Very few bands of today keep that genuine, in-your-face vitality of hard rock afloat. Rising from the gutters of Gothenburg, Sweden in 2002, the female-fronted, SISTER SIN are undeniably a fresh and powerful driving force among their peers.
Sister Sin recently released their 3rd full-length album, “True Sound of the Underground,” and have just embarked on a US tour as direct support for THE MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP.
“It’s going to be fun touring with Michael Schenker,” exclaimed vocalist Liv Sin. “He’s a very talented guitarist and I’m looking forward to checking out his performances.” Beyond the Dark Horizon spoke with Liv Sin regarding the tour, new album and her witty, powerful vocal skills.
Beyond the Dark Horizon: Did Sister Sin just arrive in New York?
Liv: We arrived last night, had a full nights sleep and are going to check out some guitars and equipment in a bit. Our first show is Sunday night, so we have time to relax and enjoy the city.
Beyond the Dark Horizon: Coming from Sweden, is it a little stressful preparing for a US tour?
Liv: It’s always a little stressful when you’re going to travel for a tour and not sure how it’s going to end. This is our 3rd US tour and we’re getting used to things and now know what’s waiting for us here.
Beyond the Dark Horizon: From what I understand, you’re also a model and personal trainer. Are you able to get your work-out fix on the road?
Liv: I try to work out as much as possible while out on the road but it depends on how far the drive is and if I have the time for it. But I really try to make time for it; I’m a real train-a-holic! I can honestly say that. I have to train; otherwise I get depressed [laughs].
Beyond the Dark Horizon: What do you look forward to when touring in the US?
Liv: I look forward to everything while being out on the road. It gets a little tiring when you have a 7 to 9 hour drive but when you have a 3 or 4 hour flight, it’s nice-Watching landscapes and arriving at a show.
Beyond the Dark Horizon: On stage you possess a great flamboyance of confidence and have a power voice. Was this something you had to buildup throughout the years or did it come naturally?
Liv: I’ve always had the confidence and power but just had to train my voice. If anything I have to try to not over power it [laughs]. That’s my problem at times and my voice gets hurt. But it’s all part of my personality.
Beyond the Dark Horizon: How do you mange to keep your voice in tact; any particular routine for remedy?
Liv: My style of singing can be very harmful to the voice, so I have to take care of it. I don’t drink alcohol while on tour (only if I have 1-2 days off in between), I don’t smoke and I always have my honey. I can’t live without my honey. I drink water mixed with honey before I get on stage. Every second day, I try to keep quiet and don’t talk before the show. This is what has been keeping my voice in shape and it’s been working. I want to give 100% or more at every show. I try my best to keep things professional in my line of work and to do that, I have to do these things.
Beyond the Dark Horizon:When did you first start singing and discover that you wanted to take a musical career path?
Liv: I began singing at the age of seventeen and started out playing guitar before that. But I ended up giving up on guitar because I didn’t think I was good at it and focused on singing.
Beyond the Dark Horizon: Do you attribute your up bringing and Sweden’s culture as a direct influence or inspiration in any way?
Liv: Absolutely. People here in Sweden are down to earth and very musical people. Personally, I was raised to play an instrument and around here we have great schools for music and theater. I think it’s great because we have the foundation to be great in the arts.
Beyond the Dark Horizon: Can you tell us about the Sister Sin setlist for this tour? I’m assuming you will perform many tracks from your latest album, True Sound of the Underground?
Liv: Yes, this time around we’re choosing the tracks off the new album that we like the most and of course we’ll play stuff from our previous records. Expect lots of energy, pure rock n roll music and a great stage show because we always deliver.
Beyond the Dark Horizon: I really enjoyed “True Sound of the Underground,” it’s a very aggressive album, compared to your previous release. What are your thoughts on the album?
Liv: Yes, “True Sound of the Underground” is more aggressive than our last record but that’s what we wanted from the beginning. It’s the sound that we have been looking for throughout the years and I’m glad we found it now. We were extremely satisfied with the songs, production and how everything turned out with this new record.
Beyond the Dark Horizon: Sister Sin also happens to be searching for a new bassist; how has the search been coming along?
Liv: Hard to say at this point but there are some bass players that we’re looking into and hopefully one of them will fit us musically and personally.
Beyond the Dark Horizon: Whats in store for Sister Sin after your tour with The Michael Schenker Group?
Liv: After this tour we will be back home in Sweden for 2 weeks and then off to tour a few dates with Black Label Society and ill niño. So we’ll be back in the US around September/October.
Beyond the Dark Horizon: Last words are yours. Anything you would like to say to those who will be checking out Sister Sin for the first time?
Liv: Just come out and have a great time. If you like old school metal like Motorhead, pick up our album-it’s hard heavy and just rocks!
Swedish female-fronted heavy rock band SISTER SIN will support MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP on the following U.S. dates:
Jul. 15 – Brixton – Redondo Beach, CA
Jul. 16 – Galaxy Theatre – Santa Ana, CA
Jul. 17 – Angels Roadhouse – Yucaipa, CA
Jul. 18 – Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA
Jul. 21 – Backstage Live – San Antonio
, TX
Jul. 22 – 18th Street Bar & Grill – San Leon, TX
Jul. 23 – Trees – Dallas, TX
Jul. 27 – Showcase Live – Foxboro, MA
Jul. 28 – Altar Bar – Pittsburgh, PA
Jul. 29 – Starland Ballroom – Sayerville, NJ
Jul. 30 – Jaxx – Springfield, VA
Jul. 31 – The Fillmore At Irving Plaza – New York, NY
Aug. 01 – Crazy Donkey – Farmingdale, NY
Aug. 03 – House of Blues – Cleveland, OH
Aug. 04 – Scatz Nightclub – Middleton, WI
Aug. 06 – Club Vegas – Salt Lake City, UT
Aug. 08 – Tower Theater – Fresno, CA
Aug. 11 – Studio Seven – Seattle, WA
Aug. 12 – Dante’s – Portland, OR
Aug. 13 – The Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa, CA
Aug. 14 – Pepperbellys – Fairfield, CA
Aug. 15 – The Avalon – Santa Clara, CA
Aug. 17 – The Boardwalk – Orangevale, CA
Aug. 18 – The Coach House – San Juan Capistrano, CA
Aug. 19 – Key Club – West Hollywood, CA
Also appearing on the bill is LYNCH MOB.
