It’s no secret worldwide that San Diego has a particularly vibrant music community. As such, it comes as no surprise that many performers from around the globe have relocated here. Such is the case with rock and folk group Sister Speak. The band comprises core duo singer/songwriter Sherri-Anne and drummer Lisa Viegas, both arriving in San Diego from British Columbia, initially for school. Instead the two have ended up amongst the city’s most popular performers, in the process scoring a “Best Pop Album” nomination at the 2015 San Diego Music Awards for their album “Rise Up For Love.” Relentless touring across North America has seen them become a significant festival draw as well as an opening act for major artists such as Chris Isaak and Air Supply.
Sister Speak next performs 4 p.m. March 15 as part of the Kona Kai Resort Sunday afternoon singer-songwriter showcase. The band’s appeal is universal. A recent appearance at the music convention, NAMM, in Anaheim, had a significant crowd of industry reps, dealers and fellow musicians blocking the aisles in front of the Riversong Guitar Booth during their set. Meanwhile they are also regulars at socially conscious events, drawing music lovers of all ages with their rhythmic, hook filled songs. For Sherri-Anne, music has been a lifelong passion. “I have been performing and writing since I was 15 and really taking it seriously since 2007.” The catalyst was a Missy Higgins concert. “It inspired me to quit my job at a bookstore I was managing and pursue music. Something happened inside me and I knew I couldn’t wait another day,” she said. “I couldn’t stand being in the crowd all the time. I wanted to be on stage, to connect with others and possibly bring a similar buzz and light to people’s lives, in the way Missy Higgins inspired me. It occurred to me that life is too short to waste any more time. Pretty much overnight I started booking shows and touring.”
While her family has been supportive, Sherri-Anne admits it probably took them a bit of time to get used to her musical career. “At first I think my family thought I was a little crazy and a dreamer,” she said. “(But) they have been supportive all along in whatever way they could be. With the momentum that has built up recently, they are all pretty excited,” she said.
Though Sister Speak is most often seen as a duo, for select gigs, the band expands to a four piece with bassist Jacob (Cubby) Miranda and either lead guitarist Tolan Shaw or Meir Shitrit. “For big shows it’s incredible to have the full band and vibe with that energy.” Viegas gives the edge to full band shows as well. “I love being able to let loose and express myself on the drums and the energy with our band members. It’s just so much fun,” she said.
Sherri-Anne is the primary writer of the group, with the other band members contributing their parts. “I come up with the lyrics, melodies and basic song structures. Well, really life writes them,” she said. “I am usually inspired greatly by the artists I listen to and jam with, major life events and concerts.” She notes that for certain shows, such as their Humphrey’s Backstage Live appearances, they do occasionally play covers. “We limit the amount of covers we play to focus on sharing our original songs and connecting through them.” That said, one recent cover tune has made an impact. “I do love to perform Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit.’ We will be releasing a recording and video of this song in the next couple months,” she said.
This year will find Sister Speak back on the road, with a new, live in-studio EP recorded at Pacific Beat Studios in Pacific Beach with Grammy winning producer Alan Sanderson due this spring. The pair acknowledges the music business is tougher than ever but are more than happy to put in as much effort as it takes in their quest to get their music heard. “It is possible to make a career out of doing what you love,” Viegas said. “And whatever field that is in requires a lot of work.” Sherri-Anne agrees. “I am motivated by a commitment to connect with humanity through music. That keeps me going,” she said. “If your heart’s behind something fully, the energy to do it will come.”
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