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A Chat With My Sisters |
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CrushOnTheJets was very fortunate to have the opportunity to chat with the lovely Wolfgramm sisters, Moana, Kathi, Elizabeth, Jennifer, and Lei. Elizabeth, Kathi, and Moana are former band members of the 80's Pop/R&B group, The Jets. This is their first online interview since the release of their first recording together entitled 'Love At Home', a compilation album of their favorite hymns. So grab some malasadas and a passion orange juice and lets get started....
So tell me, what inspired you to do this project? Kathi~ "Moana and her husband Junior had been thinking about this project for quite some time before they mentioned it to the rest of us sisters. Then once it was brought up, it was a very natural process. Being at a different season in our lives, primarily wives and mothers, it was just fitting that we wanted to record something more meaningful that we could pass down to our future generations." Jen~ "Music and our Faith has always been so important to us. It was an idea that came naturally as we each individually were singing hymns where ever we were at, and we'd talk about it with each other over the phone. We always knew that sooner or later we would get together and sing songs that we love most. Our children and the love we have for our Savior is what truly inspires us." Moana~ "At first, these hymns were arrangements we did at church functions. We had so many people asking us for a copy that we decided we'd try and finish a whole set of our favorite hymns and just have it out there in case someone wanted it. More than anything, we thought it would be great for our kids to have since they don't see their moms sing together like when we were young."
How did you decide at this point in your lives, being that your all married with children, that this was the time to come together and record? Kathi~ "I don't think it was actually a decision per say, just a natural process of where we are all at in our lives. Of course, having music imbedded in our blood, it was only natural that we would again do something in regards to music." Moana~ "We never decided to do this as a career move, the CD just happened and we've been so pleasantly surprised at the response. We're still mothers first and the demands of family life take over anything else, but when things come together on their own and it feels right for all of us and our situations, then we do it. It's a real task just to get us together, so time lines on projects take a second place to what's going on with our family lives. Just to give you an idea, "Love at Home" took almost five years to do, we certainly hope the second one doesn't take that long. Our goal is to finish it by the holidays, but we'll see."
What was a typical day like working on the album?
Moana~ "6:30am, wake up, get the kids ready, feed them some breakfast and drop them off to school. 8:30am, eat something quick and feed the babies at home, clean up and throw in some laundry. 10 to 1pm, meet with my sisters and their babies, prep for recording and take turns recording vocals while the others keep the babies busy in the toy room. 1:30pm, have a little lunch and do some song arrangements and break for the day to pick up the older kids from school. 2:20 to 8pm, do the "mommy" thing, homework, chores, laundry, dinner, baths, and bedtime. 9:30pm, meet again for an evening session and try and finish up vocals, back ups and more arranging. 12am, finish for the night and go to bed (whew!)
What was the greatest obstacle you all had to overcome? Jen~ "The greatest obstacle was pretty much fitting in the time, and working around everyone's schedules. As mom's we have to juggle allot of things, but once we get that moment together we can do things pretty quickly. It's all about timing for us. That's pretty much the same obstacle now as we are looking to do another album." Kathi~ "The fact that we were all living in different states." Moana~ "The ideal schedule for those of us that were stay at home moms, but we have sisters that work too, so we were always trying to work out schedules on a week to week basis but something always came up like doctors or dentists appointments. Our husbands work schedules and ours, family emergencies like one of us was going into labor or something. School projects, and just trying to get together when I live in Hawaii, and the others live in Utah at least 20 to 45 minutes from each other. We were never all together at one place to record, sometimes it was in Hawaii and sometimes in Utah.
How does this album differ from your families other work on Love People and Love Will Lead They Way? Moana~ "This CD is the first one we did after getting married and starting families of our own. Having children makes you realize that what you believe in really matters and now we've got little ones who look to us for guidance. This CD has been kind of our personal testimony of how we feel about our Savior Jesus Christ."
Kathi~ "Well, I'd say the voices are still there of my beautiful sisters Liz and Mo who do most of the leads. We're slowly introducing my younger sister Jennifer, Lei and myself to take on some lead vocals, just that raw, soulful singing, allot more laid back. Acoustic guitar, maybe a few songs with Piano and Bass, but mostly a'capella or just very simple and free of excess noise." What does this album mean personally to each of you? Kathi~ "Allot! I think all my sisters would agree that this is one album that we are so proud of, and it really shows who we are today. It's the true us, no frills or anyone telling us what to sing or how to sing, just us being ourselves. Very low-key just the way we like it." Elizabeth~ "It has been a way for me to leave with my children and posterity my testimony of a living and loving Savior."
