Interview: Twayn

If you haven’t been living under a rock, you’re probably aware of the dynamic double act that is Twayn, 20 year old twin sisters Hannah and Grace from Newcastle known for their poignant, pitch perfect pop sound. They’ve had a remarkable run since forming in December 2021, from coming second in the Liverpool International Song Competition, playing at Hardwick Festival, featuring on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, and even supporting Jools Holland at Newcastle’s iconic City Hall last December. They impressed the two thousand cap venue so much that Holland has now invited them to join him on an impressive four date tour, just in time for their new EP Sadness Is My Sanctuary releasing this winter.

So what else is special about Twayn? “Our music is lyrically driven, and harmonies are very important to us. Our musical style has been described as a blend of pop, indie pop, and pop rock, and lyrically we address themes like modern love and friendships,” Grace tells us. “Initially our songs were more harmony-driven adult contemporary ballads, but some of our more recent music has been more upbeat, electric, and synth-heavy.” It’s this ever-evolving sound that has cemented the duo’s reputation, and they’re only getting better on their new EP, out Friday 28th November.

“The writing for Sadness Is My Sanctuary is much more mature,” Grace says. “The themes are mostly about troubled romantic relationships. When we were younger, we could only write breakup songs as observers, I guess; about films and by empathising with other breakup songs, as we hadn’t had those feelings yet, so these songs tap into more of our personal experiences, which I think makes them more authentic and real.” Hannah adds, “I think experience informs everything, but no experience is ever original, especially when writing. Heartbreak, after all, is one of the most universal feelings in the human language.”

While their vision grows on this project, their trusted collaborators stay the same, Hannah tells us. “We worked with the lovely Josh Ingledew at Blank Studios. We have a great relationship with him, and I think we all just understand each other now, which makes working together very comfortable and almost instinctive. He knows our funny little ways, like always wanting to lay down ‘just one more’ harmony and he’s very tolerant, maybe even supportive, of that!” Spine, the gut-wrenching first single from the EP, was awarded BBC Introducing track of the week – so clearly the longtime dream team are doing something right. “We knew these songs were special when we made them, and that accolade just confirmed it to us,” Hannah says. 

Working with mostly North East-based collaborators is a recurring power move from the duo – from their local band members Oscar, Isaac and Kunal, to their producer Josh Ingledew, and special guest guitarist Billy Smith from fellow local music duo Smith & Liddle. “It’s a great community here in the North East and that’s been nice too,” Hannah shares. “I think generally there’s a lot of support for artists, from Generator who do lots of courses that help you progress your creative practice, as well as the support you get from each other, from people at venues who will take you under their wing and guide you.”

This being said, Twayn will be taking big steps outside of the North East incredibly soon, with their Jools Holland support tour taking them and their band to London’s Royal Albert Hall on 22nd November, Manchester’s O2 Apollo on 19th December, Cardiff’s Utilita Arena on 20th December and Bristol Beacon on 21st December. “It still feels more than a bit surreal to be honest. There is so much work going on behind the scenes, that we would never have known up until now,” Grace tells us. “We’re very lucky and grateful to Jools and his team. At a time when it is so hard for grassroots musicians and venues, we are lucky enough to have been given this opportunity and honestly, we really do know how lucky we are!” Hannah adds.

All in all, if you haven’t taken a dive into Twayn’s discography yet, you really should – they’ve got the Jools Holland stamp of approval! You can catch them on his winter tour, or, more locally, at The Common Room in Newcastle on 15th December supporting IDER. Their third EP Sadness Is My Sanctuary is out on Friday 28th November.