 "Photo: Photo by Courtney Ellis/He's My Brother She's My Sister")
Finding a band with a subtly unique sound is challenging, but He's My Brother, She's My Sister manages to achieve a nice balance and blend of diverse voices. Led by siblings Rob and Rachel Kolar, the band is energetic, folksy and entertaining in every way. Lead singer Rob recently won first prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest for "Same Old Ground."
He's My Brother She's My Sister has a new, as-of-yet untitled album coming out in late March or early April.
The band is currently on tour, leading up to a performance at South by Southwest (SXSW) Film and Music Festival, but not before they make a stop in Cleveland.
Cauldron: How did the band get its start? What brought you all together in the first place?
Rob: Rach and I thought we'd just have fun writing a few ditties to escape from other projects. Little did we know we'd end up spending days driving around in a van and sleeping on floors six months out of the year.
CA: What are the main influences and inspirations for your music, in terms of style and collaboration? How do you incorporate every member's voice?
Rob: Each [member's] color and expression is valued, and the culmination is what gives us this rather unique—if not bizarre—identity people tend to embrace. I aim to mix a variety of styles for my contribution to the project. My main influences are early rock and roll and rockabilly with the likes of Arthur Alexander, Little Richard, Eddie Cochran...and the sass and hooks of early ‘70s glam a la T. Rex, [David] Bowie and Slade.
Rachel: I love Buddy Holly and Janis [Joplin], Tinariwen, [John] Lennon, Dusty Springfield, Edith Piaf, Nina Simone, Cat Power...[Bob] Marley...it's pretty endless and the variety is vast. We're living the future and the future is an amalgamation of the best.
CA: What has been your favorite moment or experience with "He's My Brother She's My Sister" so far?
Rob: On every tour, there is some new adventure or hilarious story. Jumping off a six-story bridge into a lake in Mt. Shasta with Oliver and Aaron was exhilarating. Every time we win over a new crowd and get them singing and dancing, I feel thoroughly satisfied.
CA: What would you say has been your biggest achievement so far?
Rachel: The new record takes the cake...and the cherry on top, too. I can't wait to get it to the fans!
CA: What is next on the docket for "He's My Brother She's My Sister"?
Rachel: I've been conceiving backdrops and sets for our future shows. We're evolving our live shows to incorporate more theatrical elements. I want us to be the band [Federico] Fellini never had.
CA: What advice would you give to those who are trying to begin their musical or artistic careers?
Rachel: DIY—most everyone realizes it's the way to go, but it does take a little more time and elbow grease. I find [relaxing] expectations and fully enjoying the ride somehow brings me to exactly where I need to be.
Rob: Take chances and try not to judge or compare too much with others. Your time will come.
He's My Brother She's My Sister will perform at the Beachland Ballroom on Jan. 26 at 9 p.m. along with Shivering Timbers and Lowly, The Tree Ghost. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information about the band or their show in Cleveland, visit hesmybrothershesmysister.com or beachlandballroom.com
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