Shakespears Sister Members, Gear & Sound

Shakespears Sister is a British pop duo known for their eclectic blend of pop, new wave pop, and candy pop genres. The group was formed in the late 1980s by Siobhan Fahey, previously a member of Bananarama, who sought a more musically serious direction. Initially a solo project, Shakespears Sister evolved into a duo with the addition of Marcella Detroit, a singer and musician with a rich history of collaborations with artists like Eric Clapton. Fahey's darker, alternative-leaning vocals contrast with Detroit’s soulful falsetto, creating a dynamic vocal interplay that defines their sound. The duo gained significant attention with hits like "You're History" and "Stay," the latter topping the UK charts for eight consecutive weeks.

To capture the sound of Shakespears Sister, focus on blending dark and atmospheric elements with bright, melodic pop textures. Their music often features layered vocal harmonies, combining Fahey's moody tones with Detroit's soaring falsetto, creating a rich, dynamic vocal landscape. For instrumentation, consider using synthesizers and keyboards to add a lush, new wave-inspired backdrop, while incorporating electric guitars with clean, crisp tones to provide clarity and drive. Reverb and delay effects can enhance the ethereal quality of their music, offering depth and resonance. The rhythmic section should maintain a steady pop groove, allowing the vocals and melodic elements to shine. Overall, Shakespears Sister's music thrives on the contrast and complement of different textures and tones, making thoughtful layering and dynamic range essential to their sound.