Sister Sleep Exists Authentically

"It's just us embracing the fact that 1. We are here and visibly trans/queer 2. Fuck you if you have a problem with that and 3. We don't wanna confide ourselves to one genre or one "type of song""

Mustard recently learned about what it means to be authentic. Authenticity is the act of remaining genuine amongst a society that rewards the opposite. Success for a human sometimes comes with the compromise of putting on a disguise; a mask. Human society and culture does not work in the favor or benefit the humans that function from within it. They have observed that humans often work grueling hours and are not properly rewarded for the work that they do. This cycle repeats and can ‘beat down’ a human, leaving them without energy to pursue what they are passionate about.

Sister Sleep, an emo and post-hardcore band from Atlanta Georgia, defies the compromise. They exist authentically. One of their goals as a band to is to be the representation they would like to see within the scene. In our interview below, Jamie Shelton, lead vocalist shares some insight of how this can be done:

They can go on to elaborate more in our discussion. Sister Sleep does not shy away from who they are and what they represent. Mustard commends their authenticity.

There is a lot more to Sister Sleep. In our conversation below we discuss horror, arson, their creative process, and so much more!

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1. Mustard is grateful and appreciative to have Sister Sleep join them at Music Shelf. How is everyone doing today? 

Hey, this is Jamie btw. Thanks for hitting us up for this. We're all doing really good! Just packed up tight in a van and hit the road for tour, we're excited.

2. Mustard has observed there are two types of humans: early birds and night owls. What group does Sister Sleep fall under? Why is it important that a human gets a full night's rest?

It definitely varies but I'd say majority night owls for sure. The older I get the more I need a good nights sleep, but does that happen? Eh sometimes if I'm lucky haha It's definitely important to function properly and at full capability.

3. Mustard loves your band name. It sounds almost like a character from a Horror movie. If Sister Sleep could write and produce their own horror movie, what would it be about? How would the band incorporate Sister Sleep into the film?

Thank you so much! I'd say...maybe we are a group of friends going to a campground getaway of sorts? Camp Sister Sleep. We uncover that it's ran by a cult of sorts...and their tyrannical, potentially murderous leader "Sister Sleep"

4. Speaking of band names, Mustard wonders, how did you decide on your band name?

So the first thing is that it's a reference to the My Chemical Romance lost demo "Sister to Sleep" So wearing our inspirations on our sleeve combined with wanting to evoke a mix of both cult and occult imagery combined with something on the vein of divine feminine? Also alliteration and it just rolls off the tongue well. Another bonus? No other band with that name (at this current time haha)

5. Sister Sleep formed in 2020 after years of being roommates and best friends. Could you share more about the formation of Sister Sleep?

So 4 of us (Jamie, Kit, Chase and James) were in a band together before called "The Keepsake" but we put that to rest in 2020. We continued to write together and create etc. It eventually grew to become Sister Sleep. Riley and Matty came along not too long after that, just organically meeting through mutual friends and local shows. (Needing an officially drummer and a strong desire for a second guitarist) We all hit it off super well and it just worked. The 6 of us feels right and what we were always supposed to become.

6. Who (or what) inspires Sister Sleep?

Ah so much! From horror movies to endless amounts of other bands (both our "musical heroes", "contemporary artists" and friends bands as well) and of course standing with marginalized people/communities. This band has one foot in gothic, horror themes and Imagery etc. while the other foot is firmly planted in just existing authentically (and knowing that being a band with majority queer and/or trans band members will put a target of sorts on you with the wrong sort of people) but we just want to create and connect with other likeminded folks. I know there's plenty out there who need bands and spaces like this. Representation and community is so important.

7. My Chemical Romance, Taking Back Sunday, and AFI are some of Sister Sleep's influences. Which album from each does the band consider essential listening?

This is a tough one (I know the band would have differing opinions depending on who you ask haha) but for me? 

 My Chemical Romance-Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge (which we just out out a cover of "The Ghost of You" so check that out!)

AFI-December Underground

Taking Back Sunday-Louder Now

8. Mustard wonders: what are the key elements necessary to craft a Sister Sleep song? What is Sister Sleep's creative process?

