Is the band named after the Antigone of mythology, and how
was that selected as your name?

Yes, we named the band after Sophocles' Antigone.  Antigone is
one of  the world's first “feminist's”...she stood up for what she
believed was right when women weren't exactly doing such
things.

What are your feelings on the Lilith Fair? Is it a better idea
than an event?

Is it a better idea than an event?  Absolutely not.  It's a brilliant
idea!  So that makes it an AMAZING event.  It's just a great
event for women...for people in general...but especially for girls
looking for strong female role models.  I just can't imagine
being a young girl and
going to see so many talented female performers in one place.
In fact, since the Lilith dates we've played, our following at
shows has really increased with younger high school girls.  It's
so nice for us to have these kids look up to us...Lilith Fair is
only a positive and wonderful thing.

What was your experience with the Lilith Fair like? Would
you play it again?

Our Lilith experience was so much fun.  Basically, we met all
the performers who treated us like we were right there with
them!  It was really bizarre!  Natalie Merchant was listening to
our CD backstage, Amy Ray introduced our band on the
mainstage at the end of “Closer to Fine”, Sarah Mclachlan wore
her Antigone Rising baseball hat sailing the day of our show!
This is stuff you can't even make up!  We were just
floored......But, for the record, we had a hell of a time getting a
meal behind the mainstage--that was the worst part of the
experience!

Are there any common characteristics of your fan
base/audience?

Well...yes and no.  We have a big female following, but I think
that's the case with most female performers.  We also have a big
“after work/professional” crowd.  My sister (Cathy/lead guitar)
and I work at an advertising agency, and our band has served as
a great reason to go out and socialize after work for New York's
ad agency community.  It has really helped us build a strong
and loyal fan base.

The band has changed members recently, how has that
affected the band's sound?

Well, when your lead singer leaves the band, the sound is bound
to change somewhat.  The good news is my sister and I are the
primary songwriters....so, yes, our new lead singer-Agona
Hardison-has a very soulful intense voice...but she's still singing
our songs, done as we've always done them, with her own flare.
It makes it exciting for the band, because it's like hearing the
same song, only different....I don't know if I'm making sense to
you, but it makes perfect sense to me!
 

How would you describe your music to someone who has
never heard it?

I hope we write honest songs.  We're a vocal based acoustic rock
band.  Four of us sing, so our songs are laden with
harmonies...but not sticky sweet overkill harmonies.  Just
smartly arranged and well thought out singing, if I dare say so.
Mind you, the other ladies in the band tell me what to sing....!
Angel can find a harmony anywhere on the planet... and I'm
really not kidding.  Agona feels melodies like I've never seen
someone feel a melody.  It's just an exciting thing to be able to
work (play) with such talented women.

Do you think it's any harder to get recognition because
you're an all-female band?

I actually saw an interview with Sarah Mclachlan the other
night in which she said before she reached a certain level of
success, she didn't believe there was sexism in the industry.  I
agree with her completely.  If anything, playing the “local
circuit” (New York City) as an all female band has been EASY
for us.  But then again, that's sort've a back handed sexist thing.
All female bands pack bars.  Now that we have label interest,
there's alot of “well, we just signed this woman or this band
with 2 women, so we can't sign another female act”.  I'm sure
the same is true for all minorities, not just women.  But it
exists...and slowly but surely we're tasting it.  In fact, after we
played Bryant Park with Sarah Mclachlan, an un-named record
label told us.....well, I don't need to tell you what they told
us...but I know they wouldn't have told Matchbox 20 that......