The Plain Janes (formerly the Vissia Sisters) are quite the opposite of what the name suggests. Far from plain, this group of young women is creating a buzz with their rootsy brand of folk music. Drawing on influences from bluegrass, country, folk, and everything in between, The Plain Janes have an acoustic sound that is very much their own.

At first glance, you might assume that The Plain Janes are merely newcomers to the music biz, but in fact they are veterans. Andi, Aleisha, and Alex began performing for audiences in 2000. They have since shown significant growth in their ability to capture the listener and engage an audience. From insightful lyrics to catchy melodies, every song is an experience in and of itself, but always recognizable as a Plain Janes tune by the trio’s trademark three-part harmony vocals.

With two Canadian Folk Music Awards nominations and a Canadian Country Music Awards showcase already under their belts, The Plain Janes have steadily been covering ground. Having played such nationally acclaimed events as the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, these multi-instrumentalists have been gathering recognition wherever they go. In Canada, they have played as far west as Vancouver Island and as far east as Ottawa. Out-of-country opportunities include locations south of the border in Arizona and Tennessee, and even more memorably, a trip across the Pacific Ocean in 2006 for a tour in Japan.

The Plain Janes released their highly anticipated first full-length album in the fall of 2009. The album consists of completely original material, all of which has been penned by one or more of the ladies. Recorded in Edmonton, AB with Mike Lent (Jann Arden), the album resonates with earthy warmth that can only be captured with recording in a live-off-the-floor style. The compilation is essentially acoustic (but for two arrangements) with the Plain Janes’ incredible harmonies front and center on every track. From upbeat folk-pop tunes like 8 Feet of Brown Paper to rootsy ballads like Letting Go, the self-titled album will capture any listener regardless of genre preference. A little bit folk, a little bit country, a little bit Americana, the Plain Janes’ are definitely a little something you don’t want to miss.

I’m Andrea (1993) but I prefer being called Andi and I am the youngest sister by 2 ½ years. I am currently in high school and will be graduating in the class of 2011!

I’ve always wanted to go to college or university, but if the opportunity is there I would much rather do music full time. I haven’t decided exactly what I would take in post-secondary education, but right now I am looking into the music program at MacEwan.

Even though we play Folk/Roots/Americana music (I don’t really know what to call us), I enjoy listening to many different genres of music that include artists like: Chris Thile (he’s my idol), Regina Spektor, Jimmy Eat World, Band of Horses, Patty Griffin, Nat King Cole, Nickel Creek, Punch Brothers, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant, The Weakerthans and Damien Rice. All of these artists, and many others, have had a huge impact on the music in my life. The people who have had the biggest impact on my life and the music in it are Alex and Aleisha. They are my best friends and I love them to pieces!

When I’m not practicing or performing I love to hang out with my friends and play guitar hero with them (even though I am terrible at it). I also love to go horseback riding, swimming and if I’m feeling really crazy I will attempt to play sports, like volleyball. If I spend a day alone I will either be watching Pride & Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility or Love Actually, or I will be reading a good book. And of course I love to spend time with my sisters! My favorite times with them are on road trips and when we go out to dinner and a movie together. I couldn’t have picked two better people to spend this dream with.

I’m Aleisha (1990), but some of my friends call me Alee. I graduated from high school in the summer of 2008 and as of September 2008 I am now officially an adult!

I plan on going to MacEwan for my Bachelor of Education, and later finishing up at the University of Alberta. I would like to become a primary school teacher, as I love teaching and helping others. I also love kids and would love to be part of their growing education.

Although we sing Folk/Americana music, I enjoy listen to different genres as well. I listen to music from Hairspray and Across the Universe, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant, the Fray, Coldplay, Chris Thile and Nickel Creek, Stabilo, The Weakerthans, Regina Spektor, Death Cab for Cutie, Jimmy Eat World, Patty Griffin, and Serena Ryder. Those are just a few of the artist I have on my iPod.

When I’m not performing and practicing, I like to go out to movies, go swimming at the river, hang out with my friends, play badminton, and go bike riding. I also love going snowboarding. I spend a lot of time on my own, but I love spending time with Alex and Andrea. I love how I can trust them with any secret… well unless it’s about a boy.  But they’re amazing, they inspire me.

Hey, I’m Alex (1989). I started piano lessons when I was five years old and continued with classical piano lessons up to my Grade 7 Royal Conservatory of Music practical examination. I also used to take a lot of dance lessons: ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, song and dance, you name it. Andi, Aleisha and I still have dance-offs in the kitchen from time to time. We have some crazy times together and it’s fantastic!

I started classical voice training in 2000, and in June of 2008 I took my Grade 8 Conservatory Canada practical exam for voice. I took up the guitar at age 12 and have been playing ever since. All of my music training, particularly when it comes to theory, has been extremely valuable, especially when playing with other musicians. Music is a passion. As of right now, I don’t have a back-up plan, but I think no matter what happens, I’ll always have a career in some aspect of music. I just want to reach my full potential. 

I listen to all kinds of music: bluegrass, blues, singer/songwriter, funk, rock, acoustic, electronic, jazz, etc. It just depends what mood I’m in. 

Aside from practicing and performing, I really like practicing yoga. I also like horseback riding, drinking tea, reading books, writing in general, chilling with friends, traveling, and watching movies. It all comes back to the music though. I like jamming with friends and playing open mics. I also love just listening to music or watching other people play. There is nothing like witnessing a performance by a pro; there is always something to be learned.