Saint Sister

Biography

Saint Sister is an acclaimed electro-folk duo formed in Dublin in 2014 by Morgan MacIntyre (from Belfast) and Gemma Doherty (from Derry), both hailing from Northern Ireland. The pair met while studying at Trinity College Dublin, initially crossing paths through the college orchestra and mutual friends. Their collaboration began after graduation, when MacIntyre, a songwriter with a passion for lyrics, and Doherty, a multi-instrumentalist and composer, decided to blend their musical talents, resulting in a unique partnership built on close-knit harmonies and a shared artistic vision[2][4][6].

Saint Sister quickly gained recognition for their distinctive sound, which fuses Celtic harp, synthesizer, and analog drum machines with ethereal vocal harmonies. Their debut EP, 'Madrid,' recorded with Alex Ryan of Hozier's band, was streamed over two million times and led to widespread radio play and touring opportunities across Europe. Their first full-length album, 'Shape of Silence' (2018), received critical acclaim and was nominated for both the Choice Music Prize and the Northern Irish Music Prize. The duo has performed at major festivals such as Glastonbury, SXSW, and Electric Picnic, and supported renowned artists including The National, Lisa Hannigan, Hozier, and Keane[1][3][4].

Saint Sister's music is often described as modern yet timeless, drawing on influences from Irish folk, classical composition, and contemporary electronic production. Their sophomore album, 'Where I Should End' (2021), marked a shift in their sound, with self-produced, resonant soundscapes and evocative storytelling. The duo's legacy lies in their innovative approach to Irish folk traditions, their commitment to self-production, and their ability to craft emotionally rich, atmospheric music that resonates with audiences worldwide[4][8].

Fun Facts

• Saint Sister's debut EP 'Madrid' was recorded in a vacant student house and streamed over two million times on Spotify[1][4].
• Gemma Doherty originally aspired to be a film composer and experimented with effects and electronics on the harp[4].
• Morgan MacIntyre used to transcribe lyrics from cassette tapes as a child, developing her obsession with songwriting[4].
• The duo's name was partly inspired by MacIntyre's mother, who suggested 'O Sister,' before they settled on 'Saint Sister'[5].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Joni Mitchell - Morgan MacIntyre was inspired by Mitchell's lyricism and songwriting, which shaped her approach to music. (General songwriting influence) [Childhood onwards]
• Leonard Cohen - MacIntyre absorbed Cohen's poetic lyrics, influencing her own writing style. (General songwriting influence) [Childhood onwards]
• Steve Reich - Gemma Doherty was inspired by Reich's minimalist compositions, which influenced her harp soundscapes. (General compositional influence) [College years]

Key Collaborators

• Alex Ryan - Producer and musician; recorded Saint Sister's debut EP 'Madrid.' (Madrid EP) [2014]
• Lisa Hannigan - Saint Sister toured with Hannigan across Europe and supported her at various shows. (Touring and live performances) [2016-2018]
• The National - Saint Sister supported The National at live shows. (Live performances) [2018]
• Hozier - Saint Sister supported Hozier on tour and worked with his bandmate Alex Ryan. (Touring and Madrid EP) [2014-2018]
• Keane - Saint Sister supported Keane on tour. (Touring) [2018]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Eternal Flame (Eternal Flame)
2. Blood Moon (Madrid)
3. Causing Trouble (Shape of Silence)
4. Corpses (Shape of Silence)
5. Dynamite (Dynamite)
6. Causing Trouble - Kormac Remix (Causing Trouble (Kormac Remix))
7. Karaoke Song (Where I Should End)
8. Dynamite (Where I Should End)
9. You Never Call - James Vincent McMorrow Remix (You Never Call (James Vincent McMorrow Remix))
10. Manchester Air (Where I Should End)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia