Sister Species

Fronted by accordionist/songwriter Emily Kastrul (Betazoid, Hazel Ra), chamber-pop septet Sister Species is known for their thoughtful, dynamic arrangements and opulent three-part trumpet harmonies. Sister Species’ full-length records Heavy Things Do Move and Closer Now have been hailed by music critics as “warm and luminous,” showcasing Kastrul’s vision and ability to lead 6 other band members “through the chaos to something beautiful."

With a keen eye for the natural world and emotional terrain, Kastrul crafts raw and vibrant songs that are equal parts celebration and lament. Featuring the 3-part trumpet section of Jake Baldwin (Har Mar Superstar, McNasty Brass Band), Noah Ophoven-Baldwin (Percheron, Realtree) and Sten Johnson (McNasty Brass Band, New Sound Underground), guitarist Willow Waters (The Earth Tones, Still Unstill), bassist Ryan Hays (The Earth Tones, Still Unstill), and drummer Lars Johnson (McNasty Brass Band, Radiochurch), Sister Species’ full ensemble supports Kastrul’s intimate and intricate songwriting.

Light Exchanges (2020) is a love letter to staying put. Written with a gardener's eye, Light Exchanges is full of acute & sensual observations about our daily lives & practices, from cutting onions to holding hammers to magnolias in bloom.

Ranging from a pop song about the inevitable heat death of the universe to a drone influenced track about loss & cottonwood trees, Light Exchanges is punctuated by 3-part-trumpet interludes that serve as emotional counterpoints to the songs. Imagine the trumpets as alien guides bringing the listener through the galaxy to visit the different planets of lyrical songs.