Amy Ziff’s recommendation: “I’m inspired by so many artists, including Joni Mitchell, Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland, Edith Piaf, Francoise Hardy, and some of today’s artists such as JD Samson, Jane Siberry, Tracy Bonham, Sia, to name just a few. One of my favorite groups is The Barry Sisters. I respond to their expression of truth and soul in songs and lyrics and phrasing. Just a simple note or breath or sigh sung by these artists, changes the way I feel about something in my life at any given time.”

New to The Barry Sisters? Amy suggests you start here: “My parents played At Home With The Barry Sisters for me and my siblings when I was growing up. Listening to them sing, made me want to pursue Life as a singer and performer. And here I am, in a band with my own sister and best friend for more than 20 years…still loving what we do together and how we make music and travel the world. Long live rock n roll.”

About our guest author, Amy Ziff: Amy is the lead vocalist for BETTY, the pop/funk band that formed in the ’80s in Washington, DC and later migrated to New York City. Some may know the band for their theatrical performances of BETTY:Inside Out and BETTY RULES (directed by Michael Greif (Rent). Others may know them from their appearances on The L Word (the show for which they also wrote the theme song for) or their performances at gay rights rallies and breast cancer benefits. But theater, fund raisers and television are only parts of the BETTY puzzle. They also have eight studio under their belt, the latest being Bright & Dark, a collection that is produced by David Maurice (Garbage) and features a vocal collaboration with Kate Pierson of the B52s. The album is consistently packed with whip smart stories (watch the Did You Tell Her clip below to get the feel) and shifts effortlessly in styles, from funked up grooves to grungy guitars. Be sure to cath their fantastic live shows by checking hellobetty.com for tour dates.