Creating music among family can sometimes cause sibling rivalry. However, when The Pristines create the music that inspires them both say that sibling rivalry takes a back seat. Daisy Salas, 19, Long Beach City College student, said that she and her sister have been playing music for seven years that the idea of starting a band was just a thought.
However, when her sister Jamie, 22, drummer, Cerritos student and psychology major, got a drum set, she was just messing around on the drum set when the elder Salas said, “‘Want to start a band?'” The other said “Why not?”
The younger Salas first learned to play the guitar in the 7th grade.
Music has had an influence on the elder Salas as well. At the age of 10 she played the accordion until the age of 15. However, both said they taught themselves how to play their individual instruments.
In trying to describe the music both say that it is hard to explain because there is no way to categorize it. When it comes to the songs that they perform the younger Salas said that she doesn’t write anything down.
“I memorize the lyrics even if the lyrics don’t make sense,” she explained, “and (sometimes when) I’m performing them I add more lyrics to the song.”
When the duo performed for the first time both said that there was a question of whether or not they would make it in the music industry.
Despite the comment about them not “making it” in the music industry, the sisters decided to keep their heads up.
Within that first performance, they felt there was a negative perception about the fact that they were a “chick band” comprised of young women.
“Those in the audience called us ‘chicks’,” the elder Salas said, “but there was also a standard that we should have men in the band.”
In addition, she explained that those who have come to see them perform were also trying to figure out which band they sounded like.
“Some people would say that we sound like a cross between Bikini Kill and No Doubt,” she continued, “but it is more about how the music itself and how (it) inspires you.”
One of the clubs that has supported them is the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance.
Last November the FMLA held a promotional concert for its club that featured Chronic Melancholy and The Pristines. Aside from performing at Cerritos the duo has previously performed at Cal State Fullerton and Cafe Kashmir in South Gate. Next month they will be performing at the Ir Corral on Feb. 12, the Good Hunt on Feb. 15 and Anarchy Library on Feb. 16.Currently, the group is hard at work on its yet-to-be titled album due out sometime mid-year.
Friends who have known The Pristines like Jonathan Mota, English major, and who first met them when they went to El Rancho High School said that what they do musically is terrific.
He said that both have a way of interacting with each other and that what’s great about The Pristines is that they can inspire but also be who they are.
“For me it’s the fact that both Salas’ are sisters,” he commented, “and the band’s (songs) are very good.”
Matthew Zabala, English major, agreed. Although some of the music could shock audiences it is the fact that the band can be open that he sees as great.
Nicole Bernal, English major, who has seen the band perform three times says that it is refreshing to see sisters perform because you don’t see sisters who get along that often.
To have a club like FMLA be supportive of their music, the sisters are grateful to all the members within the club.For more information on their upcoming shows visit http://www.myspace.com/pristines
