Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Walker County

Sister duo Ivy Dene (lead vocals) and Sophie Dawn (percussions and harmony) have taken country music by storm. Blending together Sophie’s hard-hitting rhythms and Ivy’s strutting, soulful vocals, the pair have created their signature country-rock sound, which has connected with listeners around the world.

Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Ivy and Sophie about forming their band Walker County, their new single “Bits & Pieces,” and learned a fun fact about each sister that you may not know!

PC: How did you both discover your passion for music?
Sophie: We were really young when we started out. Ivy is the older sister. She sang at church when she was around five years old. Our dad loved music and saw that she could sing really well and that I had an interest in it too. We took a family vacation to Nashville in 2007 and performed a couple of songs on the street.

Ivy: When we got back to Indiana, our dad was like, “You both can do this as a job if you want.” We were only nine and twelve at the time. We started playing fairs and festivals. People would listen to us all through middle school and high school, and that’s how we started out.

PC: Who or what’s had the biggest influence on your careers, either personally or professionally?
Ivy: At the beginning, we played a lot of traditional country music. We started out covering Dolly [Parton], Tanya Tucker, Tammy Wynette, all the traditional country divas. We took a lot of inspiration from them. We are not only influenced by their music but also their fashion. Dolly’s a big one of course. She’s such a powerhouse when it comes to vocals, songwriting, and fashion. We definitely rocked the big hair for a few years.

Sophie: We definitely took a lot of inspiration from them growing up—just listening to that music all the time.

Ivy: Also, Sophie’s love of ’80s rock. She’s a big part of our group. Our music is in the country rock genre because of her. When you come to a show, you’ll hear those ’80s rock influences in her drumming.

PC: You both have had a lot of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Sophie: There are a lot of moments.

Ivy: We are constantly pinching ourselves at the incredible things that have happened. We feel so blessed. But one of the things for me is when we got to go on a little stint with Dwight Yoakam and open for him. We grew up on Dwight, and being able to open for him and watch him play a concert every night, it was incredible. It was one of those things where I was like, “Man, this is why we do it. This is amazing.”

Sophie: Yeah, definitely. Some of the most memorable moments come from the fans as well. Having little girls come up to us and say, “I want to play drums because I saw you play drums,” or “I want to sing because I saw you sing”—those are the moments that stick with you and give you that fire.

PC: Like you were mentioning earlier, not only are the two of you bandmates, you’re also sisters. What’s one fun fact about your sister that fans would be surprised to learn?
Sophie: I’m looking at Ivy sitting here with her glasses. I actually think she’s legally blind. [laughs]

Ivy: That’s a fun fact. You will never see me with my glasses on. If you did see me with my glasses on, you’d be very surprised. They’re about an inch thick and they make my eyes the size of quarters. That’s a fun fact. If you’re lucky enough, maybe you’ll spot me in them one day.

Sophie is a comedian in real life. She loves to bake. She has an alter ego called “Bitchin’ Baker.” She has sold cookies and wedding cakes before. That’s something that a lot of people don’t know. When she’s in the kitchen, you better make sure you stay out of the way. That’s how she got her nickname. [laughs]

PC: Can you share the inspiration behind your song “Bits & Pieces?”
Ivy: It was really cool because we were actually pitched this song. Sophie and I immediately fell in love with it. We would be in the car listening to the demo and we became fans of the song. When we heard that it wasn’t going to released, we were like, ‘We definitely want to cut this song and put our female spin on it.’ It’s really fun and it’s definitely a summer song. We’re going to party with this single. It’s about a fun night that you can only remember bits and pieces of.

PC: The two of you have been releasing music for years. If you had to pick one song that best encompasses who you both are as artists, which would it be and why?
Ivy: It’s funny because I think we have different ones. Each of us has a favorite. When we put out “Shovel,” I felt like that song represented how we are during our live shows. It has a bit of rock and roll. When you come to a concert, you’re going to hear that country rock.

Sophie: I have to say “The Hamptons.” That song embodies everything we believe in. It’s about your family and where you come from.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Ivy: Céline Dion.

Sophie: Skid Row.

PC: First album you bought?
Ivy: Mine was Nelly’s Sweatsuit album. I was in the fifth grade.

Sophie: AC/DC’s Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Sophie: Probably Skid Row’s self-titled album. I got into them a couple of years ago. It literally changed the way I drum and perform. I love the power behind all their songs.

Ivy: Céline Dion is one of my biggest heroes. As a vocalist, I’m in love with her and her stage presence. Mine would be the Falling Into You album that she released.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Ivy: Bread Box.

Sophie: Our uncle lives in Colorado. We’ve driven up there and looked at it. We’ve never gone to a concert there, and it’s just been a dream of ours to play there one day.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Ivy: Self tanner.

Sophie: Dry shampoo.

To keep up with Walker County, follow them on Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music. Pick up or stream “Bits & Pieces” today.

Photo Credit: Shea Flynn