Check out our interview with talented California based pop duo The Band Kris.
You get a little bit of everything with the duo, Jamilyn’s sarcasm balances out Dani’s sensitivity. In addition to their original songs, the sister duo uses their platform to showcase their unfiltered, witty personalities on camera.
Based out of Southern California, Jamilyn and Dani gave their sister collaboration a permanent name in 2014 after writing a song to their older brother, Kris, who was also a musician but passed away before he got the chance to fulfill his lifelong music dream. In remembrance of their late brother, The Band Kris pays tribute to him by advocating the importance of treating depression before it is too late. Losing their brother to depression has led the sister duo to perform various times at American Suicide Prevention Walks in hopes that they can bring awareness to the reality of depression.
Follow The Band Kris @thebandkris
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Hi girls, please tell us a little about you?
Hi, our names are Jamilyn & Dani but we go by the name, The Band Kris! We are a sister music duo and we tend to write a song about anything & everything.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
We are overly-dramatic and overly-sensitive, but hey we are dedicated!
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
We started by playing live music anywhere we saw an opportunity to. We would show up at a local pizza place and basically pitch ourselves to them: “This would be a great spot for live music. Can we play here this Friday?” Somehow, it worked.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
feel-good pop, lyrical, and introspective.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
We are highly influenced by Taylor Swift. Anytime she releases new music, we do a full lyric read through. As for why we chose to make music, we never even considered doing anything else. Music has been our obsession since we can even remember.
Do you play any instrument?
Dani: I play the piano!
Jamilyn: Yes, I play the guitar!
Do you ever get nervous?
Yes and unfortunately it is very obvious, lol.
Tell us about your new single “Bleach?”
“Bleach” is all about embracing a newfound confidence. It is lighthearted and fun but at the same time, we intentionally left an underlying message that calls out someone for being shallow.
What’s the story behind this song?
“Bleach” was born after we both experienced a pretty frustrating situation. Imagine a guy who only started a conversation with you because he wanted you to introduce him to your friend. And then spontaneously you dye your hair blonde. And then IRONICALLY, he is all of a sudden trying to make moves on you. This song was our way of wanting to yell at these types of guys who claim they ONLY care about personality when it comes to romantic relationships. Well, clearly not because I absolutely most definitely had the same personality last week before I dyed my hair. When we realized that both of us experienced this, we knew that we had to speak up about it in our favorite way to do so: write a song about it.
Did you had plans/concerts planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online concerts or interaction with your fans?
Yes, we were booked to play a writer’s-round last May in Nashville, Tennessee but COVID cancelled it. Thankfully, we have been using Instagram and Youtube to stay connected with our fans!!
Which project is still on your bucket list?
Well, our bucket list is super long so if we are picking just one project on that long, long list of goals…We dream about collaborating with Lauv. We find his music so unique and creative. We feel like we could learn a lot from him so collaborating with Lauv is definitely at the top of our bucket list.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
The most fun and rewarding part about what we get to do is definitely the creating process. Songwriting has always been our favorite part about music. As for the not-so fun part, it’s a constant battle of trial and error and feeling defeated because there is not one clear path to a successful music career. We do feel really grateful to have each other through every trial and error. It doesn’t sting as bad when it happens to both of us lol.
What’s next for The Band Kris in 2021?
NEW MUSIC! We are currently working on our next single and we are so excited about it.
What is your favorite song? And why?
Currently, we’ve been favoring “The 1” by Taylor Swift. Before folklore was released, our favorite song was “I forgot that you existed”, before Lover was released, it was “Don’t Blame Me” and before that… Okay we’ll stop.
Any loves other than music?
We love Yoga! Cats, Food. And spending time with our family!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Our brother, Kris, passed away in 1998 so if we could meet anybody, it would definitely be him.
Best advice ever given?
“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten” by Tony Robbins. This quote has been a staple in our journey. Whenever we are stuck in a period that isn’t producing results, we have to stop and evaluate what we are doing.
How’s a typical day in your life?
Since we are sisters, live together, and work together, our daily schedule is pretty in sync. We babysit our niece and nephews during the day. We are really thankful that our niece and nephews like hearing us play music because it allows us to work on our music while babysitting. It is really important for us to have alone time, considering how much time we spend together, so at the end of the day we do individual things which usually means yoga or meditating.
Name one your strengths?
Dani: “ I am really good at rambling. ”
Jamilyn: “I am great at being sarcastic.”
With both of these great strengths combined, we make a solid team.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Having no obligations so that we can spend hours reading the back of a million different self help books at Barnes & Noble. Then going to TJ Maxx. We have a weird obsession with TJ Maxx and Ross Dress for Less. And somewhere in between those events, we would eat something really delicious.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
“You’re Welcome” by Dwayne Johnson.
What is your own definition of happiness?
To not have to force it but genuinely feel positive and radiate good energy
Do you support any charities?
American Foundation Suicide Prevention. Bringing awareness to suicide and depression is extremely important to us.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Dani: a carrot but only if it is dipped into ranch
Jamilyn: Avocado!
And your favorite cheat food?
Dani: in n out, Raising Canes, and pizza.
Jamilyn: Animal Fries from In n Out.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Dani: lack of actual conversation. I don’t like surface level so if they don’t want to have real conversations then that is a deal breaker.
Jamilyn: Brings a friend along and asks me to set my sister up with his friend. True Story.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Living out our dreams: touring, releasing more music, and expanding our fan base.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Not sure if this qualifies as creative, but we make the same pair of boyfriend-jeans look like a different outfit the next day by pairing it with a different shirt. Also, hoop earrings are a staple in our fashion style.
What do you think of Social Media?
We appreciate what social media provides the entertainment business. We get the opportunity to connect with people all across the world just through one single media outlet. It is amazing how many opportunities social media gives musicians! Tik Tok has only increased the amount of opportunities! Ultimately, social media is a way to connect with fans and that is something that we don’t take for granted.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram: @thebandkris
Twitter: @thebandkris
Tik Tok: The Band Kris
Youtube: youtube.com/thebandkris
Quote: “Where focus goes, energy flows” by Tony Robbins.
Movie:
Dani: Frozen
Jamilyn: Silver Linings Playbook
Travel Destination:
Dani: Greece but the whole flying thing freaks me out so that is a major factor into why I avoid traveling at all costs.
Jamilyn: Fiji. I really want to attend the Tony Robbins Seminar, ‘Date with Destiny’ in Fiji.
Sports Team: Our family loves the Arizona Cardinals but we are music nerds so we just cheer when our family starts yelling at the TV.
