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First Aid Kit perform in The Current studio

First Aid Kit perform in The Current studio
First Aid Kit perform in The Current studioMPR photo/Nate Ryan
  Play Now [24:33]

by Bill DeVille and First Aid Kit

June 08, 2014

First Aid Kit, 'My Silver Lining' performed at The Current
by MPR
First Aid Kit, 'Cedar Lane' performed at The Current
by MPR
First Aid Kit, 'Emmylou' performed at The Current
by MPR

In town to play a sold-out show at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg — better known as First Aid Kit — stopped in to The Current's studio to chat with Bill DeVille and to play some brand-new songs and a longstanding favorite.

In their conversation with Bill, the Söderbergs describe how they had always sung as children, but didn't really know what genre best fit them. It was their discovery of Bright Eyes that switched them on to Americana music; they immediately were charmed by the simplicity and honesty of the music, and they were inspired to write songs.

And the signature harmonies for which the Söderbergs are known came about after they discovered such artists as the Louvin Brothers and Everly Brothers. Klara and Johanna began working on their harmonies and now, after seven years singing professionally together, harmonies just come naturally to them. Plus, they admit that having the same genes helps their voices blend so nicely.

Listen to the complete interview to hear more about First Aid Kit's forthcoming album, Stay Gold, which drops June 10. The sisters describe what it was like working with Omaha, Neb., based producer Mike Mogis and how Omaha has become nearly a second home to them. Klara and Johanna also talk about their songwriting inspirations and what it's like to spend so many days a year on the road.

Songs Performed


"My Silver Lining"
"Cedar Lane"
"Emmylou"
The first two songs are from the forthcoming album, Stay Gold, which releases June 10, 2014, on Columbia Records. "Emmylou" appears on First Aid Kit's 2012 release, The Lion's Roar, out on Wichita Recordings.

Hosted by Bill DeVille
Produced by Derrick Stevens
Engineered by Michael DeMark