Clear Share All Channels

Show Queue

ReverbNation Channels

Select a Music Channel to Get Started

Global Chart Toppers Local Chart Toppers Trending Artists Alt/Rock/Indie Electro/Pop/Dance HipHop/Rap/R&B Featured Artists My Favorites Custom Channel

Show Queue

12:123

Not listening to anything?

Try one of the ReverbNation Channels

Wat Rabbit Hole Go deeper
What's This?

The Skipperdees

Rank #4 Athens, GA Americana / Folk / Bluegrass

All Photos

About

Members: Catherine and Emily Backus

Bio: The Skipperdees are a sisterly duo composed of Appalachian natives Catherine (vocals, guitar) and Emily (banjo, oohs and ahhs) Backus. With music influenced by landmark singer-songwriters and personalities shaped by the Spice Girls, the Backus twins combine ethereal harmonies and introspective ly... See Full Bio

More Info

Status

: Skipperdears- the end of our campaign is nigh and we are so so so so SO grateful to all of you who've donated and... http://t.co/VTCKNjups9

Press

“For all the implied optimism of its title, Here's to Hoping is as world-aware and dark as anything ever birthed from the Appalachian folk tradition. Recording in their living room with almost exclusively an acoustic guitar and banjo, the Backus sisters' music is steeped in what Greil Marcus' would call "the old, weird America." But the world of The Skipperdees is the one that never changes. It's the one where the crushing aspects of human pain, disappointment, suffering and heartbreak are not necessarily the stuff of life but always hovering and, with inescapable eventuality, haunting. ... With poetry worthy of Dickinson and an honesty rare as rubies, Here's to Hoping is a breathtakingly accomplished album that will always sound fresh for the simple reason that the things that pained and pursued those before us continue to bother humanity now and will surely menace every future generation.”

— Gordon Lamb, Flagpole

“Over plaintive banjo and acoustic guitar, the twin Backus sisters (occasionally joined live by Madison McDonald on mandolin) pay tribute to the quintessential sounds of Appalachia with earnest, poetic folk ballads. Emily says the duo has been "harmonizing since the womb" and are "influenced in equal parts by Spice World and Appalachia." Yes, that's Spice World, as in the film featuring The Spice Girls. I know, I don't remember Folky Spice either, but before you dismiss the reference, visit The Skipperdee's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/TheSkipperdees and search for their series of "'90s November." It's a brilliant collection of their favorite '90s songs–performed on guitar and banjo–one for every day of the month. Yes, there is a Spice Girls track among them. Although the girls may have grown up with an affection for alternative pop and rock, it's lucky for us they decided to pursue a more organic sound, as they do folk beautifully.”

— Michelle Gilzenrat, Flagpole Magazine

“There are no secrets in The Skipperdees. Twin sisters Emily and Catherine Backus know exactly what the other is thinking — and, perhaps, it was that overwhelming sense of understanding that led the twins to try and understand other people. “I like observing people,” Catherine said. “I think people are really interesting.” ... “I just absorb everything,” Emily said. “Then I squeeze out my mind sponge and the dirty soapy water that comes out is what our music is.” The music is created for and about the people. “It’s folk music for pop culture,” Catherine said. The harmonic two-piece guitar-and-banjo duo updates and twists old themes. The sisters steep their music in family traditions, Emily said, but in a new way. And the messages in the band’s music are often not only relevant but also uplifting. “We like to find the beauty in ugly situations,” Catherine said. For The Skipperdees, music is an outlet that provides hope and healing while it grows.”

— Hilary Butschek, The Red & Black

"Skipperdee-doo-da: This folk duo from Tennessee is made up of twins. I would argue that they were born to sing with each other. They were quite lovely, though not flashy. They sang thoughtful songs with a banjo and guitar — and a sporadic trumpet — that complimented each other just fine. They have an album for sale that they recorded in a living room. If they’re second impression is as good as the first — I plan on seeing them again soon — I’ll be picking one up."

— Joe VanHoose, Athens Banner-Herald

“The surprise smile of the week comes courtesy of acoustic act The Skipperdees. Composed of twin sisters Catherine and Emily Backus, the pair hail from Oak Ridge, TN, but make their home in Athens at least during the school year. While the Backus sisters may, at first blush, seem like a run-of-the-mill acoustic duo (mainly guitar and banjo with an occasional electric guitar accompaniment), there’s a certain purity and honesty in their sound that separates them from the crowd. There’s a definite mountain influence here, too, which makes sense. "”

— Gordon Lamb, Flagpole Magazine

All Press

Recent Blogs

Songs

Play All | Queue All | Share All

Atlas (LIVE at The …

Share Download
The Plunge

Share Buy Lyrics
Fair and Tender Lad…

Share Download
Giving Up Your Ghost

Share Buy Lyrics
Mother Mary

Share Buy Lyrics

All Songs

Shows

Full-Screen View »

Fri
May 24

Town Park
Madison, GA, US | 12:00pm
Town Park
Madison, GA, US
Fri May 24 12:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Fri
May 24

The Crimson Moon Cafe (…
Dahlonega, GA, US | 12:30pm
The Crimson Moon Cafe (Of...
Dahlonega, GA, US
Fri May 24 12:30pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

Born in Baltimore and raised on the Chesapeake Bay, Amy was brought up on the sounds of Sinatra, Bonnie Raitt, country, and blues, but spent her years training for a career in musical theatre and classical performance. Sisters Backus have recently had the chance to collaborate with such luminaries as Caroline Herring, Packway Handle Band, Minton Sparks, and Ben Sollee.
Sat
Jun 1

Eddie Owen Presents at …
Duluth, GA, US | 7:00pm
Eddie Owen Presents at Red...
Duluth, GA, US
Sat Jun 01 7:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

2nd Bi-annual songwriter's shootout!
Mon
Jun 3

Knoxville Visitor's Cen…
Knoxville, TN, US | 7:00pm
Knoxville Visitor's Center
Knoxville, TN, US
Mon Jun 03 7:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Thu
Jun 6

Kraken
Chapel Hill, NC, US | 7:00pm
Kraken
Chapel Hill, NC, US
Thu Jun 06 7:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets

All Shows

Videos

All Videos

Comments

Add Comment

Drew Marler
I'm putting together a show at Flicker Bar in April. Would you be interested in sharing a bill together?
Shane Alan Swaim - ...
I am listening to "Atlas." Very fine authentic acoustic sound. Vocals and instrumental sounds are great. Musically, Shane

All Comments

Share Become A Fan

Quick Actions

Subscribe
Send Direct Message
Book This Band

Get Free Downloads
Get Widgets
Get Banners

Support Your Favorite Artist

Help The Skipperdees
make 2013 a break out year!

Questions

Ask The Skipperdees anything...

Q: You should cover the song 100 Miles by The Proclaimers!!

A: Oh man, we do have a strong affinity for Scottish twins... Nineties November is filling up the plate right now but who knows what the future will hold!

Asked by anonymous. Answered on Sun Oct 28 2012

All Questions