“Together we can do anything”
-McClain Sisters, Rise
As a little girl, I dreamed of having a sister…someone I could play dolls with and share my most intimate secrets with….someone who completed my sentences..someone who’s ties ran deeper than the genes we shared.
Last week, I sat and observed the breakout trio, The McClain sisters, as they talked about the inspiration for the lead single of the soon-to-be released film Disneynature Chimpanzee, the unity they share as sisters, and their upcoming album. It was the little intricacies of their relationship…how they completed each other’s sentences or shared jokes between the three of them that spoke volumes of their bond.
Tomorrow, Disneynature Chimpanzee will debut in theaters nationwide, and as you may know, the film takes audiences deep into the forests of Africa to follow the story of Oscar, a young chimp who’s suddenly without a mom in a forest that can be hostile and dangerous. The song Rise was a collaborative effort among the McClain family, and the three sisters cited Oscar as their primary inspiration. The story is one of unity and survival, and both the music and the lyrics accurately reflect the heart of the film.
Survival depended on the chimps banding together and the McClain sisters, who formed the group in 2011 and officially signed with Hollywood Records, know a thing or two about sticking together. For the relatively short amount of time they’ve been together as The McClain Sisters, they’ve enjoyed increasing recognition, yet they remain grounded because of their parents. “They always taught us to always stay humble and…have faith in what you believe in.” The three sisters have a strong religious foundation and even at 13, 15, and 18, they’re bold and confident about how their faith has helped them remember what’s important.
I can imagine that working and living and being together as much as is required can be a challenge. These three sisters continually reiterated the importance of unity and it was visibly authentic. When I asked them what the most surprising thing they came away with from both the film and the experience of writing the song, they unanimously agreed that it was the value of sticking together. “Friends, they come and go sometimes, but your sisters are gonna always be there for you. No matter what.”
China Anne, Sierra, and Lauryn…together they comprise The McClain Sisters. They are currently working on their first album and their music can be described as a mixture of R&B and Pop. Their hit song Rise, which you will hear at the end of Disneynature Chimpanzee, will be featured as a Disney Friends for Change anthem.
I highly encourage you to see the film during opening week since a portion of the proceeds realized through sales will go to the Jane Goodall Institute to help save Chimpanzees.
No compensation was received for this post. Travel expenses provided by Disney.
Photos: Disney
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I haven’t heard the McClain Sisters yet and am looking forward to both the movie and the music now.
I loved the interview with them as well as watching them perform “Rise” earlier that morning. After this event, I like these girls even more!
What lovely young women. My 10 year old is already begging to see this movie, by the way. I’m afraid it’ll make me cry.
Their song is very uplifting — I like a lot. It’s been fun learning about this movie!
My son loves them! I’ll have to show this to him – great interview!
Guess I’ll have to start listening because I haven’t heard of them yet. Looking forward to seeing them and seeing Disney Nature Chimpanzee
Amazing voices. I loved the movie Chimpanzee and I think everyone should go see it. 🙂
Chimpanzee was a great movie, I even learned a lot! And I have one sister who drove me nuts growing up but who I’m very close to now 🙂
I bet you were jealous and wished all over again that you had a sister! Mine is nine years younger than me so she was more like a doll than a sister for a long time. Now she is expecting her second child and because we are sisters and mothers now too, our bond is stronger than ever.
This is a really pretty song. One that I would not be afraid of my children hearing on the radio, which is rare!
I love that song from them! What great role models!
This movie looks so good – I can’t wait to see it! Beautiful song!
Three gorgeous girls!
We saw Chimpanzee today! Ugh. I cried. Those breastfeeding scenes were so sweet Aram came and hoped on my lap to nurse during the movie (it was close to nap time and he felt inspired) –
The song was great! Totally fit with the movie. It made me happy!
Great post! (again, jealous 😉 )
What a great interview. 😉 such talent!!!
They are the best singer in the world when they were singing rise it was amazing 🙂 😉 jk =)
Best talent ever
Best talent ever 🙂