The Staves are set to make their return next month with their new album Dead & Born & Grown having enjoyed a summer of touring.
We caught up with the band to chat about the new record, touring with Bon Iver and what lies ahead.
- You are about to release your debut album, Dead & Born & Grown. What can fans expect from the new collection of tracks?
It's a continuation of the sound from the EPs that we released. We wanted to get what we do live onto tape.
- How would you say this album differs from the EPs you have put out over the last couple of years? And how do you feel you have developed as a band from those releases to this?
We've toured a lot and grown in confidence as a band. We wanted the album to capture us as we are when you're just in the room with us - there is no reverb on our vocals and we recorded the whole album live so it really captures that.
- There is a real folk and blues sound to this record and your music in general - how did you find yourselves going down this path when you were first starting out?
We are not directly influenced by folk and blues but obviously all pop music comes from those origins.
We love The Beatles and Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon - those artists influenced us a lot.
- How does the song-writing process work within the band - is there one main writer or is it very much a collaborative effort?
It works differently from song to song, sometimes it'll be a solo effort from one of us and others we'll work on together from the beginning.
- And while the album is not out for a couple of weeks, what have the early responses to the record like? I loved the record myself.
Thank you! We have had some really good feedback which is always nice.
It’s a good feeling to think that people are enjoying something that you've worked incredibly hard on.
- Glyn and Ethan Johns have produced this record, how did that collaboration come about?
We had met them both individually and they'd both had an immediate response to the music and wanted to work with us on putting the record together. We were chuffed as we were huge fans of their work.
- How did you find working with them? And what has their experience had on this album?
They are incredibly talented producers and allowed us to be ourselves on the record.
They work on tape and are great at capturing live performances, so we recorded the whole album live. It’s a great way to work and creates such a great vibe in the room.
- We have seen a real surge in folk music breaking more into the mainstream this year with the likes of The Robbie Boyd Band, The Civil Wars, Alabama Shakes and yourselves so what do you think has been the catalyst for this?
People are reacting to the heavily produced and processed music that dominates the radio and TV.
I think people have an emotional response to hearing real instruments and vocals that aren't absolutely perfect and live performances and those bands that you listed are giving people that in their music. It’s the real deal.
- You supported Bon Iver in the U.S. and Canada this summer, how did those shows go and what response did you get out there?
The US/Canada tour with Bon Iver in May was amazing. We got to travel so much and play in so many new places.
The audiences were all very warm out there. All the lads in the band were a good laugh, too.
- And you will be supporting the band over here in the UK and Europe this autumn - what can we expect from those shows?
Just the three of us one some pretty big stages! It's our first European tour so we are very excited.
- How excited are you about playing these new tracks live to a UK audience?
We've been touring for the last 2 years so our songs won’t be that new to many people who come and see us live. We just enjoy bringing the music to different towns night after night.
- Have you any plans for a headline tour of your own any time soon?
We will be touring the UK & Ireland starting November 18th.
- As well as being in a band you are also sisters, so when did you first start to think about a music career together?
We had always sung together so it wasn't like we viewed it as a career choice - when we'd get together and play at home or gig it was just for fun.
As our circumstances changed and we got our growing up out of the way it just became clear to us that this was something we had to do together.
- Finally what is next for you?
After the record comes out and we finish our headline tour we'll be going to India to play some shows and festivals. Can't wait.
Dead & Born & Grown comes out on November 12th on Atlantic Records.
Click here to pre-order Dead & Born & Grown
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw