Photo Credit: Shawn Brackbill

We were stoked when we got the chance to shoot off a few questions to Katherine Lieberson via email to get the skinny on the band’s latest album, dance rituals and dreamy lineups.  Despite a hurricane delay, Keiberson came through for us and we couldn’t be more thrilled. 

Donkey Jaw:  In Limbo was released a few weeks ago.  How does it feel to finally have your debut, full-length out there?

Katherine Lieberson (aka Teeny): It feels good! I’m glad that people can finally get their hands on something physical. But the whole process of putting a record out takes so long that by the time it’s released, it doesn’t feel like quite as much of a celebration as one would think.

TEEN formed a little over a year ago.  How have you guys grown since then as performers and songwriters?

I think we’ve put a lot more emphasis on live performance which has changed us as writers. Before we starting playing out live a lot, I wasn’t as concerned with how the recordings would effect the live execution. But now we’re thinking much more about writing for the instruments on stage rather than figuring it out after tracking millions of parts.

Is there anything you didn’t try on this album that you look forward to doing on your next one?

Guitar solos.

The video for “Electric” is pretty amazing.  Can you explain what inspired it? Did you get to keep those rad jumpers?

Thanks! It’s mainly centered around the idea of sacrifice, modern ritual. I suggested Sam and Megha (directors) check out The Rite Of Spring by Stravinsky/choreography by Nijinsky. It’s primal and the movement is simple. Maya Deren was another inspiration for movement. And then Sam and Megha wanted to create a crazy patterned “electric”
universe, so everything chosen was a material or pattern that would moire when filmed. So we sewed (under the guidance of Angela Barrow) our costumes with layers of mesh and yes, we still have them.

What’s the dynamic of three sisters on the road, presumably in a pretty small van/car?

We fight, but we get over it quickly. It’s really just the same as any other band.

You ladies have generated some buzz press lately. What’s that feel like?

If we are getting “band to watch” press, we’re totally happy about it!

A lot of people quickly judge anything that comes out of Brooklyn these days as hipster and of course, ironic.  As someone who lives and creates there,  what’s your take on that perception?

It’s hard to separate yourself and get some perspective when you’re immersed so deeply in something. But to be honest, after touring, leaving NYC and coming back, I will say there’s something pretty special about what’s happening in BK. I can’t think of anywhere else I would feel satisfied culturally because there is so much going on. Maybe some of it is hipster. Maybe some of it is ironic. But i don’t really care. My friends are great musicians and I’m inspired by them.
It is possible to be inside of a scene and have an original interpretation.

Who would you most like to tour with if you could pick anyone?

Pond!