The Sullivan Siblings Keep Making Music Despite Growing Attention

Sam and Louise Sullivan have been quietly building a reputation in indie circles, blending retro psych-pop, folk, country, and global sounds into a charming, wonky style that feels both timeless and fresh. Their third album, Love & Devotion, sounds like a long-lost treasure, according to critics, but it was recorded during the pandemic and doesn’t seem overly concerned with current trends. Instead, they focus on making records that excite them, regardless of how much attention they attract.

Their musical roots lie in a family environment filled with Irish traditional music and visual arts. Growing up in Westchester and Brooklyn, the siblings played Irish tin whistle and folk tunes with their father, who once played accordion in a band. Music was part of their everyday life, and their parents’ artistic pursuits, especially their mother’s work in textiles and ceramics, fostered a creative household. Louise even runs a ceramics business, which she hopes to expand as she and Sam keep recording new material.

In recent months, the duo’s profile has risen considerably. Jeff Tweedy invited them to perform at Wilco’s Solid Sound festival, a sign of recognition from a major indie figure. They’ve also been invited to open for the Australian band Babe Rainbow, a step up from their usual basement shows. Still balancing day jobs—Sam teaches at a Quaker school while Louise has recently left her teaching position—the siblings remain dedicated to their craft, excited about their next batch of recordings at Emily Moales and Kevin Basko’s basement studio.

The brothers are quick to downplay their growing fame, emphasizing their love of creating music over the pursuit of recognition. Sam describes their recent opportunities as “really, really, really nice,” but also jokes about the Australian band’s good looks and friendliness, revealing their playful attitude. Despite the expanding opportunities, their main thrill is “trying to outdo themselves creatively,” according to Sam.

Their music often feels like a family affair, rooted in shared experiences and a love of tradition. Louise recalls their childhood playing Irish music and other folk tunes, which continues to influence their songwriting. Their approach combines a nostalgic reverence with a desire to keep evolving, making each record a fresh exploration. As they prepare for more recording sessions, it’s clear their focus remains on making music they love, regardless of how many ears are listening.