Finding a band with a unique sound that doesn’t sounds like they are trying too hard to be “different” is challenging, but He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister is a band that achieves a nice balance and blend of diverse voices. Lead by brother and sister Rob and Rachel Kolar, they are energetic, folksy, and entertaining in every way. Their sound is infectious, pleasant, and memorable. Lead singer Rob recently won The John Lennon Songwriting Contest first prize for his song, the HMBSMS staple, "Same Old Ground." He also recently starred in an art-house film-noir by cult director Monte Hellman titled "Road to Nowhere" also starring Shannyn Sossamon.
The band is currently touring the country, leading up to a performance at South by Southwest Film and Music Festival and will be appearing at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland.
1. I’m sure you get asked this often, but how did “He’s My Brother She’s My Sister” 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 6 months out of the year.”
Rachel: “I was leaving Barcelona after living in Europe for two years and returned to Los Angeles where I met Dave D at The Topanga Days Festival. Dave used to manage Brian Jonestown Massacre and at the time was working with Spindrift. I spent a lot of time with him and his crew out in Joshua Tree and also Big Sur and fell in love with the desert and mountains and the music that was coming out of that scene and time. Rob was already making music, but of a different genre. Everything came together one evening under the stars in Pioneertown and the rest is history...in the making.”
2. 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: “It's not always easy to balance everyone's views, personalities, and opinions. And believe me we have some strong ones! But each persons colour 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... The sass and hooks of early 70s glam a la T. Rex, Bowie, Slade. The earnestness and rawness of folk and blues artists from Howlin’ Wolf to Bob Dylan to Neil Young. The grit and looseness of punk along with the croon of new romance like The Smiths and The Cure. Also admire the innovation of modern indie bands like Spoon, Devendra Banhart, and the Black Keys. Rach and I both have an affinity to the darker side of country with acts like Spindrift and Restavrant and classics like Johnny Cash, as well as the whimsy of Danny Elfman and Tim Burton calabirations. I guess I just try and mix all of these things into some strange concoction that someone can still hopefully relate to.” ”
Rachel: “I love Buddy Holly and Janis, Tinariwen, Lennon, Dusty Springfield, Edith Piaf, Nina Simone, Cat Powers, Jimmy, Marley, Ravi, Tom Waits...It's pretty endless and the variety is vast. We're living the future and the future is an amalgamation of the best. That's the idea behind what we're doing with this project/band/experience. We all have different tastes with a similar goal and that goal is having the most beautiful and exciting life possible...and the possibilities are ever expanding like the universe.”
3. You all seem to have many different projects going on at once, and are very involved in not only the musical world but also many other artistic endeavours such as film, plays, etc. How do you balance all this, and what projects have been your favorite to work on so far?
Rob: “Amphetamines. Kidding. We just don't sleep much. At least Lauren and I don't.”
Rachel: “I move with whatever inspires me and what has the lowest viscosity. The band is moving forward naturally and that's usually when the magic happens. I'm working on some more theater and video pieces to be released this year. I'm also running for President and I hope to have my ad campaigns viral in the next few months.”
4. What has been your favorite moment or experience with “He’s My Brother She’s My Sister” so far?
Rob: “Every tour there is some new adventure or hilarious story. Jumping off a 6 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 throughly satisfied. This new album is also something I am excited to share. I honestly feel like there is nothing quite like it out there.”
Rachel: “Our visits to New Orleans have always been incredible. From canoeing in the bayou to late night underground parties drenched in sweat, it's always soulful.”
5. What would you say has been your biggest achievement so far?
Rob: “Staying together.”
Rachel: “The new record takes the cake...and the cherry on top too. I can't wait to get it to the fans!”
6. What is next on the docket for “He’s My Brother She’s My Sister”?
Rob: “The new album, and the summer tour planning and of course SXSW.”
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 Fellini never had.”
7. What do each of you enjoy most about creating and performing music?
Rob: “Drawing from atmosphere. Finding that inspiration that is lingering above my head and snatching it down to create something and ride the wave.”
Rachel: “The live performance is quite a spiritual experience for me. It feels euphoric when we're all locked in together and you can feel to joy from the audience and we become one glowing field of awesomeness.”
8. What advice would you give to those who are trying to begin their musical/artistic career?
Rob: “Take chances and try not to judge or compare too much with others. Your time will come.”
Rachel: “DIY. Most everyone realizes it's the way to go, but it does take a little more time and elbow grease. I find releasing expectations and fully enjoying the ride somehow brings me to exactly where I need to be. And always be grateful for what you have!”
9. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to face as a band so far?
Rob: “Staying together.”
Rachel: “Eating a bad oyster in Florida and vomiting [and shitting] my body inside out in the deep of night lost in a field near Deland. I realized I was hallucinating when the van began stretching and everyone inside vaporized into black smoke.”
10. What is the most important thing you’d like fans to know about “He’s My Brother She’s My Sister”?
Rob: “Fans are the reason we are here and why we can keep doing this. It's their effort to spread the music, sing the words and come to shows that makes this possible and all worth while. We really thank all the enthusiastic and eccentric characters who have championed our band.”
Rachel: “There is a greater purpose in store for the members of this band. I maneuver psychically and I have had beautiful visions of our future. I think it's a good ride to hop on and absolutely everyone is invited.”
He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister will be performing at Beachland Ballroom on January 26th at 9 PM along with Shivering Timbers and Lowly, The Tree Ghost. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Doors are at 8 PM. For more information, visit the band’s site or the Beachland Ballroom’s site (http://hesmybrothershesmysister.com, http://www.beachlandballroom.com).
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