Sister Speak

“Sister Speak deliver with mass appeal while painting a hopeful picture with the transformative power of love.” - Sunset In The RearView, San Francisco, CA (Oct 02, 2014) - Sunset In The Rearview

“Atmosphere is the name of the game, and Sister Speak nailed it perfectly.”
- Magnet Magazine, Philadelphia, PA (Aug 15, 2014) - Magnet Magazine

“Rise Up For Love is an album you can sink into immediately, but you’ll be surprised how quietly it’ll immediately affect you and in this way the production is not only effective but brilliant. Sister Speak have just about crafted a debut album as perfectly as one could hope.”
- Cody Conard, Big Takeover, New York, NY (Aug 09, 2014) - Big Takeover

“…edgy Americana that isn’t afraid to go deep. The lead-off single “Chicago Dream” works as a gorgeously gritty soundtrack for a late night road trip, namely through the Chicago suburbs or other similar urban territories. While lead singer Sherri Anne waxes poetic about the electric energy of the city, the band answers with a steady backbeat accented by slide guitars and glowing organ…”
-MIKE OLINGER, The Vinyl District, Washington, DC (Aug 04, 2014) - The Vinyl District

“With captivating vocals that sing out to the skies, plucked guitar strings, and dynamic percussive drum hits driving the lyrics, Sister Speak’s single “Chicago Dream” is the type of music playing in my dreams while I’m running across a field with no destination in mind…Rise Up For Love should be the next album on your list, regardless of if you enjoy alternative, bluesy dream pop or not. It’s a wonderful 10-song journey through an array of musical emotions, musical eras, and musical genres.”
- Cyrus, Metrojolt, San Francisco, CA (Aug 01, 2014) - Metrojolt

"Setting the gradually building big production of Say You Will and the full sound of Mirror II against the more stripped back, quieter mood of the folksy Lady Love with its acoustic guitars and mandolin interplay and Honestly’s jazzy percussive shuffle, makes for a well-balanced sound, the band’s tight cohesiveness and Sherri-Ann’s impassioned writing compelling you to listen when they speak." (Sept 24, 2014) - Mike Davies, Folk Radio UK

“TEN out of TEN. I utterly fell in love with this album thanks to the gorgeous voice work…There aren’t enough truly charismatic female frontwomen working in the industry right now, and here we’ve found a new one. [Sherri Anne's] voice is ragged and rough, a lynchpin around which to build an album, as good at pulling off those signature vocal slides as she is imbuing every song with a rich sense of longing…The music is wonderful too; it almost doesn’t need to be with those vocals, but this remains stoically a band and not a singer with some studio musicians kicking around…I’m almost skeptical about this being a debut album. That’s how good it is.”
- thethreepennyguignol, The Cutprice Jukebox (Jul 31, 2014) - The Cutprice Jukebox

“['Rise Up For Love's'] charm and strength is how it works as a piece of music which is going to slowly work its way into your consciousness.”
- Mike Ainscoe, Fatea Records, United Kingdom (2014) - Fatea Records

"This melodic “Americana style of folk rock is as pretty as it is haunting, and it’s a perfect balance of rootsy guitar stylings along with dynamic drum patterns and percussion. I ended up listening to the whole album as each song has haunting fragments of truth and hope.

I strongly urge you to see this talented band before they become famous and start charging rock star ticket prices..." - Anna Jacyszyn (Aug 19, 2014) - The Daily Courier

“…beautiful, Americana-tinged harmonies and gutsy, soul-strung lyrics. Boasting an impressive track record of press in Canada and the United States, their forthcoming debut album has been a long time in the making… If lead song “Chicago Dream” is anything to go by, it’s been well worth the wait!”
- DrunkenWereWolf Magazine(United Kingdom) (May 13, 2014) - Drunken WereWolf Magazine

“Sherri-Anne, core member of the alternative pop/blues/world group Sister Speak, has been a solid guitar player as long as we can remember. The band’s recent debut album, Rise Up for Love, is a solid, riveting testament to that.”
- Sound Diego Staff, NBC San Diego (Apr 29, 2014) - NBC San Diego

“Sister Speak’s debut album Rise Up For Love is a great beginning for a band that is sure to grow in popularity. This album showcases the lead singer’s raw and authentic voice perfectly paired with the instrumentals. Overall, Sister Speak has a very calming and refreshing sound with songs like “Goodbye My Lover” and “Mountain Song” that use beautiful acoustic guitar elements. The lyrics seem to speak to the soul and are sung with sincerity.”
- Lexie Haugen, Bulls Radio, Tampa FL (Apr 22, 2014) - Bulls Radio