Really we have a huge Dropbox folder of ideas! Each member writes on their own and just sort of uploads any ideas they come up with. Then we go through and pick out which ones "hit right" for us. We expand upon those ideas and then finally we bring those more fleshed out ideas to our producer and friend Aaron Pace. He has been such an integral part of really finalizing the vibes and needs for the songs and music that we create. Lots of collaborative workshopping. It's one of my favorite parts about being in a band I think. Seeing your ideas come to life

9. Mustard has observed that Sister Sleep makes "Pronoun Music." Could you share more about this genre?

it's mostly a tongue in cheek thing, leaning into the whole outrage some feel at something as simple as "having pronouns" (ya know...like everyone does? Haha) It's just us embracing the fact that 1. We are here and visibly trans/queer 2. Fuck you if you have a problem with that and 3. We don't wanna confide ourselves to one genre or one "type of song" so screw it, we make "Pronouns Music" haha

10. One of your goals as Sister Sleep is to be the kind of representation you want to see from the scene. What was the scene like when Sister Sleep first entered it? What can be done to improve representation from within the scene?

I think that "the scene" or whatever can always be improved and should always be aspiring to do so. Our Atlanta community/scene has been very receptive and kind to us overall. But we should always be looking to highlight and support great upcoming bands with lgbtq+, POC, Black etc. members. That's a great start, as well as making shows a place where everyone feels welcome and seen/heard. There's so much potential, just be a good person, stay both aware/cognizant and forward thinking (with action to follow up) The DIY scene has so much talent and diversity. I love to see it!

11. Mustard wonders if they have given up the ghost?

Not quite yet! And as we said in a recent song "I cannot, I will not, I won't give up the ghost" soooo

12. What are some telltale signs that someone may be an Arsonist?

Fire. Lots of fire. Everywhere.

13. Last October Sister Sleep released their EP, In Bad Faith. What was it like to work on this project?

A long and rewarding experience. We felt we definitely upped our game and created some of our best songs yet. The vibe and the overall mood of the EP hit exactly where we wanted it to. I feel we're slowly figuring out the kind of band we wanna be and all we're capable of. Can't wait for the new music we're working on honestly, just wanna keep pushing and challenging ourselves.

14. As a condiment Mustard wonders: what are some examples of bad faith? Is bad faith common in human society? Why do some humans spit venom?

It's really just about operating with ill intent, navigating life and other people with a nefarious intent. I think it's most people to an extent, often for self preservation and past traumas/bad experiences. It's tragic really. The classic "hurt people, hurt people" And why do people spit venom? Like I said before, but also sometimes? Plenty of selfish people who don't care who they hurt to get their way. And I suppose they feel justified.

15. Mustard would like to congratulate Sister Sleep on the release of their newest EP: Phantom Threads. When did Sister Sleep first begin working on this project? Could you share more about the creative process behind these three songs?

Thank you! Yeah we had been writing and really wanted to get some music out this year! We were working on the songs in late 2023-early 2024. We wanted to put out the heaviest song we've done yet, as well as a song that's arguably our most vulnerable. We accomplished that I think. We wanna keep expanding and building on top of our sound. Never want people to be positive about what to expect from us, ya know?

16. Does Sister Sleep believe in the power of a curse? What are some signs that a human may be cursed?

Absolutely yes! And idk, maybe ask Jonathan Frakes?

17. A human invites their friend to see Sister Sleep. What four words best describe your live shows? How does Sister Sleep prepare for a show?

Energetic. Cathartic. Spooky. Gay. Besides a lot of rehearsal time in the weeks before, I just try to decompress on the day of. Clear my mind a bit, then a few minutes before we hit the stage I hype myself up and let it all out once the music hits. (Also: Hydrate hydrate hydrate)

18. What is on the horizon for Sister Sleep?

Hopefully lots of touring in new places, writing A TON, and moving towards our next release

19. Where can readers listen to your music?

Where can readers listen to your music? Here's a link to make that easier

  https://linktr.ee/sistersleepband

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Music Shelf with Mustard is a publication that interviews independent musicians from all across the globe. It is read in 39 states and 38 countries. Check out previous interviews here.

Music Shelf with Mustard originally began in early 2021. Inspired by independent musicians on social media application TikTok Mustard knew they had to do something to help share their music. Shortly after Music Shelf with Mustard was born. Its goal is to highlight independent artists from all across the globe. Mustard appreciates you taking the time out to read this interview.