T Sisters

T SistersSaturday, September 19 | The Freight The T Sisters are a genuine sister group based in the creative hub of Oakland, California. The group is made up of Rachel and Chloe Tietjen, twins, and their older sister Erika. Distinguished by close harmonies, catchy melodies and potent lyricism, the T Sisters’ sound represents a continuum of music: from roots to pop influences, moments of stunning a cappella to swells of groovy indie folk. The sisters' contemporary yet classic sound invites a range of likenesses, from the Pointer Sisters and the Everly Brothers to modern family bands like the Avett Brothers and First Aid Kit. With their soaring sibling harmonies, sassy stage presence, and inventive songwriting, these three sisters embody a fresh and soulful take on folk/Americana music. Music and performance have provided a consistent backdrop for the sisters, having grown up with their musician father and dancer mother. The sisters began singing together as early as they could speak, and not long after they began to experiment with harmonies, gradually developing their ability to blend their voices as only sisters can. In 2008, after having been separated for a number of years, the sisters returned to the Bay Area to produce and perform in an original musical. They then co-founded Chthonic Theater, a performing arts collective through which they create and perform in original musical theater productions, lead local parades, and curate and host variety shows featuring local and touring artists. After the initial performance experiment of the musical, the sisters began to write songs together and develop their singing and harmonizing outside of the musical theater context, and have since delved deeply into their own soulful and contemporary interpretation of folk and Americana music. Rachel (vox, guitar, banjo), Chloe (vox, percussion) and Erika (vox, guitar) are all songwriters in their own right and switch off on lead vocals. While their voices blend seamlessly, each has a distinct singing and writing style. Erika weaves a story with attitude and will belt it out with the confidence and style of a pop diva. Rachel’s soulful and raw style is highlighted in her vintage blues-inspired tunes. Chloe sings her heartfelt and often poetic lyrics in a subtle country tone. The combination results in an eclectic repertoire unified by a landscape of close harmonies. In 2011, the T Sisters co-produced their first EP with renowned mandolin player Mike Marshall. In 2014, local Bay Area legend Laurie Lewis produced their first full-length record, and in 2016 the T Sisters self-produced their second full-length record, followed by live EP Live at Tiny Telephone in 2017. They are currently working on their next record. The T Sisters have toured the country in support of their own music as well as in support of Amos Lee, The Wood Brothers, Todd Rundgren, and many more. They have had the honor of performing on ‘A Prairie Home Companion,’ singing the national anthem multiple times at San Francisco Giants games, and collaborating with diverse artists throughout the country in live performance. In spring of 2019, T Sisters participated in American Musicians Abroad, a selective State Department-sponsored program fostering diplomacy through music. The sisters performed and conducted workshops in the Middle East and North Africa emphasizing girls empowerment and the power of music to create social awareness and change. While primarily known as recording and performing artists, the T Sisters have a background in theater that they have expressed over the years through original musical theater productions, variety shows, and community parades. During the recent Covid lockdown, T Sisters have created an exciting weekly show akin to classics like Hee Haw and the Gong Show called T Sisters Variety Hour. Each show features a specific theme, classic and contemporary songs, delightful props and backdrops, and the occasional phone-in special guest, plus the sisters’ campy banter. Website | Facebook | Instagram