The Severin Sisters

Artist Information

Biography

The Severin Sisters
The finest Americana Music

The Severin Sisters have been dazzling audiences with their Americana music for over ten years.

Touring and entertaining throughout the Northwest they have had the pleasure of opening for such renowned acts as Rascal Flatts, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Del McCoury Band and The John Cowan Band.

Amy and Heidi are twin sisters who front a four-piece band. They have attained exceptional mastery playing banjo, mandolin, guitar and fiddle. Additionally they are highly gifted songwriters and have three CDs to their credit. Currently in the studio a fourth CD is being recorded and consists of all original songs.

The Severin Sisters music excites audiences of all ages. Their youthful energy and talent, charm and audience appeal make them one of the most sought after bands anywhere!

In addition to their touring, both girls hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oregon State University in music composition, recording and editing and teach music at three schools in Salem, Oregon.

Instrumentation

Amy and Heidi Severin front the band The Severin Sisters. Amy plays banjo, guitar and sings lead vocals while Heidi plays mandolin, violin and sings harmony vocals. They band is filled out with a drummer and electric/acoustic bass player.

Discography

Discography

2007 “Spirituals From The Past” by Miranda Vettrus
2006 “Alligator” by The Guards of Metropolis
2005 “Great American Yard Sale” by Mark Lemhouse
2002 “Carefree Times” by The Severin Sisters
2002 “Best of Larry Norman” by Larry Norman
2001 “Untitled” by Larry Norman
2001 “Movies and Magazines” by Sig Paulson
2001 “Let’s Talk” by The Severin Sisters
2000 “Too Many Miles” by The Severin Sisters

Audio

• Johnson's Barrel
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• That Town
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• Good Day
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• Lost Time
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• Foolish Girl
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• Labazini
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• Time Flies
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Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• SWEET SOUNDS OF SEVERIN SISTERS [+ Show ]
  

  What happens when you combine talent, determination, spunk and drive? You get the Severin Sisters! T...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
  

• Severin Sisters serenade OSU summer series [+ Show ]
  

  American Roots duo brings banjo and mandolin to Summer Term CORVALLIS — The Severin Sisters will ...American Roots duo brings banjo and mandolin to Summer Term
  
  CORVALLIS — The Severin Sisters will perform in the brick courtyard outside the OSU Bookstore at noon Wednesday, July 16, as part of the Oregon State University Summer Term Folk and Celtic music series.
  
  The Severin Sisters play American Roots music with a bit of bluegrass to highlight their instrumental abilities. Heidi was awarded second place in the National Mandolin Championship in 2002, and Amy has received awards playing her treasured 1934 banjo. Both sisters sing lead and vocal harmony.
  
  The Severins are twins that both graduated from OSU in 2007 with music degrees and are currently teaching music in the Salem public schools. They both write songs and have collaborated in creating new material for their three CDs.
  
  Amy is accomplished at both the old-time frailing style and three-finger style of banjo picking. She was influenced by such players as Bela Fleck, Earl Scruggs, Alison Brown and Scott Vestal, but has developed her own distinct style. In addition to her proficiency on the guitar and banjo, Amy also plays the cello.
  
  In addition to the mandolin, Heidi has also studied classical violin techniques for many years and participated in numerous music festivals playing baroque, classical, and jazz pieces. She also plays old-time, Scottish, and Celtic fiddle.
  
  

Setlist

We perform a combination of original and traditional Americana music.

Basic Requirements

Calendar