Hiya folks, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
We are a brother/sister duo, and we were born into a musical family, so playing music was always a part of our lives. I’m not sure if it was even a decision that music was our thing, but we started jamming together as kids and pretending we were the Jackson 5! (Fighting over who was MJ and who was Tito!) But as we got older, and I signed my first deal with ABC/Universal in Australia, it became clear that this duo was going to be our life.
Introduce us to all the members and your musical history.
I am Emma, the singer/accordionist, and sometimes pianist of the group. I co-write all the songs with my brother Thomas and sing in both English and French (As we are half Australian and half French). Tom is the musical genius behind all our productions; he is a virtuoso pianist (self-taught and doesn’t read music!) and together we tour around the world and make music from our home studio.
Our first and greatest inspiration is our father, who is a folk musician. Since we were small, he always had the music blaring in the house, everything from traditional Irish music, The Beatles and Rod Stewart to Frank Sinatra. He taught us how to play by ear as kids, and we later joined his touring band when we were in high school. This is where we learned how to take solos, really listen to the other members of the band, and gig etiquette.
Name me your 3 favorite albums.
1. Pet Sounds – The Beach Boys
2. Graceland – Paul Simon
3. Carpenters – The Carpenters
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
For me, when I first heard Hanson’s “MMMbop,” it blew my mind because it was the first time I realized kids could write and produce songs too, so that personally inspired me when I was a kid!
The music industry is the hardest industry in the world to progress in, how do you feel you are doing?
There are certainly ups and downs. One day, we do a sell-out theatre show, and the next, we are just playing a small jazz gig in the corner and no one is paying attention! So, you really have to take the wins when they happen and ride the high because you never know what will happen next!
I’m seeing a lot of debate about women not feeling safe at music gigs, any thoughts on what we need to do to help?
I’ve always been lucky to have my brother Tom with me at most gigs, but it still doesn’t stop the creeps (and there certainly are!). I think the more we talk about it, the more we can try and shame the weirdos.
As you develop as an artist and develop using socials, what ways do you get new ears on your music? Any tips?
We are constantly trying to figure this one out too! Let us know if you have any tips!
Tell us two truths and a lie about you.
1. We have performed at the International House of Music in Moscow, Russia.
2. We hate hamburgers.
3. We can play anything by ear.
Did you buy anything you don’t need during the pandemic?
Exercise gear
What was the worst experience on stage?
Being heckled by a 90-year-old new-age Christian asking if I know Jesus while trying to sing!”
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