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.
