Those Sensible Shoes are Anthony Mulcahy and Rachel Stern. They formed in the summer of 2014 after meeting at a Big City Folk event and started writing and performing together soon thereafter. Beginning with a cover of Bloodbuzz Ohio by the National, recorded in the backroom of a Brooklyn bar, they soon moved on to writing their own original music. They experiment with intricate harmonies and unique lyrics, inspired by their own distinctive backgrounds. The concept of a duo is key to Those Sensible Shoes, and their music emphasizes the beauty of two voices together.
Rachel (vocals) is from New York City and has been writing and performing for a couple of years. She grew up listening to the Band, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, which formed her musical sense from an early age. Untrained but always singing since age 4, Stern has cultivated a unique vocal sound that she brings to Those Sensible Shoes. She has been heavily influenced in her own songwriting by Laura Marling, Nick Drake, and the Milk Carton Kids. Stern's lyrics and voice are the backbone to the band.
Anthony (guitar & vocals) is from Waterford, Ireland and has been writing and performing all over Ireland, the UK and the US for 12+ years. With 2 solo albums (Lazy Days (2010), For My Sins (2013)) under his belt to date this is his first band release. He has been most influenced by David Gray and Glen Hansard, who he had the pleasure of performing with in the past. He has also performed with Mundy, Mark Geary, David Wax Museum and many more. Mulcahy brings his musical experience, deft guitar playing and soulful vocals to the band, completing the unique duo.
Those Sensible Shoes perform all over New York City as well as performing at music festivals in Ireland. Their debut self-titled album released on October 1st 2015 has already had radio play in Ireland.
It was a pleasure to sit down and interview Rachel and Anthony in the comfort of Anthony's car, parked in front of Caffe Vivaldi in the West Village of Manhattan.