Even though SistaStrings just released its debut EP this summer, its members have (quite literally) been playing music as long as they can remember. Siblings Monique and Chauntee Ross started playing string instruments since before they were in grade school. As children in a church family who were also raised on classical music, they learned a wide variety of both gospel and orchestral songs. Along with two of their older sisters, Monique and Chauntee spent much of their youth plying their early experience in a band called Sisters Of Praize that played enough church gigs, nursing homes, and corporate events to fund their education. In recent years, they decided to blend their varying areas of expertise with their own material to start SistaStrings.
After getting back from tour and before a flurry of local shows, Monique and Chauntee came by Milwaukee Record headquarters to talk to My First Band host Tyler Maas about what SistaStrings is up to, as well as everything that came before. While drinking a few cans of Boulevard Jam Band, the trio had a light, fun, and interesting talk that gave a great glimpse into the Ross’ musical background…and took a few enjoyable turns along the way.
My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and Marcus Center‘s “Live At Peck Pavilion” summer entertainment series. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”) and SistaStrings (“Good Bye” and “Shea Butter Dreams”).