Eerie beats, interweaving vocals and electronically-treated harp combine to stunning effect in the music of Derry duo Saint Sister. “I’d been doing my singer- songwriter stuff and was a bit fed up,” says Morgan MacIntyre. “I was looking for a partner – I had an idea for the sound I wanted.”
She was encouraged to seek out fellow Derry native Gemma Doherty, who played harp and was from a more traditional musical background. That was a year ago. Now, as Saint Sister, the pair are building a reputation as a young Irish act to watch. They’ve supported Will Butler and San Fermin and toured with Spies, while their debut EP, Madrid, was produced by Hozier bassist Alex Ryan.
“People ask about our traditional background but it wasn’t a conscious thing,” says Doherty. “Our musical grounding is so engrained – it comes across in the music, the lyrics...everything.”
“We are from quite different places musically,” adds Morgan. “I was into everything – from The Spice Girls to singer- songwriters. I love story-tellers: Joni Mitchell, Johnny Cash, anyone who is lyric heavy.”
An innovative sound isn’t their only secret weapon. They also present a united front to the world – a creative camaraderie neither has previously experienced. “Being a solo artist is lonely. Other people are never going to be as invested as you are in what you are creating. It’s great to have a friend on board. You know someone has your back and you are encouraged to push yourself further. It’s fantastic.”
HEAR: Their debut EP is out now on Trout Records.
SEE: Saint Sister support O Emperor at the Pavilion, Cork on December 3