you originally wrote the song?

CS: It’s hard to really absorb it when you see that happening.  It’s surreal and maybe not exactly the perfect emotional match every time, but it brings in so many new fans it’s hard to knock it.

BLS: The new album was produced by Guy Berryman, the bassist of Coldplay and Rik Simpson, Coldplay’s Producer. How did they become involved in this project?

CP: We met Guy years ago and he really loved our last album and it just evolved over time into this collaboration.  He brought in Rik and we all shared a vision for what the record should be. We were very fortunate to get to work with them...they are both so talented.

BLS: You worked in the studio with Berryman and now are on tour supporting Coldplay. Having experienced both environments, have there been elements to that relationship that have crossed over and how dose it differ?

CP: Guy whipped us into shape in the studio...Allie and I are both kind of day-dreamy and Guy is really driven.  I think he taught us how to work hard and I think that carried over into our touring and live shows.  He watched from the side of the stage the other night and he was like a proud papa, grinning ear to ear.  He said how cool it was to see how we’ve grown and of course we are so thankful that he took us under his wing.  It really changed our lives.

BLS: Speaking of touring, what are some of the benefits and drawbacks to touring as a sister act?

CP: Benefit: Sharing clothes. Drawback: Wondering where your clothes are that your sister borrowed.

BLS: Natives of Alabama, do you find that there’s still elements of your southern up bringing that present themselves in your music?

CP: They creep up here and there, but we’ve lived out of the South almost as much as we lived in it, so it’s an interesting mix I suppose.

BLS: Your label is in the UK and you have a bigger following in Europe. What is it about European versus American audiences that’s made it easier to gain notoriety abroad rather than here in the States?

CP: The US is just so massive, so it takes longer to conquer, but we are getting there!

BLS: Is there any new music you love but few people have heard of?

CP:I haven’t had any time to listen to new music lately!  The last thing I heard that I really loved was another sister band named Haim.  They are amazing live.