Exclusive Interview: Soaking it up with the Soapgirls

The Soapgirls are sisters, Noemie and Camille Debray, who play alternative rock that is both raucous and sweet. While they grew up in South Africa the world is their home as they spend most of their time out on the road rocking out in as many venues as they can fit in a tour. Their upcoming Rebel DNA tour takes them across the U.S. They like MIchigan so much they are making 2 stops, June 13 at Smalls where SFTS will be covering their show and June 14 in Grand Rapids at the Tip Tip Deluxe Bar & Grill. 

SFTS: You’re known for your relentless touring. Where are your favorite off-the-beaten-path places to play?

Soap Girls: Some of our favorite shows have been in places where you wouldn’t expect anything to happen. Small towns, random bars, rooms where people don’t know us at all. There’s something powerful about winning over a crowd from zero or completely failing trying. Those shows feel the most real because nothing is guaranteed. There’s no industry buffer, just pure connection. A venue that really sticks in our minds is Transplant Brewing Company in Palmdale and Juniors Log Cabin upstate New York. We had a fantastic time and it’s so off the beaten track with a town who really shows why small towns and their communities are so special.

SFTS: And on that subject any sleep tips while touring?

Soap Girls: Touring and sleep don’t really go hand in hand. You learn to function on very little and grab rest wherever you can, vans, floors, short breaks between drives. It’s not glamorous, but it strips everything back to what matters. You stop chasing comfort and just focus on getting to the next show and giving everything you have.

SFTS: You’ve been playing music together since you were young. How do you keep up the enthusiasm?

Soap Girls: For us, it’s never felt optional. It’s been our way of life, and we are always so grateful that we are on this incredible journey together.  There have been plenty of challenges along the way financially, emotionally, and within the industry but those moments tend to push us harder rather than slow us down. We also make a point of evolving creatively, so it never feels stagnant.

SFTS: Do you get along like peas in a pod, or fight like cats and dogs?

Soap Girls: We’re actually very much yin and yang. We balance each other in a way that just works naturally. Where one of us is more intense, the other brings calm. Where one doubts, the other lifts.

Of course, we’re sisters and we’ve spent our whole lives together, so there’s a deep honesty between us but it’s never about conflict, it’s about understanding. We instinctively know how to support each other, especially on the road where things can get overwhelming.

At the core of it, there’s a lot of trust and respect. We don’t need to fight to be heard we just listen. And that balance is a big part of why we’ve been able to keep going for so long.

Photo Courtesy of The SoapGirls

SFTS: Some bands see social media as a chore you seem to have fun with it. What are your thoughts?

Soap Girls: We treat it as another creative outlet rather than a responsibility. If it starts to feel forced, we step back. People connect more with authenticity than perfection, so we’d rather keep it real than overly polished. It’s a way to stay connected with people who support us, especially when we’re constantly on the move. We have a real connection with our fans and we are so grateful that the positive side of social media is being able to keep connected always to them. We really appreciate and love our soapsud community.

SFTS: You released your single “Running” a few months ago, but it’s been a few years since your last album when can we expect a new one?

Soap Girls: Very soon. We’ve been working on our upcoming album Rebel DNA, and it’s something we’re really proud of. “Running” is a good introduction to the direction we’re heading in, but the full album goes deeper it’s very diverse, more intense, more personal, and very much a reflection of everything we’ve experienced over the past few years and reflective of the world as it is

What’s your favorite animal?

Soap Girls: Baboons. They’re incredibly intelligent and social, but often completely misunderstood and mistreated. That’s something we feel strongly about.

Mie:Baboons. 100%. People misunderstand them completely they’re intelligent, emotional, and protective.

Mille:Same. They’re wild, but they’re family driven. There’s something really powerful about that.

And if you had an animal spirit?

Mille:Probably something a cat, (they)  love comfort, playful, happy , they’re flexible and full of shit!

Mie:I’d say something chaotic but intelligent… maybe a baboon mixed with a wolf energy. Observant, emotional, but ready to fight when needed.

You can follow the Soap Girls on Facebook and Instagram and be sure to catch them on tour!