Antigone Rising storms into 2013 with a foot stompin’ new single, “That Was The Whiskey”, and a founding band member on the cover of Time Magazine. When the New York based, alt-country female rockers do something, they do it big. Catapulted into the national spotlight in 2005 with a groundbreaking major label debut that landed them in the top 20 of the Billboard Heatseekers chart for an entire year, the ladies love outdoing their past accomplishments.
Founding sisters Cathy and Kristen Henderson have always had the same philosophy. Play better than the boys and make sure the fans feel like part of the family. That philosophy plus writing undeniably catchy songs has allowed this self sustained group to maintain her independence and leave an indelible mark on an industry best known for leaving girl (bands) behind.
We caught up with Kristen Henderson before the group heads to Eddie’s Attic Friday, September 27. Check out what she had to share with us!
What is the strangest thing a fan has done for you or at your show?
One night we had a fan offer to buy our underwear off our bodies after the show. We were tempted, but in the end we resisted the offer. We’ve had fans offer to buy our bras and t-shirts after shows as well. I do think I sold a shirt off my back post show for $100 one night. We needed gas in the tank….!
What is the funniest moment you have had as an artist?
Well, it depends on how you define funny. One night we were playing 4 sets in a bar. During one of the set breaks, a very drunk fan asked the band to sign a poster she bought, so we did. During the final set of the night, I saw the fan swaying in the audience with the poster in her hands, and she proceeded to get sick all over the poster while I was looking. I have an extremely weak stomach, so this made me start dry heaving on stage. I was literally gagging. Dena, our drummer, saw me dry heaving, which she found extremely funny, so she started hysterically laughing out of control. She fell off her drum stool. Basically, the wheels came off the bus. Dena and I love to relive that story. It’s one of our favorite least favorite stories!
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Our pre-show ritual is extremely boring. We get very quiet and contemplative back stage. I think we really disappoint people with how boring our back stage area is before a show. It’s pretty much a yawn…but typically, right before we take the stage, we put hands in and connect over something funny that happened on the way to a particular show.
If you could describe your music in one word, what would it be?
Ours.
How do you connect with a crowd?
It depends on the night, but I think our on stage banter reveals what good friends we are and that usually wins a crowd over. People like knowing the band they’re watching really likes each other. It makes for a better show.
How did you decide on your band name?
We were in college at the time and two of us were taking a Greek tragedy class. We were reading Sophocles’ play, Antigone, and thought it would be a great band name. We’ve basically spent the past 10 years explaining to everyone how to pronounce it properly and what it means, so hindsight is 20/20 on how great the name is! Let’s just say we do have great band name recognition, whether you pronounce it properly or not. If you’ve heard of us once, you never forget the name. So that has worked in our favor!
What is the best way to write music?
Writing can be extremely elusive. I’d say collaborating has worked best for our band. When you’re writing songs for a band, it’s best to write the songs with a band mate so that more than one of you has a real connection to the song. Writing with Nini helps, because she has to sing the songs – and if she’s not feeling it, nobody will.
Catch Antigone Rising with special guest, A Fragile Tomorrow, at Eddie’s Attic Friday, September 27th!
