Lemondrop

There is no one in the world who doesn't love the Wilson Phillips song "Hold On."

It doesn't matter if it's a party full of women in their 50s, heavy metal kids in their 20s, nuns in their 70s, or anyone in between -- you put that song on and everyone stops and sings along.

Carnie Wilson, Wendy Wilson, and Chynna Phillips, the three ladies behind Wilson Phillips, have been through a lot since their debut in 1990 (!), but their voices have stayed perfectly in tune.

In light of their brand-new Christmas album, Christmas in Harmony, we called them up, poured some eggnog and talked music, female friendships, and, of course, Lady Gaga.

Lemondrop: Listening to your Christmas album, "Christmas in Harmony," there was no doubt that I was listening to Wilson Phillips. Did you ever work toward sounding distinctive, or does that just come naturally?
Wendy: Honestly, we have never had to try to sound unique. We sound the same today as we did when were in our teens. Our voices just fit together like a puzzle or like blended colors in a painting...it's a very natural sound, not pushed.
Carnie: Thank you for that compliment! Our sound is defined by the blend that the three of our voices create when we sing together. Usually Chynna is on melody with me on the low and Wendy on the high part. This is the true sound for us, and I like it best!

What's it like to be a part of such an iconic band?
Carnie: To be a part of an iconic band in any way is a true honor. We'd be nothing without the people who bought our records, our fans. I wish I could thank them all!
Chynna: There is a part of me that gets sad when I think that we took such a long hiatus because I wonder what music we could have created together over those years. But now that we are back together, I look forward to continuing this journey with Carnie and Wendy and giving our fans more original music. All that we've accomplished together is something that I hold very dear to my heart.

You've known each other for your entire lives, and you've worked together for a good part of your existence as adults. What can you tell us about female friendships? Any advice? It's a very popular topic at Lemondrop.
Wendy: The advice that I have about female friendship would be to always communicate your feelings. Never let things get out of hand because that causes resentment. Also, celebrate each other's strong points and accept each other's faults.
Chynna: Friendships need honesty and communication. It seems like so many people drop their friends at the first sign of conflict, but taking the time to write a nice little letter or talk in person. can restore a friendship in moments -- people don't seem to take the time. The words "I'm sorry, I was wrong" will never go out of style.

What do you think about the musical landscape for women now? Has it changed since the '90s?
Carnie: People seem to be presenting themselves the way they want to and have no fear -- from physical image to musical and lyrical content. I have always believed that women and men are equal in this business. The point is that a woman who is confident and has a passion for what she does can reach her goal and have the same opportunities as any man on this planet.
Wendy: Women's music is so diverse now. I see strong female artists that are bold in their causes and sexual energy, more solo artists as well. In the '90s, there were mostly just singing groups and they all fit into their own niche categories (except for us, of course!)
Chynna: Men have such an advantage because they can form rock bands...I wish there were more female rock bands. Think about what a huge market there is for that...it seems so untouched! I also wish there were more grassroots like Joni Mitchell...she's a real singer/songwriter. Where have the Tracy Chapmans of the world gone?

What do you think of modern musical trends, like Lady Gaga or autotuning?
Carnie: Lady Gaga sure is a trip! I like her records a lot. Great productions. To be honest with you, I haven't really taken the time to decide whether her music is this or that, or whether her outfits are this or that. I appreciate her phenomenal success, innovation, creativity and boldness. There is no one quite like her and may never be again.
Wendy: Lady Gaga is fearless...she is a role model and makes you turn your head. I definitely like her. Auto-tuning is brilliant, but sometimes overused. Not everything needs to be perfect, and it takes the personality out of some vocals.
Chynna: I believe that if your image lends itself to heavy hair and makeup, it becomes very manufactured and the audience will have certain expectations of you, but those high expectations are exactly what creates a strong fan base! Lady Gaga has definitely created a movement of her own and I really respect her for that.

Having been children of famous musicians yourselves, do you see your own children showing promise or interest in pursuing music too? Would you recommend music as a career for them?
Carnie: I'll encourage anything my daughter has her heart set on. I think she will probably go into the medical field over the music business, which is just fine with us!
Wendy: I absolutely see talent in my kids...they sing on key and they all want to be in a band. Whether or not they actually will be is yet to be seen. I support any of them being musicians, but I will teach them about investing money instead of blowing it on silly stuff.
Chynna: I want my children to follow their dreams and passion, but I will definitely make sure that they are aware of the downside of the industry though, so they will know what they are getting themselves into. It is hard to always be away from your family; have high expectations from others, and not to mention the grueling schedules and traveling. At the end of the day I just want them to be happy and for them to know that this business just isn't for everyone...so I want them to explore all of their passions.

Keep an eye out for Christmas in Harmony, in stores and online now!