Dublin indie act Cruel Sister plays Whelan's of Dublin on 22 October with Cable Boy and Hotgirl as support as part of the Jameson Black Barrel Selects Series. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
Tickets for the show are available here.
The new series features Irish artists "as they take a journey through the cities and sub-cultures that have helped shape their sound".
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Faith Nico, the artist behind Cruel Sister, has been playing guitar and writing songs since she was just 11 years old.
By the age of 19, she took full control of her music by learning to produce and mix everything herself. As Faith explains, "I decided to produce everything myself because I knew I was the only one who could make the sound I wanted."
Cruel Sister’s name is inspired by the traditional 17th-century murder ballad The Twa Sisters (The Twin Sisters), which tells a tale of sibling jealousy and betrayal.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I'm a little bit clairvoyant with dates. I can’t blow my nose for some reason. I can’t drive.
How would you describe your music?
One woman’s desperate attempt at convincing people she’s not a loser with guitars, reverb, and distortion and a lot of wailing.
Who are your musical inspirations?
PJ Harvey, Sonic Youth, Pixies, and Throwing Muses are the big ones. I’ve found myself also being inspired a lot by Massive Attack and Portishead with the new tunes lately as well, and it’s been really fun trying new styles out.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Jonas Brothers in the 3Arena. My best friend at the time got me a ticket for my birthday. I wasn’t even a particular fan but I liked their movie, Camp Rock, and also the fact that they were famous people that I had read about in Kiss magazine and the like were enough to get me excited.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Taller In More Ways by Sugababes. Back when people made pop music I could actually stomach.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Feel Love - Róis. It’s unlike anything I’ve heard really, it reminded me of the way Björk’s music combines insanely creative production and songwriting with soaring, powerful vocals.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"How could anything bad ever happen to you? You make a fool of death with your beauty, and for a moment I forget to worry." Florence and The Machine - Hunger. I just think that it’s a very beautiful way to describe the way being in love transcends fear and mortality.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Maybe Olson by Boards of Canada. But I really hope this specific situation never ever happens to me, I think I’d rather die.
Where can people find your music/more information?
I’m on the 'gram @cruelsisterr and I’m on all streaming services! And Bandcamp! I’m playing a gig on the 22 October in Whelan’s with Hotgirl and Cabin Boy, it’s sold out but I’m sure if anyone really want a ticket someone will have one going. Always worked for me.
Alan Corr
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