We’re looking forward to introducing you to SistaStrings. Check out our conversation below.
SistaStrings, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Monique: “Hell
Yeah I’d hire myself because I work myself to
The bone.”
Chauntee: Actually, no. I know how high my standards are for any job and I’m too tired sometimes to maintain my expectations.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We are the youngest two of five children who never left the family band! We play strings, write and arrange for ourselves and others and for the past four years we have been part of Brandi Carlile’s band as her string section and background vocals. We’re currently working on our debut album that’s being co-produced by Brandi Carlile and Shooter Jennings. Expect the unexpected with us. From our classically influenced sounds to whether our braids are blue or purple, know we’re always having the best time.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
Both of us can answer this question the same and that’s rare. Our parents showed us from the very beginning how important hard work is. They taught us by example and we wouldn’t be where we are without the two of them showing us the way and encouraging us to work hard at our passions.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
Monique: Listening to Gospel music specifically helped me as a child and even now when I need encouragement. The Gospel music I was raised on is full of hope, perseverance and prayers of better.
Chauntee: I don’t recall being scared of much as a child but I turned to music with most of my emotions. Playing violin became my voice before I could even identify what my voice was. Something about the vibration of the instrument on my shoulder or the high sounds of my e string always took me to a different place mentally that was and still is so soothing for my soul.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Oh! It’s another answer we can both agree on- SistaStrings!!!! We’re not in our twenties anymore and our personal visions of what our lives were to look like have changed immensely over the years. But we both believe in the power of representation and one of the many missions we have as a band is to empower all generations that you can do whatever you put your mind to. It’s never too late to live in your purpose.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Chauntee: We moved to Nashville in 2021
In pursuit of taking SistaStrings to the next level. I had three jobs when I lived in my hometown, Milwaukee, WI and I was passionate about most of them-
Especially teaching violin and viola to students. But the past four years have brought my passion up ten notches. I’m writing this during a pause from learning new music for an epic week of music making I have coming up and I’m excited to wake up every day and pick up my instrument or pack my suitcase or do whatever it takes to keep pursuing my dreams.
Monique: Yes, of course there’s the obvious of the big flashy gigs like playing the Oscars 2024 or playing with Joni Mitchell her first Grammy performance in front of Beyoncé and every artist we’ve looked up to. But then there’s the moments where it’s not a collab or playing in anyone else’s band and it’s just SistaStrings on the stage and getting to share our music together on our terms is something I never want to stop being excited for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sistastrings.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sistastrings/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SistaStrings/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN7IvLyyo4FThMwjiEXxoKA
Image Credits
Anna Haas (Studio photos)
Mathieu Bitton (group photo at Hollywood Bowl w/ Joni, Elton, Brandi, Jon Batiste, Wendy & Lisa, Blake Mills, Marcus Mumford, Jacob Collier, Celisse, Luscius, etc)
Hanna Hanseroth (live shots)
