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.
Chandra and Leigh Watson, identical twin sisters, were raised in the sprawling southern city of Louisville, Kentucky. As children they began singing in the church choir and it was there they discovered a passion for music and an innate ability to harmonize. In 1997, The Watson Twins pulled up stakes and moved from Louisville across the country to Los Angeles. They found their place in the music scene of Silverlake; a neighborhood that cultivated artists such as Beck, Elliot Smith, Silversun Pickups, Rilo Kiley and more. It wasn’t long before The Watson Twins found a circle of “like minded” musicians and formed Slydell, a popular band in the local music scene.
In 2006, Jenny Lewis (Rilo Kiley) and The Watson Twins released Rabbit Fur Coat, on Conor Oberst’s label, Team Love Records. Rabbit Fur Coat was an unheralded sensation. Lewis and The Twins toured the world from Holland to Japan, making major television appearances on David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien and Craig Kilborn. Rabbit Fur Coat was featured on several reputable top-ten Album of the Year lists, including National Public Radio’s All Things Considered.
The Watson Twins’ self-released and critically acclaimed EP, Southern Manners (2006), propelled the sisters even further. They kicked off 2007 with a sold out performance at Los Angeles' renowned Getty Center and continued throughout the year playing major festivals (SXSW, Bumbershoot, Camper Campout, Pop Montreal) as well as performing live radio sessions on Indie 103.1, KEXP and KCRW's prestigious show, Morning Becomes Eclectic. In addition to gracing the cover of Billboard Magazine, The Twins had major features in Flaunt, Jane and Nylon. Finally, Southern Manners hit its highest moment, when the song "Time of My Life" was featured on ABC's award winning show Grey's Anatomy.
The Watson Twin’s full-length debut, Fire Songs, was recorded in September 2007 at Everest Analog Recorders and New Monkey Studios, both in Los Angeles. The unique approach by producers Russell Pollard (Sebadoh, Folk Implosion, Alaska, Everest) and J. Soda (Slydell, Everest), called for an all-analog recording, ultimately capturing The Watson Twins' raw vocals on songs like "How Am I To Be", "Map To Where You Are" and the Cure cover "Just Like Heaven." Fire Songs was released June 24, 2008 on Vanguard Records, a historic label, that in its 50 + year history has been home to Doc Watson, Levon Helm, Mindy Smith, John Fahey and Joan Baez.
Since the release of Fire Songs, the Watson Twins have toured extensively supporting notable acts such as Billy Bragg, Elbow, M.Ward, Ben Kweller, Nada Surf, Old 97’s, Juliana Hatfield and more. They debuted their single “How Am I To Be” on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, as well as having songs featured on Private Practice, HBO’s True Blood, Fringe and Privileged.
February 2009 saw the release of The Watson Twins EP, Live at Fingerprints. The EP showcases acoustic versions of select tracks from Fire Songs along with a special unreleased B-Side.
Gaining fans in the indie-rock, folk and alternative-country music scenes, The Watson Twins – whose visual presence equals their vocal presence – can’t be easily categorized. Their music is an evocative approach to warm, familiar sounds, which intrigue and enchant.
*****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:
I seen you guys open up for M.ward show at the vic theater I fell in love very original and unique M. ward and she& him is all i listen too,I have open my doors for you guys as well I love you guys just thought I tell you
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