Orginially published on Starry Magazine – March 1st, 2024
Q) How do you believe that growing up surrounded by music has influenced your choice of becoming musicians?
Caroline: All of our best memories are around doing music with our family. For generations we have been playing guitars and jamming whenever we are together. One of the most fun things to do as a kid was to sit down and listen to everyone talk about music and hear them sing.
Q) Who were the main influences that you believe helped you build your sound?
Caroline: I really feel influenced by Dolly Parton, John Prine and the Indigo Girls.
JayJ: I really feel like I have gotten a lot of inspiration from the songwriting of John Prine and the singing of the Indigo Girls.
But for fun, we both like to jam out to some Queen. You should hear us try and sing “Boeheimian Rhapsody” …[laughs]
Q) If you were to describe your sound, what would you say about it?
A) We would probably say Americana! A mix of country, folk, bluegrass and rock.
Q) Since the release of your first single “Ramblin’” back in 2022, you have received praised reviews about your music; what does it mean for you as artists that your songs resonate with the audience and cause a positive impact on them?
A) I mean, just the idea that we can write songs about our own experiences and feelings and have that be enough to bring a whole community of people together is really special. Especially since we can make a life out of it!
Q) Please tell us about your creative process when writing new music together.
JayJ: Usually, Caroline sits silently in her room and comes up with something, whether that be a whole song or just a verse. Then, we all just sit down and start to spit balling ideas! It’s super non-linear.
Q) Having the opportunity to wear different hats such as writing, producing, recording and also performing your own songs; what would you say is the part of this process that you enjoy the most?
Caroline: My favorite is always entertaining first! But writing and producing is my close second.
JayJ: I love preforming ,too. But I also like recording and working in the studio.
Q) Given the educational model that you have followed provided by the Washington Virtual Academies; it has allowed you to continue to enjoy and expand your music career without neglecting your studies. Why was that so important to you?
A) Well, most of our musical mentors dropped out of high school. But JayJ and I both like and are good at school. And getting an education and finishing high school has always been important to us.
Q) In 2023 you had the opportunity to go on your first National Tour called “The Ramblin’ Tour” and perform in different venues. Where were some of your favorite places to perform?
A) Ooo! I think we can both agree our top 3 were: Cave B Winery, Urban Growler and Red Ants Pants!
Q) This 2024 “The Ramblin’ Tour” continues; what are some of your favorite songs to perform?
A) We love all of our songs, and our favorites always change. But our top are probably “Space Oddity,” “Angeline” and anything we sing with the other kids!
Q) Last month you were part of the line-up of talented musicians that were invited to perform at Brandi Carlile’s “Girls Just Wanna” in Mexico; how was the experience of sharing the stage with your aunt Brandi Carlile?
A) SO FUN. Every single person that is a part of the GJWW community is wonderful. Being on stage and Infront of these people is such a good experience. There’s truly no crowd like them!
Q) What advice would you give to other up and coming musicians?
A) If it’s not going to really harm you, never say no! Any experience you receive is going to be good experience. And remember to support your fellow artist. Lifting other artists up is never going to put you down.
Q) What are the artists you would like to share the stage within the near future?
A) We love this question – Brandy Clark, The Red Clay Strays, Noah Kahan and The Secret Sisters!
Q) Are there any plans to release an EP or a full album anytime soon?
A) Yup! We just finished recording a 5 song EP! We hope to release it in the spring.
Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters out there?
A) Hi! We love you, we are so grateful for you and we can’t wait to see you at the next show!
To learn more about Washington Virtual Academies, please visit https://wava.k12.com.
To learn more about Insight School of Washington, please visit https://insightwa.k12.com.
