Interview: The Pierces
After eight years, three albums and a whole lot of hard work, The Pierces were almost ready to call it a day when Coldplay’s Guy Berryman stepped in and reversed their fortunes. He was so impressed with the singing sisters he invited them to open for Coldplay on their South American tour and offered to produce their latest record, You & I.
We caught up with the girls to find out more about the making of, and inspirations behind, the new album. Read what they had to say below.
Preview and download You & I »
Congratulations on You & I. How does it feel being almost a household name, especially when you nearly gave up music completely?
It almost feels amazing!
What were the key inspirations behind the album, thematically and sonically?
Thematically, it was inspired by what most art is inspired by – love and heartache. Sonically, we have always been inspired by bands from the late 60s and 70s and wanted to recreate it in a more modern way.
How does it differ from your previous work?
Our last album was very eclectic and told many different stories, so we wanted this one to feel like a more complete thought.
How long did You & I take to write and record? Was it a fun experience?
It was written over the course of a couple of years and we were in the studio for a few months recording it. The writing process for me can feel very fragile and songs often come from sorrow, so it is not always fun - though always cathartic. The recording of this record felt really easy and magical and, yes, fun.
If you had to pick out one track you’re most proud of on the record, which would it be and why?
I think that it would have to be ‘It Will Not Be Forgotten’. I think that it lived up to its full potential, which does not always happen.
How was the experience of working with Guy Berryman on the record?
Guy is one of those people that is really talented and focused and when he puts his mind to something it will be done and done well. It was inspiring to be around someone that gets into the flow so intensely.
Are you Coldplay fans? If so, what’s your favourite Coldplay song? And what are the guys like to tour with?
We are Coldplay fans and it is really hard to pick a favourite, but if forced to, I would say ‘Clocks’. All the guys are genuinely nice people and lots of fun to be around.
It must be tough spending so much time on the road with one person! Have there been any on-stage fights?
There have been quite a few fights that originated on stage, but we have never actually had one on stage.
On the album, you come across as romantic souls – would you give up everything for true love?!
I would need to hear your definition of true love before I run off giving up everything for it.
So, who are your all-time heroes/sources of inspiration?
My constant heroes are Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Sam Cooke, Prince, Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright, Fiona Apple, and so many more.
What is your favourite album from the past year?
I have recently gotten into Jessie Baylin's new record and would definitely recommend it.
And if you could choose any artist to work with, who would it be?
