Broke-Ass Band Interview: The SHE’S (Tonight @ Café Du Nord)

Remember when you were in high school and wished you were in a cool band, only puberty, braces, parents, and a lack of talent got in the way? Not the case for The SHE’S. The only thing standing in the way of these four high schoolers is the fact that they’re friends can’t get into the clubs they play. Oh, and homework.

Singer Hannah Valente, guitarist Eva Treadway, drummer Sinclair Riley, and bassist Sami Perez (their initials spell SHE’S!!!) put together their band five years ago at the Jewish Community Center summer Rock Camp. And they’re already killing it in the San Francisco music scene, playing with the likes of the Soft White Sixties, Dominant Legs, and Broke-Ass Band interview alumni AB & the Sea. Last year they even opened for local cult favorite Girls at the Fillmore. How many 16-year-olds can say that?

What these ladies can say is charming and hilarious. Especially because I asked them a few of the standard questions that usually elicit illicit responses. They are also very sage for their age. For example, when I asked if they have any tips for aspiring musicians trying to make it at their craft, they said that living with your parents helps. Which is funny because they’re 16, thus live with their parents because they have to and I’m 26 and a musician, thus I live with my parents because I… have to. I’m sorry, did I say funny? I meant embarrassing.

Don’t miss their show TONIGHT at Café Du Nord. More info on the Facebook invitation.

Introduce yourselves!

We are The She’s aka Hannah, Eva, Sinclair, and Sami.

Describe your sound in five words or less.

Shiny, Surfy, Smiley, Sunny.

Favorite thing about San Francisco?



The hills, the ocean, the food, the people, the music, THE FOG.

Favorite SF restaurant?

Shanghai Dumpling King!

Favorite SF bar?

The Knockout (yes we play at bars).

How do you prepare for a big show?

Eat, Pray, Love. We do all those things not watch the movie. We don’t read the book either.

What will you be doing the night before?

Finishing this interview last minute, practicing, getting pumped up….

What can people expect at your shows?



Good outfits and bad jokes. And music.

What do you do during downtime?

EAT, play board games, watch Americas Next Top Model.

What’s next for the band? (i.e. plug your next show!)



Tonight at Café Du Nord!! (Also Sept 2nd with The Soft Pack at Bottom of The Hill)

How do you balance high school and being in a band?


We practice after school and can’t play too late on school nights.

Do teachers or peers ever come to your shows?

We’ve had our teachers at shows before. Actually our teachers tend to like our music much more than our peers. We do play a lot of 21+ shows where some of our friends can’t come but we sometimes sneak them in to do merch for us.

Three things you’d take to a desert island?



Mulan on DVD, a DVD player, and a boat.

What movie can you watch over and over and never get sick of?

School of Rock! We love Jack Black.

Favorite season or time of year (and why)?

Winter so we can wear layers and holiday cheer, but also summer because we have vacation!

Three things that are in your fridge right now?



Pizza, Baked Beans, Juice

Anything in your sock drawer besides socks?



Tights.

Now let’s get down to the nitty gritty, i.e. money: 

Have any tips for aspiring musicians trying to make it on their craft?

Well, we live with our parents so you can always do that.

Best money saving tip in general?

If you live in SF take the bus instead of driving.

Where do you live now and what are some good cheap/fun things to do in that area?



We live in San Francisco. The best cheap things we do are going on city hikes, going to the beach, and practicing with our band.

What do you refuse to spend money on?



Anything we can get someone else to buy for us.

What is the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought and how did that feel?

I bought my own first guitar and it felt great. But then I had no money and mooch off my parents for a while.

What’s the best deal you’ve ever gotten?

Sometimes we play at the farmer’s market in Noe Valley and venders give us food in exchange for playing. That’s the best.

What is your favorite free thing to do?

Sleep, play music, listen to music, hug friends!

If you woke up a millionaire, what’s the first thing you’d buy?



I’d buy the millionaire a apology card for waking him. HAHAHA.

What’s one GOOD thing about not having a ton of money?


You’re forced to be creative and make your own fun.

Last two photos by Daniel Bromfield and Amoreena Lucero, via Facebook
Rest of photos via Facebook and The Bay Bridged