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SWEET SOUNDS OF SEVERIN SISTERS
By Archive
from Salem Monthly, Section News
Posted on Tue Nov 01, 2005 at 02:19:39 PM PDT

What happens when you combine talent, determination, spunk and drive? You get the Severin Sisters! Twins Amy & Heidi, now 22, are already a local legend. They have worked with music legends such as John Carter Cash, John Cowan of New Grass Revival, Sarah Majors, and Tom Matthews. This past summer, they opened for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.


Their sound is American roots. Amy states, “Our sound is evolving, maturing. Fans don't have to worry, though. We are staying true to the roots sound.”

They started their musical career at the tender age of 9.

“Our parents influenced us even earlier,” Amy said. “Although neither of them played an instrument, they exposed us to all types of music.”

They attended concerts in the park and many other live performances.

“Music was always part of our lives.”

Their instrumental career began when each girl independently began lobbying their parents to rent them an instrument. Amy, influenced by the Moody Blues, wanted to play guitar. Heidi was in love with the violin. Their parents obtained instruments and lessons for the girls.

“There was no pressure from them,” Amy said.

There didn't need to be. The girls practiced constantly, and even slept with their instruments beside their beds.

It didn't take long before the sisters realized that they could play their instruments together. They started with folk songs. Heidi played the melody on violin, and Amy filled in with chords. From 4th through 6th grade, they studied banjo, mandolin, music theory & composition.

“Our first gig was with a band that we formed with our friends. We called ourselves “Take Five,” because we were more about taking breaks than about working,” Amy said.

Their group debuted at the Oregon State Fair.

“I was really nervous until we finished our first song and the applause broke out. I thought, 'I like this!' and the nervousness disappeared. It's never returned!” she said.

The band of 11-year olds was short-lived. But the Severin sisters continued on alone, focusing on Celtic & old-time fiddle tunes. Their first album was released when they were just 16. A year later they released “Let's Talk,” with all-original music. They toured heavily, promoting the album.

Traditional high school wasn't possible with their busy performance schedule, so they attended home school, supplemented by classes at Chemeketa Community College. Today they attend a new music program at OSU that emphasizes recording, editing & composition.

Their education isn't limited to college. They have visited Nashville twice, including songwriting sessions with Sarah Majors, Tom Matthews, and Dean Miller, Roger Miller's son.

The young women bring different strengths to their partnership. Heidi is the detail person. She keeps track of schedules and attends to the day-to-day details.

“We wouldn't get anything done if it weren't for her,” Amy said.

Heidi describes her sister as “upbeat, a big picture person; Amy is always in a good mood!”

So, what's on the horizon for this talented duo? They will start recording a new album after January 1. They are currently playing some of the new pieces in their concerts, so fans can catch a preview.

They perform on Saturday, November 12, with the Salem Pops Orchestra. The concert will be held at the Historic Elsinore Theatre in downtown Salem. Tickets are available at the theatre, through TicketsWest at Safeway, and at the door. For more information about the Severin Sisters, visit www.severinsisters.com.

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