The Sugar Dames – even the name is a dichotomy. They are saucey, yet honest and sweet; haunting, yet beautiful and irresistable; dark, yet gloriously fulfilling to listen to.

Their music reaches into your psyche and draws out something, which feels like you are spending an evening watching an old movie reel of yourself, by yourself, in the dark.

There is a lot of introspection and emotion being presented in music that is artfully composed and magically mixed. The Sugar Dames are addictive; never depressing despite the foreboding tone in their songs. You simply want to hear more.

IRM: Could you introduce each other?

Christina: Ah, how dangerous. Ok then… Ladies and gentleman, my partner in crime, Jenn Palmer: The Red Dame. The multi-talented, multi-faceted, larger than life persona who can sing like Christina Aguilera but keeps it a very deep secret. I tell her all the time it’s a mistake. We could be on MTV Cribs right now showing off our Scareface paraphernalia and white bengal tiger.

Jenn: Christina is a thunder stealer. How can I top a bengal tiger intro? Ok then boys and girls (drum roll please) my beautiful partner in crime who sings like an angel but stings like a bee… Christina Elen, The Brunette Dame. Mad scientist concocter of sound who will steal your soul with her magic. How am I doing?

Christina: Just dandy.

IRM: So, you have committed the apparently ultimate sin of being “Nashville-based” and not actually living in the city of Nashville – why does that seem so scandalous to everyone?

Jenn: Oh good another sin to add to our list.

Christina: Is it?  Excellent. We love a good scandal. We’ve both lived all over the Nashville area. In the city for several years, and (now) out in the countryside. We prefer the the outskirts because it’s gloriously secluded and quite beautiful. The view from our studio is magnificent. Plus Miley Cyrus lives down the road. That sealed the deal.  We hear Jack White moved here for the same reason ; )

IRM: The Sugar Dames have been a frequent topic of (ahem) “editorial discussions” at Internet Radio Magazine. The first time I noticed you on Twitter, I called into another office and said, “You’ve got to see this – we NEED to interview The Sugar Dames!” What seems like 45 bajillion months later, here I am babbling. Ok – Sugar – yep! Dames? Explain the name please.

TSD: We have an obsession with the Vaudevillian era. The days when singers and entertainers exuded elegance and excellence even if they didn’t have a dime to their name. Some made their own costumes and traveled around the country in a caravan.They did it for the art and expression…. or maybe just a place to sleep and a hot meal. A gloriously romantic notion. Our homes are filled with relics from that time. It’s very much our style. So, the name… a mixture of sweet and saucy. Our personalities.

IRM: There is a tangible sense of danger and foreboding in your music. Is this a reflection of something personal that you share?

TSD: Our music is very personal. We have shared several similar experiences in life or experienced them together. Oddly enough, that has created a bond and an ease in which to create… Well, that and alcohol. So yes, we share the emotion in our music. Honesty can be foreboding.

IRM: You each have personal stories of hardship or loss related to your advocacy and support of disabled children. Can you tell us about the foundations and organizations you are working with and what the goals are?

Jenn: The Children’s Tumor Foundation helps raise awareness and support for research to lead in effective treatment for Neurofibromatosis. My little girl Maddie Rose passed away from NF when she was 6.

Christina: I have a multi-handicapped sister.  She has been my treasure and teacher. Never spoken a word and didn’t need to in order to give me an enormous appreciation for life.

IRM: How can other people help in this endeavor – how can fans help?

Jenn: Visit the website www.ctf.org. Read, learn and remember this could be you or someone you love. Connect. Think globally act locally. Find your local Children’s Hospital or clinic and donate time or a toy.

Christina:  It’s very difficult to narrow my sister’s disabilities down to one organization. She has cerebral palsy, Mobius Syndrome, autism, strabismus, epilepsy and was born without the ability to suck or swallow (fed through a G tube in her belly).  Donating time to children and adults in need will change their lives and yours.

IRM: Speaking of fans – your album, Sirens Of The Broken Heart – wow! The music is as hypnotizing as it is different. I haven’t asked a question yet, have I? Tell me about the album, please. Who did you work with on this project?

TSD:  First of all, thank you for the beautiful compliment. We worked mainly alone with each other on this project. Closed away in our studio for nights on end. We recorded a few songs in historic Harrisburg Pennsylvania at Seventh Wave Studio. It was a marvelous time… Getting out of our element which, in turn, inspired new ideas. Two of the songs were co-written by the great and talented K.S. Rhoads here in Nashville.

IRM: What was the experience in the studio vs. performing on stage – which do you prefer?

Jenn: Apples and oranges… penises and vaginas. They are both so individually great one couldn’t say which is better! The studio infinitely rewarding in it’s freedom. The stage irresistible and addictive. We love them both. We need them both. The studio and stage that is…

Christina: Jenn just said penises and vaginas. Who’s thunder stealing now?

IRM: Which one of you is more the troublemaker as far as sense of humor and outspokenness goes? I think you should each answer for the other.

Jenn: I would say Christina is more of a pistol when it comes to outspokenness, especially if you have wronged someone she loves or have been cruel and unkind to them… Watch out then sista! Our sense of humor is always inappropriate for most company. We revel in that… and thus we are always together. Happy in our blissful naughtiness.

Christina: Ok, agreed… BUT… I am usually only outspoken when provoked by unjust acts. As far as humor goes, we have met our match with each other. We’re out of control… In the best way!

IRM: As an independent artist, what do you find to be the most useful aspect of the internet?

TSD: It levels the playing field in many ways. We’re an unsigned act able to distribute our music like any other signed artist. Except we’re not in Walmart or Target… yet ; )  Being able to connect and stay close to the people who enjoy our music is marvelous. We love communicating with everyone who reaches out to us.

IRM: What challenge posed by the internet would you select as the most important to solve for musicians?

TSD: The internet is so vast. It’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to figure out where to start. The key for us has been focus and discipline.  For an indie artist, the internet can be your most powerful tool. We had a plan and stuck with it day in and day out to build our online fanbase.

IRM: What is the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you either on stage or on tour?

Christina: I can’t tell you except that it involved an unruly pair of pantyhose.

Jenn: It wasn’t a Fergie but… Probably cracking my mouth and tooth with the mic so hard that it bled. Good thing I was wearing red.

IRM: What else would you like to tell your fans?

Jenn: Christina is going to run a marathon cause she’s so athletic.

Christina: Yeah, right after Jenn cures cancer.

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