TWO LIPS remain inseperable in new press conference
Not on Stage was given the pleasurable invite from 1824 to interview an incredible artist duo in the rise named Two Lips. With the release of their new singles “clue/talk”, as well as being able to open for Sabrina Carpenter, during her BST Hyde Park show in London, it’s safe to say they are on the rise to become of their caliber. We got to interview them a couple questions, along with plenty other 1824 affiliated outlets.
What is your writing process
Our writing process can be based on influences of what we’ve watched such as movies, tv shows, music we listened to and experiences we have been through in our life.
Musical Influences
Many different influences, such as Lilly Allen to The Marias and Yeah Yeah Yeahs,. Late 90s and early 2000s to the 2010s.
Would you both consider your music under the umbrella indie pop, and if so, what characteristics align with that category?
We do like to say indie pop, though not independent anymore, we identify within the music we like to listen to and we like to create, a lot of different factors that play into how we categorize our music.
What experiences, albeit romance or friendship, contribute to the songwriting process and development of music?
Every song we have written is because of something that we have gone through, Talk for example, is based on us having trouble with communication with our partners, and though we risk sharing our partner’s private lives on our songs, its a way that we feel we can express who we are. A certain moment happens and we’re like, alright there’s a song. So it is all relative to what we are going through.
Joel is definitely are most emotional song, as it was about friendship breakup for each of our individual lives that was hard to make up and understand. It’s great to know people relate to it the way they do and we have cultivated an audience of that caliber.
If you could conversate with yourself two years ago, what would you share?
Two years ago we were both in different places. 23 is also the worst year of our 20s, 23 and 27, I was going though a really hard breaku, and so was Julia. Both going through stuff allowed us to be together more, and here we are. Tell yourself that I have the ability to be success fully and talented in the music industry and to believe in yourself more. But also to not apply to grad school.
How does playlist play a role?
We use it as reference for events or feelings in life, and to have studios listen and be bale to make a new music. You have to create a world and making a playlist allows us to really curate songs and sum up visions of what we are feeling.
How has childhood influenced you
Karaoke was something around when I grew up, we always sang songs, and I sang songs as covers on YouTube when I was 9, being Filipino influenced them to sing and make music, and especially with people of color being underrepresented in the music industry, within our music it makes us want to represent latino and Filippino culture.
What advice do you have for Filipino artist
As a people of color you have to work harder unfortunately in the music industry, but don’t let it discourage you, do it for the right reasons and stay authentic
Where do you channel your lyricism
We write a lot very straightforward and be more metaphorical, we like to get it straight across. Loves music when it’s relatable, can be confused but if someone is sad about this, im also sad about this. The diary is my notes app
Biggest highlight
Going to different countries and being able to have fans sing songs crazy, and Sabrina Carpenter knowing about us and allowing us to play at her festival. Will visit Atlanta
Anything you are approaching differently than you would when writing songs?
Our songs are better when real life instruments are involved, a live band amplifies everything, makes it more fun.
Visual content is very intentional. What role do visuals play in identity
Naturally dark, naturally light. Different energies, blends together. Your vibe aesthetic and looks play a role, music plays a role but everything plays a role. Sun and moon kind of vibe.
What artists are inspiring you
We are working with The Marias and their music, Knocked Out and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bellanova, Ariana Grande, its hard to narrow down
Favorite part of working as a duo
Strengths and difference, ying and yang, individual differences. We use it as a creative outlet. Weights are equally distributed. Having someone with you together works a lot
What sparks your creativity
A lot is movie. What visual do we want, we’ll look uo Virgin Suicide, this clip is so good, we think about being in a TV show. Dream is to have song in a movie or TV show.
Difference with working indie and now a label
Limited with sounds to make, when indie, but working with producers make it more free, a lot more creative. Loves a small group go people. They want the best for them. More collaborative. Having something personal and putting it out towards the world. We always dreamt of performing it, imagining it in the bedroom. Surreal moment, now with a band and people coming to the shows
New single Talk, explores serious themes. Share more about that
Communication problems with past partners, boyfriends listen to their music, have to be careful as reality sees the music, other themes about relationships are mentioned. Trying to balance truth and love
Kicked off tour, what would be your pre and post show rituals?
Get airway smoothies, do a chant with band members, sign of the cross, two lips will not die slowly
What songs are the best in your catalog?
Still Love You and the On the Chord covers
How does it feel to be friends doing music?
Business married, great to be together, but need to make sure that you hang out as well
Bilingual storytelling and songwriting are common in your music, how is that shared among the both of you or inflenced in yoru creative process?
Parents were born in Mexico, and know Spanish, the community comes together when doing the music show, understanding the people are like us
Relatability in music?
Teenagers are carrying the indie pop scene, bit being 25 should be shared more in music and something that should be highlighted
