Artist: House and Land
Hometown: Asheville, NC
Latest Album: House and Land
Rejected Band Names: One rejected band name was Sarah Sally Wilson — the name of Etta Baker’s mother, and also obviously has our two first names. But it seemed confusing to have a person’s name as a band name, and House and Land is a common phrase in a lot of ballads we like with a nice ring to it.
If you had to live the life of a character in a song, which song would you choose?
We sing a song — not on our album but maybe on the next one — called “Ca the Yowes,” which we sourced from a Shirley and Dolly Collins record. The words are based on a Robert Burns poem, and it is probably the most sweet and romantic song we’ve ever heard, and takes place in a vivid pastoral setting. It contrasts nicely to the majority of heart broken or murder-y songs we usually sing!
Where would you most like to live or visit that you haven’t yet?
Sally: I would love to visit India.
Sarah: I would love to go to Laos to learn more about their woodwind traditions.
What was the last thing that made you really mad?
Corporate greed and all of its ensuing destruction (we like to keep things light around here … heh).
Which Judd is your favorite — Naomi, Wynonna, Ashley, Apatow, or Hirsch?
No one is judding out to us.
Whose career do you admire the most?
Jean Ritchie. In addition to being a brilliant performer and recording artist, she was a vital folklorist and environmental advocate, as well.
What are you reading right now?
Sally: Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Sarah: Blues Legacies and Black Feminism by Angela Davis.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
We’re ambiverts.
What’s your favorite culinary spice?
Sally: Cumin, because I love the sweaty armpit qualities.
Sarah: I’m really into using fresh mint from my garden in summer time!
What was your favorite childhood toy?
Sally: My stuffed cow Franky given to me by my grandmother. That or my Skip It.
Sarah: A hammer, a chisel, and my safety goggles to look for fossils in rocks. I hammered away every day on our back picnic table, but never made my big discovery!
