Interview by Angela Croudace
HEAVY had a chat with Austin Mileto, lead guitarist of Sisters Doll; the band's journey and their latest album Scars were explored in detail. From their glam rock beginnings to their evolution as a band, Sisters Doll's unique sound and captivating stage presence have resonated with audiences worldwide.
The name, Sisters Doll, was inspired by the glam rock aesthetic they sought to embrace. Austin shared that they were drawn to the bold, colourful looks of bands like Twisted Sister and New York Dolls. Their name, created by the band’s singer Brennan Mileto, stuck because of its catchy syllables and the visual impact it invoked.
Scars marks a significant chapter in the band’s story; after a long hiatus since their 2017 release All Dolled Up, the band poured their personal experiences into the album, with each track symbolising a different scar from their lives. Austin explained that the inspiration came naturally, shaped by the challenges they faced both personally and professionally. The band worked remotely during COVID to demo and refine their songs, collaborating with producer Ricki Rae to shape their latest sound.
Sisters Doll's musical influences are diverse, ranging from classic rock icons like Kiss and Van Halen to contemporary artists like Machine Gun Kelly and Olivia Rodrigo. Austin revealed that while their core sound remains rock and roll, the band's individual tastes—ranging from country to flamenco—bring unique textures to their music.
Austin also shared stories from the band's early days, including a memorable tour experience where the band’s van broke down multiple times, testing their endurance. But with persistence and support from their family (especially their sweet mother who rescued them roadside), they powered through, learning valuable lessons along the way.
Looking ahead, the band is gearing up for an exciting USA tour, including a performance on the Monsters of Rock Cruise, where they’ll share the stage with some of their heroes, such as Extreme and George Lynch. An incredible achievement for this band of brothers—quite literally, all four members are siblings! Hailing from Western Australia, they were propelled to musical success at an impressively young age. Despite their rising fame, they continue to reach new heights while maintaining a refreshingly down-to-earth charm that resonates with fans worldwide.
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