Chandra & Leigh Watson. Our lovely friends who have been part of recording and incarnations of TWT include: Lee Alexander, Edward Benrock, Jason Borger, Stewart Cole, Denver Dalley, Rob Douglas, Matt Fitzell, Brian Lebarton, Russell Pollard, Jon Skibic, J. Soda and Shon Sullivan.
Following on the critical success of Rabbit Fur Coat, their 2006 collaboration with Jenny Lewis, Southern Manners (2006 self-released EP) and Fire Songs, their 2008 Vanguard Records full-length debut, The Watson Twins return with Talking To You, Talking To Me (February 9th/Vanguard) their most groove-heavy and ambitious album to date. The 12 songs on TTY, TTM, produced by Russell Pollard and J. Soda of Everest, display a new sonic direction previously only hinted at in past efforts. Yes, the folk, country and Americana roots of Leigh and Chandra Watson remain, but the duo also explores and reveals their long-held love of R&B, Bossa Nova, indie pop and most prominently, classic soul. "We wanted your body to move with every song," says Leigh.
Where the gorgeous Fire Songs was slower and more meditative, TTY, TTM showcases the twins' admiration of classic soul vocalists, torch singers and chanteuses such as Etta James and Aretha Franklin. "I think elements of that existed on Fire Songs, but they were buried and just hinted at that," says Chandra. "When you're insecure about something, you don't necessarily have the confidence to invoke those styles."
Those insecurities can be laid to rest with TTY, TTM. The soulfulness of "Midnight" sounds like a heartbroken lover crying the blues at a late night bar. "Harpeth River" updates the vibe of classic Portishead. The Hammond B3 and defiant vocals of "Devil in You" could be a lost b-side to Dusty in Memphis, while "Savin' You" and "Snow Canyons" hearken back to the pair's more traditional Americana-based tracks.
In June 2009, having already written the lyrics for the album separately, the twins, Pollard and Soda decamped to a remote cabin in the High Sierras near Yosemite National Park with no phones, television or music. In four days, armed with only guitars, a drum kit, and computer to record the results, the foursome finished the sketches for TTY, TTM. (The album would later be recorded at Fairfax Recordings on the same mixing console as Pink Floyd's The Wall. It features prominent contributions by members of Everest and My Morning Jacket's Bo Koster.)
A retreat in the woods wasn't the only switch the duo made for this album. "In the past, we tended to sing a lot together doing these intricate harmonies," says Chandra. "On this one, the two of us sang back-up for whichever one of us was lead singer. We basically sang back-up for ourselves." Adds Leigh: "I feel we've honed how to work together and I think our singing style on this album strengthened the idea of the two of us being one voice. What people expect from us is very different from what this record is."
On their debut album, Leigh and Chandra Watson established themselves as leaders of a movement that embraced traditional American sounds while still breaking new ground. With Talking to You, Talking to Me, the next chapter of a bourgeoning career is ready to be heard.
*****The EP is now available at several Independent Record stores around the country (check www.thinkindie.com for retailers) as well as thewatsontwins.com, amazon.com and itunes.
Indie EP:
THE WATSON TWINS - TTY/TTM - 2.9.10's Friend Space (Top 16)
THE WATSON TWINS - TTY/TTM - 2.9.10 has 23075 friends.
Season's Greetings! "The Valley" is now available for order and would look fabulous in your Christmas stocking :-). New songs up too. Have a wonderful holiday!
I met one of you ladies in the bathroom at State theater in St Pete and I wanted to let you know I though you were phenomenal. Your voices and how great you two sound together was great. Hope to see you again very soon in the future. Keep rocking!!
olivia (matts old keyboard players daughter) introduced me to you girls back in 06 and i have been stuck on your music since then.
there are few artists that are constantly playing on my ipod at work (like the beatles, pearl jam, mason jennings, matt C, and the kinks) and you are in there.
greetings from that little german girl after the show in portland! thanks again. and you should def come to germany. if you need a place to stay let me know, ill try to figure something out :)))
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