A cinematic rooftop location in New York with the Empire State building in the distance. In company with Ben Lovett (Mumford & Sons), Ben Howard, Nathaniel Rateliff, Bear’s Den and an amazing cast of new friends, we’re set to record our next episode with three beautiful English sisters, The Staves.

Earlier this year the Sideshow Alley team descended on Austin, Texas for SXSW. While in town we met up with the great folks at Communion Records. They were about to begin an historic tour promoting the aforementioned bands across the USA travelling from Austin to Boston in 6 VW kombis. Ty was lucky enough to join them on the road across 11 cities assisting director James Marcus Haney in filming a documentary of the tour.

When the kombis pulled into New York City for a sell out show at the Mercury Lounge, we used an opportune time following sound-check to round up the rest of the SSA NYC team and scale the nearest rooftop off the Bowery (thanks to producer Matthew Makar for the location).

The wind had a certain bite to it which keep everyone bouncing. But was no time for messing about. We firstly recorded a good-for-the-soul performance with Nathaniel Rateliff (stay tuned), then decorated the rooftop with string of Christmas lights for our session with The Staves.

With Ben Howard graciously on the duties of senior slate – and the travelling Communion clan in the wings – the three siblings Emily, Jessica & Camilla showcased their crystalline harmonies. Set against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, the girls also provided plenty of wit and outtakes we just couldn’t squeeze into this introduction.

Having recently supported Bon Iver throughout the USA and Europe, their fantastic new Glyn and Ethan Johns produced album “Dead & Born and Grown” is out now (and incidentally features photos from SSA crew members Ty Johnson and Kelly Teacher). Make sure you grab a copy.

Communion monthly music club nights are held in both New York and Melbourne. With more new talent to be discovered, be sure to get along and support this fantastic community.