By Jae-Ha Kim
Tribune Content Agency
April 22, 2014
Born in Calgary, Alberta, sisters Tegan Rain and Sara Keirsten Quin are better known as the musical duo of Tegan and Sara. The twins, 33, won three Juno Awards earlier this year in Canada for their work on their seventh studio album, “Heartthrob.” But the song that has helped earn them a new (and young!) fan base is “Everything is Awesome.” They recorded the infectiously catchy song for “The LEGO Movie.”
Currently on tour to promote “Heartthrob,” Tegan and Sara are doing their own shows, as well as supporting Katy Perry on her tour. The duo’s latest concert dates are updated on their website. Fans may also follow the band on Twitter. Tegan — who resides in Vancouver, British Columbia — chats with us about some of the places she has traveled to that stand out in her mind.
Q. Where have you traveled to where you actually thought, “Wow, everything is awesome here”?
A. Recently, we went to Hong Kong for the first time. It is truly awesome — like Vancouver, but 50 years in the future. Incredible food, friendly people, a diverse population and futuristic architecture nestled in between mountains and water. Dream city.
Q. Where are your most vocal fans?
A. Asia is absolutely the most fun fans we’ve played to. Super respectful, while also being loud and vocally supportive of the music. We love it when people cheer loudly, dance and sing along. But then are quiet between songs to listen to our stories.
Q. In what city did you perform your very first concert?
A. We played in Vancouver when we were still in high school. We traveled from our hometown of Calgary. It was incredibly nerve wracking. We thought of Vancouver as the big city. Our show was very well received, thankfully!
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. So far, Hawaii! But I hope to do more traveling and vacationing soon!
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child? And did you love it … or not so much?
A. We flew to New York when we were three years old. Apparently, we loved it!
Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A. To be patient.
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. Vancouver Island and the islands around it are beautiful. In particular, I love Galiano Island and Salt Spring Island. We made part of our third record on Galiano Island. It’s gorgeous, quiet, untouched and friendly.
Q. Where is the most romantic destination?
A. Hawaii! I love the quiet and laid-back attitudes, the food and the sun. No better way to get close to someone.
Q. If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A. We spend Christmas in Palm Springs every year. I think it is perfect weather that time of year. The food is fantastic. Time moves so slowly. I love it. There is so much to do. It’s an alternative Christmas, which I love!
Q. What are your favorite hotels?
A. The Tribeca Grand Hotel in New York, the Soho Beach House in Miami, The W Hotel in Hong Kong and the Parker Hotel in Palm Springs, Calif.
Q. What are your five favorite cities?
A. Hong Kong, Palm Springs, Vancouver, New York and Melbourne.
Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A. Hong Kong, Seattle and San Francisco.
Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. I’d love to go to South Africa.
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. iPod, Kobo eReader and sheets for my bunk on the tour bus!
Q. What would be your dream/fantasy trip?
A. I would love a full month on the beach. Somewhere calm, quiet, private. No Wi-Fi!
Q. What are your favorite restaurants?
A. Pourhouse in Vancouver, Cuchillo in Vancouver and the Spice Table in Los Angeles (which is currently closed, until it relocates to a new building).
© 2014 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
