SEPHIRA is made up of Carrickmacross sisters Ruth and Joyce O’Leary. Two young classically trained musicians, their music has been described as “classical Corrs” and their debut album ‘Believe’ was released to critical acclaim in 2006. Sephira can count Larry Hagman of ‘Dallas’ fame and Kanye West amongst their fans and have even performed on stage with Kanye! Here, they take time out to chat to monaghanlife.ie about how it all began, embarrassing moments on stage and their thoughts on Jedward!

Where did it all begin for Sephira?

Ruth & Joyce: It began in 2005. We both knew that we wanted to follow music as a career. We'd started writing our own material and knew that it needed to see the light of day! One of the Vard sisters put us in contact with Bill Shanley, a guitarist/producer who's well-known for playing with Mary Black, Paul Brady and Gilbert O'Sullivan etc. We went to Bill's Cauldron Studios in Dublin and played a few of our tracks for him and he was just blown away and from there Bill took us under his wing and produced our first album ‘Believe.’

What are your thoughts on reality TV talent shows such as the X-Factor?

R&J: The X-Factor can be a fantastic platform for some people and for others it actually just destroys their careers.

With regard to what you do are you proud to be flying the flag for Carrickmacross and Co Monaghan?

R&J: Of course we are! It's funny because our biggest fan base is American and we've been contacted so many times by Americans who know people from Carrick who know us! It's a small world!

What are your views on the Jedward phenomenon?!

R & J: They're entertaining for a certain age group and they'll probably be another Ant and Dec. We admire them for being able to take criticism so well.

What has been your favourite performance to date?

R&J: Radio City Music Hall in New York for certain!

What other musicians do you admire?

Joyce: Beyonce and KD Lang - two of the most amazing performers out there.

Ruth: Queen, ELO and Elbow.

Have you ever had any embarrassing moments on stage?

Ruth: Well, let's see....the time I was getting changed after a show and realised that the zip on my dress was open, I mean gaping open! I was flapping around the changing room going "Oh my God, oh God, oh God please don't say I ran around the Nokia Theatre stage in LA with my bum hanging out!”  I still don't know to this day whether I did or not but I’ve gone beetroot just thinking about it!

Joyce: UK tour with Clannad and we were playing the Glasgow Royal Theatre that particular night. My head wasn't completely screwed on to say the least. It was time to go on stage so I did a little check in my head of the things I had to take with me - violin, set-list, violin pick-up(mic). Next thing we were on stage and Ruth was giving the introduction for the first song when I realised I had completely forgotten my bow! Most embarrassing moment ever! So, I had to run off stage to get it after explaining to the audience. They thought it was the best thing ever and our CD sales have never been so high – I must make a habit of it!

If you had to be stuck in a lift with a celebrity who would it be and why?

R: David Foster. He's one of the greatest producers ever so I would just give him a little shake and insist that he produce the next Sephira album!! 

J: Jay-Z - I think he could do the best remix of one of our songs! 

What scares you?

R & J: Big spiders!

And finally girls, have you any advice for any aspiring musicians/singers?

R: Never give up...try, try and try again.

J: Believe in yourself 100% and follow your dreams.