Jen~ "This project and future projects with 'My Sisters' means everything to me. It's more than just voices put to music. The words and music is all that I believe and feel. To have something we can leave for our children is priceless. Its something I'll be proud of no matter if it is ever recognized or not." Moana~ "It is the most personal experience we've had expressing our feelings on a spiritual level
What are some of the best ways you have found to reach your audience and what has their reaction been to the album? Kathi~ "We did not really attempt to get this album out. Since we finished recording it, it's had feet of it's own, and word of mouth is how the "My Sisters" project is really getting out there." Moana~ "When it comes to live performance, I've found that telling your life story through your songs is key, we can all relate to each other and it's funny how we all have so much in common whether your the performer or the audience member."
How much of a role does music play in your life? Kathi~ "Well, as of right now not a whole lot, I truly feel that our lives go through seasons. My main priority right now is my family, my husband and children and making sure that I'm there for them, nurturing them along the way. Don't get me wrong, we've got music playing around our home all the time, but professionally speaking it's on the waaaaay waaaaay back-burner. Even with this new "My Sisters" project, we work around our family schedules first. We've all agreed that this is the only way it will work and so far it's kind of had feet of it's own, yet it's not our main priority still." Moana~ "It used to be all we did 24/7, and for a time we lost the love for it with all the pressures and demands from the business side of it. But stepping away has been so healing for our family and I think we love music differently now and when we do get the chance to do it, it comes from a deeper place. Music plays a role in our lives, but there are other important things that mean allot to us as well."
As LDS artists, do you target your music specifically for members of the church, for general audiences, or both?
Elizabeth~ "We really don't have a target audience because it was never intended for an audience, but for ourselves and our families. Of course we are delighted with the response it has gotten and feel blessed that it touches a cord with people who hear it, because we feel it too when we sing these hymns with our own families and sisters - as we share our personal beliefs through song of our Savior." Moana~ "We are Christians who are of the Mormon faith, and hope that it's something that all Christians can relate to." Kathi~ "I personally believe our target as a whole is both. We're obviously very active in our church and have strong religious beliefs with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but it's usually never our intention to just gear it towards members of our Faith but rather to appeal to anyone and everyone who enjoys inspiring music. We love our Savior Jesus Christ and we welcome any opportunity to share his redeeming love to all via our music." Coming from a musical family, who are your individual musical influences and why? Moana~ "All of us girls like a variety of music styles. Just speaking for myself, I enjoy The Jacksons to The Judd's, The Winans to Eva Cassidy, Chante Moore, Take 6, Michael Buble, Patsy Cline, The Eagles and Jack Johnson to name a few. There's something about hearing real genuine emotion that can't be manipulated or fabricated. I'm a sucker for raw honesty that comes through music and vocals." Elizabeth~ "There are too many to name. From classical to jazz, Broadway to rock, to pop and reggae. All that comes between. For me its about the genuine honest giving of an artist through their musical talent whether vocal or instrument." Jen~ "My main influence would have to come from the Rock area. The idea of 'no rules' kind of singing and musical arranging is my kind of music. I could never zero in on just a few." Kathi~ "Me personally, I've always loved XTC from Swindon, England, very melodic and interesting lyrics. I love a variety, from Country to R&B/Soul to Gospel, Reggae and Soft Rock. Just to name a few artists that I've admired through the years are, Gladys Knight, Dolly Parton, Sheryl Crow, Alicia Keyes, Chicago, Journey, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Prince, Tom Jones, The Jacksons, The Osmond's, the list really can go on and on and on."
Do you have any thoughts on how the Internet has changed the way we listen to and acquire music today? Moana~ "The accessibility is incredible and so instant. In some ways I think we're a little spoiled, hopefully we don't take it all for granted or abuse it." Kathi~ "Its just about going with the flow! It's sad when I think that the artist gets jipped out of their hard work when people can just copy or download files at no cost to them. But this world is ever-changing and we just gotta roll with the punches. Find other innovative ways to still make a living at what you love doing!"