“Sister Speak’s 10-song debut album, Rise Up For Love, is a promising maiden voyage. The group’s blend of rock and folk is inspired by an array of artists, from The Beatles and Nirvana… to Wilco, Missy Higgins and Harry Manx. Sherri Anne is a solid vocalist, and her songs benefit from the band’s empathetic accompaniment.”
- George Varga, San Diego Union Tribune (Mar 20, 2014) - San Diego Union Tribune

“Sister Speak, we listen…With the people behind them, this rootsy alternative folk-rock band is ready for lift-off…”
- Gina Tang, The Soular Power System (Mar 15, 2014) - The Souler Power System

“…the group recently finished recording its debut album, Rise Up For Love, in analog sound, at Santee’s acclaimed Analog Chew Studios. With Grammy Award-winning producer Alan Sanderson, who has also worked with the likes of Fleetwood Mac and Elton John, at the board, the 10 songs feature Sister Speak, as well as notable guest players…”
- Bart Mendoza, Sister Speak brings its varied musical taste to Humphrey’s (SDCN) (Nov 14, 2013) - San Diego Community Newspaper

"Rarely is music so engaging, authentic and unpretentiously beautiful. The lyrics are unguardedly tender, the melodies are intricate and yet infinitely accessible. Sister Speak's songs can open your heart and invite your thoughts to dance along."

— Laura McSpadden
writer for the Empty Closet, Rochester, New York - Laura McSpadden

August 2016:
Sister Speak is a band comprised of impassioned and emotionally stirring individuals, each with their own undeniable talent and knack for self-expression.

Lead vocalist and songwriter Sherri-Anne does an awesome job of conveying the raw emotion and desire she holds for her music. Bandmates Tolan Shaw (acoustic guitar and harmony vocals) and Jacob Miranda (bass guitar) perform strongly alongside her with perfect harmonic support and well-chosen instrumentation.

Sister Speak is currently crowdfunding their new EP and it’s got a lot of people on the edge of their seat. After releasing their debut album Rise Up For Love (2014), they’ve spent hours practicing, performing, and perfecting their craft. You can visit their Pledgemusic campaign page and take a look at all they’ve got to offer.

Bands like Sister Speak only come along once in a blue moon. Now’s your chance to play a role in something big.

Sister Speak Tweaked To Be Unique:
Rise up For Love was an outstanding debut for Sister Speak because it really highlighted their love for lyricism and their versatility. The album had songs like “Mirror II” and “Mountain Song” that were deeply rooted in Americana roots rock and even had a taste of soft country rock. But they also had songs like “Comin’ Back,” inconspicuously founded in modern folk and soft alternative.

I’ve found it easier to latch on to songs like “Comin’ Back” simply because they serve as a true testament to Sherri-Ann’s crooning and songwriting abilities, although Shaw and Miranda never allow themselves to be overshadowed. That said, just when one might think they’ve made themselves different enough, Sister Speak decided to completely transform themselves and go with a electo-folk sound this time around.

Though we haven’t gotten a taste of this new and improved sound just yet, rest assured — it’s gonna be great. You can listen to Sister Speak’s last album on their Soundcloud and catch a glimpse of just how good they are at what they do.

Anxious For What’s Next:
Sister Speak and all of their fans are anxiously awaiting their new EP. They’re really taking a stab at something different here, and it’ll be interesting to see how they manage to showcase their strengths in music that incorporates elements of an all new genre.

With bands like Sister Speak, one this is always guaranteed — they’re gonna give it their all. Taking a completely DIY approach to your music is so dangerous, so risky, that only the truly devoted musicians are willing to give it a shot.

The EP is set to release later this year, let’s see what the trio’s got in store. - Indie Band Guru

March 1st, 2016.
-Malissa Miller

You may well know Ms. Sherri Anne as the Canadian recording alias Sister Speak! What is it about Canadians!? Why are they so damn cool?? I’m a little too sheltered to have an understanding of Canada’s cultural differences and until recent years, I had always associated Canada as just like America…but they say “aboot” instead of “about.” Clearly, I was misinformed.

Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Bryan Adams, Rush, Sarah McLachlan (to name a few) are all Canadian. Growing up in British Columbia, Sherri Anne is the youngest of 3. Having a Father that plays 10 instruments, Sherri Anne and her brothers had an obvious pull in a musical direction. She says that her family has always been very supportive. Which, in my opinion is half the battle. As with any dream, it is important to surround yourself with a great support system. However, Sherri Anne’s childhood dreams didn’t always seem the most realistic. So, although her and her brother began having jam sessions in the band room at school and writing their own music, she worked hard and got a scholarship to attend the famed Northwestern University. She chose environmental science/global health as her major (see, told ya…there she goes being cool again). One thing is for sure… Sherri Anne was doing her musical homework too. She said she found artists like The Beatles, The Stones, Nirvana, Folk, Wilco, Bob Dylan, and basically anything on the hit compilation cd’s her mom played influential.

