Brothers and Sisters

Brothers and Sisters is an Austin-based indie rock group active since 2005. The band is led by siblings Will and Lily Courtney and forms around a changing lineup that, at different points, grows from a small backing group into a larger live band.

Origins and membership

The Courtney siblings are the children of Ragan Courtney, a Baptist preacher, and Cynthia Clawson, a Grammy-winning independent gospel singer. Will Courtney grows up in Houston, sings in the Post Oak Boy’s Choir, and records children’s songs and commercials before moving to Los Angeles. After working with musicians including Zander Schloss and Ric Menck, he relocates to Austin to start a band with his sister.

The group’s members include Lily Courtney, Will Courtney, Ricky Ray Jackson, Conrad Keely, Dave Morgan and Daniel Wilcox. Conrad Keely, the singer of …And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead, joins as an eighth member after contributing harmonies and lead vocals to a Trail of Dead recording.

Style and influences

The band’s sound draws on older forms of American popular music rather than contemporary indie trends. Their music combines elements of polished West Coast pop, rock and roll, AM radio balladry and classic country. In live performance, they evoke acts such as the Band and Buffalo Springfield, as well as writers and performers including Dennis Wilson, Jimmy Webb and John Phillips.

Career and performances

Brothers and Sisters record a self-made debut with a loose group of friends and acquaintances as backing musicians, and within weeks the project expands into a seven-piece. Their performances in Austin attract attention for their unsettled, sprawling character, and they play shows with Okkervil River, The Court and Spark, The Tyde and …Trail of Dead. They also appear at SXSW, which helps establish them with Austin audiences.

Background of the name

The band name reflects the central role of the Courtney siblings, whose family background links them to both gospel music and American country and rock traditions. The project presents itself as a family-led band rather than a conventional indie-rock act.