How do you define musical success? Elizabeth~ "Honesty with one's work and talent. Everything else is just an added bonus." Moana~ "Do what you love and be true to yourself with your music and you'll have no regrets." Kathi~ "Musical success is when you're still happy and content even when the money stops rolling in. Bad answer I know but that's how I feel!"
What essential elements do you feel must exist in a song, in an artist, or in an album to become successful? Kathi~ "Personally I feel that there has to be a good melody or "hook" as they say. Lyrics would be the next most important thing to me as a listener, because truly music is the universal language that cuts through all barriers of race, backgrounds, cultures of all kinds, and speaks volumes through the music and lyrics itself." Moana~ "Great melodies and catchy hooks make a song memorable and the genuine honesty you can express about yourself, I think can make you a successful artist. Do it for the love of music and not for the fame."
How was the experience with your first concert at the EFY group last year?
Kathi~ "Believe it or not, I could not make it out to Hawaii to do that show, (personal family obligations) so my lil' sister EtiVise who was living there at the time, filled in for me. I only heard great news from all who had put the event together. I know Liz and Mo felt like they were right at home on that stage. After watching a recording of it, I got a bit teary-eyed and emotional, it was awesome!" Moana~ "A little scary. Trying to relate and perform to kids half your age and hope they enjoy it. Trying to dance and move to the music when it's been forever since we were 12 doing "Crush On You", but from the response, I think it was a success. At least I think so, none of them left, ha! ha! Maybe they weren't allowed. Most importantly we had fun."
Do you hope to impact the lives of your younger listeners? Moana~ "We hope we are a positive influence to them and that we can somehow encourage them to stay close to their families always." Kathi~ "My intention is basically to record music that is meaningful to us in our lives and to express what we believe in through our music. I hope that in this very trying world, especially related to the youth of today, we can at least contribute to music that is positive, uplifting, encouraging and enjoyable to listen to, so as they go through their rough times they will have a choice of music that is refreshing."
Do you plan on doing another project together? Kathi~ "Oh Yes!! We were hoping to have something ready by this August, but not sure if that will all come together. Also we're hoping to record a Christmas album featuring possibly our younger sisters, Natalia, Kelela and Tiare. This is a never-ending project, that I'm sure will eventually incorporate all of us 10 sisters!" Jen~ "I hope to do many many more together! We have plans to continue with doing more hymns albums as well as recording some of our original gospel songs as well. We just like the idea of doing whatever we feel like doing, we have a variety of tastes, so the skies the limit.
Are any of your children showing signs of interest in music, and are you grooming them for such work? Elizabeth~ "Yes, but that will be their decision to make if they decide to pursue it." Jen~ "Some of my children are showing some interest, but it's all up to them. If music's it, they'll get my support!" Kathi~ "Both my boys are very musical. All I can say is that they can sing on tune and once we get in the car, it's all about who can out sing the other one. Songs from the radio to Polynesian songs." Moana~ "They're still quite young, but if there is a real interest, we'd definitely support them. I was a kid in the business and got to see some ugly sides to the business and wouldn't want them to go through the same thing. I'm not into being a "stage mom" and won't push them that way. If they love it genuinely, then we'll be happy for them."
Elizabeth, you have done many small projects over the years like Northern Voices, Yourself Myself, and at one point you began recording for an adult contemporary album. Do you still plan to complete a solo project? "Someday I'd like to complete the solo project I was working on. I'm still very passionate about it, and love what I've recorded so far, but it will be done when the time is right."
Other then life's adventure is there anything new and exciting happening with any of your siblings? Elizabeth~ "There is always something new brewing with a family full of musicians and that is always exciting! I look forward to my younger siblings 'Against The Season' and Natalia furthering their dreams with music. I am amazed at their talent, but even more so by their generosity in sharing it freely with others. They are a step ahead of us older siblings in all aspects, I love them." Jen~ "Yes, the new and exciting thing is that they are living normal lives!!!! Living in the real world and taking a break from the stress that the music industry brings sometimes. To me its the best thing that could happen right now in their lives, the music is still there, but living and learning is what's up with them now." Moana~ "Well our family is growing, lot's of babies on the way. Haini is expecting his 10th in November. I'm due with my 4th in October. Kathi is due with her 3rd in August. Haini and his wife Sarah are working on another gospel project. Rudy is working on a documentary of our family as well as his own feature film. Our younger siblings are always involved in side projects with music and we're trying to finish up these My Sisters projects. Eugene and his wife Michelle adopted their 4th child from Samoa a couple months ago (now they have 2 boys and 2 girls) and I can't think of anything else at the moment."