In the fall of 2007, she saw Missy Higgins perform and made the conscious decision to pursue music almost overnight and began to book shows. She did that for 2 years but San Diego beckoned her. Somehow, she tried Temecula for 3 months and played her first show as Sister Speak at Mira Monte Winery in 2009. However, she found the diversity and cultural intrigue of San Diego more of a home for her tastes.

Now, that dream she held tightly since 12 didn’t seem to far off with an endless sea of venues willing to give her a place to play. However an injury in 2012 sent her packing back to Canada to face her vulnerability with a guitar in hand. It was during this time that the inspiration for the (would be) debut record “Rise up for Love” was found. When she arrived back in the US, she teamed up with Tolan Shaw and the sound was nothing short of miraculous. He brought the warmth and evolution the music needed to really bring the songs to life. About a year later, Jacob (Cubby) Miranda joined Sister Speak for their debut at the famous Belly Up Tavern bringing forth that bossa nova groove and memorable dynamic flavor that teamed beautifully with the vivacious percussion or drums. Within 2 years, the band has made themselves known to the San Diego music scene with an edgy Americana/Folk/Soul/Rock that tickles your dancing shoes and tugs at your heart’s strings in such a way that demands the ear.

Her stage presence is that of pure joy and an almost clumsy hop that mirrors the tasty percussion and bass lines. Her music is melodic and delicate, yet colorful and deep. Being true to who she is, her and Sister Speak have caught the attention of management at various venues like The Belly Up, The Music Box, and Humphrey’s Backstage.

The result of that attention was packaged as the opportunity for Sister Speak to open for acts like Chris Isaak, Air Supply, and Xavier Rudd. Sister Speak boasts about 150 concerts annually in addition to the State Fairs, Showcases, and Festivals here in the US as well as in Canada. Although she is a beautiful girl, she is authentic and does not draw attention to vanity or superficiality. She is confident and smiley, yet obviously respected by her fellow musicians. Her vision with Sister Speak has always been to collaborate with other musicians to promote love, community, and diversity.

It is for this reason that occasionally you will see her joined by guest musicians like Lonny Eagleton, Sarven Manguit, Meir Shitrit, Lonnie Sumrall, Leo Dombecki, and Brian Repec. She even began a record label called “Resonation” composed of a network of local musicians that have committed to helping each other succeed. In 2012, She was voted one of the top 9 rhythm guitarists in San Diego, and nominated for best pop album by the San Diego Music Awards in 2014. JUICEFM recognized her as one of B.C.’s breakout artists and holds endorsements by both D’Addario strings and Taylor guitars (among others).

Although she’s a giver, she has goals. For 2016 specifically, that means finishing her new EP, continue to open for National Acts, get with a booking agency and management company, travel internationally, and of course be cool and volunteer for various organizations.

Sister Speak is well known for it’s support of the LGBT community, among other things but Sherri Anne says that it’s the DIVERSITY of humanity that intrigues her and propels her forward. She told me that she loves it when male musicians support her because it shows a softer side of a man empowering women and highlighting those strengths through music. Recently, she’s found some inspiration within the musical styling of Alt-J and Ben Howard and has plans to incorporate some electronic elements on her new EP and mix that with her folk/acoustic vibe.

My first few Sherri Anne experiences weren’t exactly intimate enough for me to really see what she was capable of. However, a few weeks ago I attended Kenneth Rexrode’s “Revival of The Singer/Songwriter” production at The Belly Up and was blown away. I found myself struggling internally to pick just one song that was my favorite and actually hanging on her every note for the first time. I was a fan, but I was also a fellow musician humbled and inspired. I didn’t have paper, but I had an iPhone and before I knew it, I was writing a song about Sherri Anne. As soon as she exited the stage, I crawled beneath the red velvet rope to congratulate all of the musicians that shared the stage that night and hopefully thank her for the show. But, like most artists, she had evaded my groupie stalker advances and lived to play another show. Ahhhh, but that’s right…I still had to write this article!

After a brief deliberation in which I entertained calling a Canadian friend of mine to translate, I picked up the phone and had the sweetest most open phone conversation I’ve had with another woman in a very long time. Now, she just might have to change her number, because, like I said, Canadians are cool. - Echo Buzz