New York (AP) – A captivating synergy emerges with the vocal harmonies of Holly Rasig and Jess Wolf. Lucius is unlocking numerous opportunities within the music industry.
Upon arriving home, Joni Mitchell famously welcomed Brandi Carlile to perform during one of her “Jonijams.” When Paul McCartney knocked, they were thrilled to answer.
Performing at Mitchell’s residence offers a unique experience. Imagining McCartney’s presence, Laessig and Wolfe practiced their rendition of “Goodbye,” a song he penned in 1969 that became a hit for Mary Hopkin. They felt the recognition in the moment.
Over the years, the women have collaborated with an array of artists including Sheryl Crow, Harry Styles, Roger Waters, Jeff Tweedy, the Lumineers, and Mumford & Sons. This year, their focus is on their own music with Lucius, a rock band featuring Dan Molad and Peter Lalish.
They unveiled a self-produced album that captures their serene experiences in Los Angeles as they embrace family life.
An album that resonates like home
Lucius’s Holly Laessig and Jess Wolfe will perform at the 8th Love Rocks NYC Concert held in New York on March 7th, 2024. (Photo: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, file)
“It felt as though we were rediscovering ourselves,” Wolf shared. “The title of the record was never in doubt; it was simply, let’s embrace our name.”
Laessig and Wolfe crossed paths two decades ago as students at Berklee College of Music in Boston and quickly formed a bond. They first collaborated as part of a project to reimagine The Beatles’ White Album.
“We’ve always drawn inspiration from Phil Spector and Elliott Smith—artists who used dual vocals for unique textures,” Wolf remarked. “We thought, why not bring this to life in our performances? We both aspired to be lead singers, but we found harmony together.”
“Singing in unison,” Laessig points out, “isn’t for the timid.”
Check out “Heartbreaker” and The Man I’ll Never Find, particularly their stripped-down piano versions, which demonstrate their artistry.
Many people mistakenly believe they are sisters. Their similar appearances and coordinated outfits on stage strengthen this notion. Behind the scenes, they arrived at the Associated Press in matching red ensembles, sharing the same makeup, often blurring the lines of identity.
It does feel a bit uncanny, to be honest.
“We’re intentionally curating our aesthetic,” Wolf elaborated. “Having grown up in theater, it’s liberating for me to wear a costume, transforming into someone different, even if just for a while.”
“We wanted you to see a unified front,” she said. “We didn’t want you to identify just two individuals.”
This artistic choice has served them well, as Laessig noted. “During our tours, when we showed up dressed alike, people often wondered who we were, which opened conversations about our performances scheduled for 3 PM on this stage.”
Their collaborative nature offers a substantial advantage when working with other musicians.
“People who invite us understand the solid rapport we share,” she noted. “We effortlessly communicate in our own languages, crafting a distinct atmosphere within any project. Thankfully, we are given creative freedom in all our various ventures.”
Sharing styles and family ties
Their personal lives reflect this connection. They reside just minutes apart and have both welcomed babies in the past year.
Collaboration can lead to powerful outcomes, as seen with Lucius bringing in Madison Cunningham and others for two tracks on their new album. However, a risk comes with being known for collaboration—losing their own artistic identity.
“We enjoy exploring various musical realms and witnessing its evolution, even if it diverges from who we are,” Wolf noted. “There’s a captivating enchantment in that. At times, exploring different soundscapes can feel disconnected from our essence.”
In this light, “Lucius” serves as a response to the dance-heavy production brought by Brandi Carlile and Dave Cobb on their 2022 album “Second Nature.” This latest disc leans more towards rock, resonating with the musicians’ comfort zone. “We wrote about our current experiences, making it authentic and genuine,” Wolf commented.
They anticipate a busy summer touring and sharing life with their young families.
“We’re embarking on this adventure together, exposing our kids to diverse places, cultures, and cuisines, more than we experienced at their age,” Wolf shared. “Managing nap times and sleep can be a challenge, but it’s all so beautiful.”
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David Bauder writes on the intersection of media and entertainment for the AP. Follow him on http://x.com/dbauder and https://bsky.app/profile/dbauder.bsky.social
Source: apnews.com