Kathi~ "Against the Season
is still going strong!!! I hate to boast, but I have some young
siblings that are just so talented musically. I just hope they hang
in there, hold on to their dreams, practice, practice, practice, and
someday it'll pay off!!! Plus my sis Natalia, just an awesome
vocalist. My other two sisters Maliana and EtiVise are excellent
writers and I hope they continue pursuing that as well."
It was pretty exciting to see your sister Natalia win the 'Celebrity' competition. Do you see bright things ahead for her future? Kathi~ "Oh of course, I just hope she's patient and never gives up. She's got it for sure, and we're all rooting for her and all of our siblings that are pursuing musical dreams!" Jen~ "Natalia has a bright future no matter what. What's great about her is that beyond her obvious talent, she is unique and genuine. The industry is a cruel place for a naturally gifted and talented person like Natalia. When it comes to the music industry and seeing how disruptive they can be, I almost hope she's never discovered through that means." Moana~ "I think she's got so much to look forward to. Her musical talent for songwriting, singing and playing instruments always amazes me. Her love for theater is something I hope she continues to develop. The skies the limit for her in my eyes. Most importantly she makes me proud that she's grounded and humble. Of course I'm bias, a proud older sister!" Elizabeth~ "The skies the limit for Natalia. Her heart will lead her in the right direction for her dreams and goals."
Its been several years now, 2003, was the last time we interviewed you, what has changed in your lives since then? Kathi~ "Well, not too much, I'll be having my 3rd son this August (first week). My eldest son started school last year, we love our neighborhood and neighbors. Umm, put on a little more weight than I want, but that will change once I have this baby!!! That's my goal anyway!! Just very happy with my simple little life." Elizabeth~ "I've been blessed with two more beautiful children, a son in 2004 and a daughter in 2006."
We get a lot of inquiries on weather or not the original members of the Jets will reunite for a show or maybe even record. Can you shed some light on weather or not that is a possibility? Elizabeth~ "There is always a possibility. It just has to be the right for everyone." Jen~ "It's all about the right time and the right place, and getting over a few things of course!" Moana~ "So many people ask us that and it's a question that's up in the air. I think we'd all love to one day, but right now our lives are so full of demands that it's just really hard to make it work. There have been attempts but the timing just wasn't right. I hope one day soon we'll do it and I'm sure we'll end up saying "why didn't we do this sooner?!!".
In closing is there anything you would like to say to your fans reading this interview today? "I know that I don't have any fans, but for the fans of my siblings, I can say that your truly appreciated! I hope as you read thru this site you'll recognize the innocence and realness of those who were a part of that special time of the 80's. Fast forward to today, and we all are living normal lives, working real 9 to5 jobs, and looking forward to the day we can do something together as a family again." Jen "I can't thank you enough for your love towards our family. We never thought we'd ever achieve the success we did and know it has been a blessing in our lives. We are like many family's trying to survive and get along, and music has been the vehicle that has taught us many lessons. Thank you for your kind words and well wishes. I hope one day, we will have a reunion so that we can thank you in return for your love and support. Malo Aupito, Moana "Thanks, Thanks, Thanks. I would have to say it was the FANS that made every part of those long, hard road trips worth it. Especially hearing feedback now some twenty odd years later and they still remember us. That's what's shocking to me. So thanks from the bottom of my heart for all your sweet comments and still keeping the memory of THE JETS alive. We'll always be around, obviously because we are BLOOD Family!!! So thanks for all the support. Love, Kat "Thank you so much for the great memories and support through the years. It is humbling to know there are still fans out there. Thank you for making our family's dream come true along with my parents. We have been blessed by you and hope the music we did continues to bring smiles to your faces and happy memories of good times. Thank you Rob for your wonderful site and all the hard work and effort you have put into it. I know it's not easy. All the best to you and your endeavors! Truly, Elizabeth Mahalo ladies for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview! I'm sure I speak for many when I say we look forward to your next album! Aloha, Rob
Please visit the Guestbook by clicking HERE, and leave the Wolfgramms a message! To learn more about My Sisters, visit them on the web at mysistersmusic.com or on MySpaceMusic |
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The Wolfgramm Sisters from left to right: Kelela, Tiare, Jennifer, Elizabeth, Kathi, Moana, Natalia, Lei |
