We Are Family: Ben’s favorite sister bands

Below I’ve created a list of some of my favorite sister bands in modern music history. And I’m talking about actual sisters – which means, bands like Sisters of Mercy, Scissor Sisters, and Twisted Sister don’t count.

This is by no means a definitive list – but these are some of my personal favorites from across several different genres.

The Deal sisters

Kim and Kelley Deal have made it a habit of making great music with multiple different projects. Kim Deal is best known as the bassist for Pixies, but her career expands so far beyond that band. She formed the Breeders with Tanya Donelly, who eventually left to form the band Belly. Kelley Deal then came in as a replacement, and the band released their iconic album Last Splash in 1993. The Deal sisters also formed the short-lived but sweet band the Amps. Though Kim Deal has had the most celebrated career, some of her best work was done alongside her sister Kelley.

First Aid Kit

A pair of sisters out of Sweden, Johana and Klara Soderberg have mastered the art of folk music. Growing up they were heavily inspired by American music, when I talked to them a couple years ago and asked them what drew them to American music, their response was “It’s so damn good.” Their harmonies are second to none, and it seems like every album they release is better than the previous one.

Related: First Aid Kit on country music and childhood harmonies

The Pointer Sisters

You want R&B, country, soul, dance, or pop music? Look no further than the legendary Pointer Sisters! They have three Grammy awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and 13 US Top 20 hits. Their legacy speaks for itself.

Tegan and Sara

Like Kim and Kelley Deal, Tegan and Sara are another duo of identical twin sisters. However, they have quite a different sound compared to the Deals. Both sing and play multiple instruments. Known for their activism, especially when it comes issues involving the LGBTQ community, the indie pop world wouldn’t be where it is today without the contributions from Tegan and Sara.

HAIM

The sister trio keeps going strong! Alana, Este, and Danielle Haim have generally done soft rock and pop music but have always blended other genres like R&B and even rock n roll into their sound. All three sisters sing and seem to be able to play every instrument you can think of, which helps make them such a good band.

Sister Sledge

You can’t tell the story of R&B or the disco era without Sister Sledge! Debbie, Joni, Kim, and Kathy Sledge defined what it meant to be a family band. “We Are Family” is one of the most recognizable songs ever recorded, and the group have inspired so many artists, especially in the R&B, dance, and hip-hop world.