The ideeli Scoop with the Court Yard Hounds

How do we love the new band the Court Yard Hounds? Let us count the ways. Made up of sisters Emily Robison and Martie Maguire—you may remember them from a little group called the Dixie Chicks—CYH’s first album drops today and its rootsy, freewheeling vibe is putting us in the mood for easy breezy summer days. (Especially the first single, “The Coast,” whose soaring refrain is reminiscent of Sheryl Crow’s classic “All I Wanna Do.”) Robison serves as lead vocalist with Maguire providing unmistakable sister harmonies on everything from wrenching ballads to out and out rockers.

ideeli is so thrilled with CYH and their new tunes that we’re offering a Giveaway today that will allow one lucky ideeli member to experience a V.I.P. CYH extravaganza, including tickets to a show, a backstage meet and greet with the sisters, and a clothing makeover by the band's stylist.

To celebrate our rockin’ Giveaway, we’ve gone behind the scenes with Robison for the ideeli Scoop (be sure to check in next week for juicy Part II) on getting back to nature, songwriting, and not holding a grudge.

What was the inspiration for starting Court Yard Hounds?
The inspiration for CYH was due to a succession of events...first being restless and a bit bored on the extended hiatus of the "Chicks," and feeling like we needed a musical outlet. Second, I had been writing a lot of songs and asked Martie her opinion of them...when she encouraged me to sing them myself, it started the ball rolling and we decided to go into the studio together and record.
As a duo, what's your songwriting process like?
As sisters, we tend to finish each other's sentences anyway, but it extends to songwriting where we share a lot of the same sensibilities in music. Brutal honesty is also important when it comes to the creative process. We can knock down each others's ideas if they are bad and not hold a grudge.
What are your go-to outfits when not touring?
For me, it’s J Brand jeans and a soft Alexander Wang T-shirt and Havaianas...my standard piece of jewelry is my set of 4 Costume National wide gold bands for my fingers and a small gold hoop. I keep it pretty simple. Martie always looks much more hip and rockin' on her time off than I do. She's always in a cool slouchy boot, cool pants and top with a cool piece of jewelry...much more apt to wear her nice jewelry.
What's the first thing you do when you come home from a tour?
Take my kids to our ranch and get back to nature.