Have you ever found a new band or artist and were completely obsessed with them and listened to them over and over? Well, you are not alone. My new obsession is Tegan and Sara and this obsession has been lasting for a year after I heard "The Con". On iTunes it says that the genre of music is alternative. That's a little vague, isn't it? I would describe them as having a folk-like feeling, especially on their live versions and acoustic versions of their songs. Indie pop or folk pop would describe them the best. I really enjoy them; they have a very unique sound. None of their songs are listed as explicit, so they should be okay for younger children to listen to them.
The duet are exactly the same age (give or take eight minutes). Yes, that's right they are identical twin sisters! Tegan Rain Quin and Sara Kiersten Quin were born on September 19, 1980. They were raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They initially played as PLUNK and didn't have a drummer or a bassist. In 1998, they used their school's recording studio to record two demos. A year later, they made a early breakthrough by winning Garage Warz Battle of the Bands, a local Calgary music competition. When they were entered in the competition they were known as "Sara and Tegan". Their first album, "Under Feet Like Ours", was the only one released under "Sara and Tegan". Since then they have toured with various artists such as, Rufus Wainwright, Northern State, The Killers, Hot Hot Heat, and Weezer, just to name a few. They are currently signed to Neil Young's Vapor records in Canada. Their personal lives have always been an interest to the press because they are both lesbian. But they hardly ever say anything about it in their songs. Currently, Tegan lives in Vancouver and Sara lives in Montreal.
Both twins sing and play instruments. The lead melody often goes to whichever wrote the particular song. On their earlier albums they did not sing together, however on their later albums and concerts they do sing together. Their newest and fifth album, "The Con, was produced by Chris Walla of "Death Cab For a Cutie". Jason McGerr of "Death Cab For a Cutie", Hunter Burgen of "AFI", and Kaki King appear on the album.
In 2005 Tegan and Sara preformed a cover of Prince's "When You Were Mine". In 2006 The White Stripes released a cover song of Tegan and Sara's "Walking With a Ghost". "Walking With a Ghost" was also used in a mash up dance remix by Party Ben. Also in 2006, the duet contributed a cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark". Tegan has contributed back up vocals to Against Me's "Bourne on FM Waves to the Heart". And Sara has contributed back up vocals to The Reason's "We're So Beyond This". In 2007, Sara recorded a cover of R.E.M's "Sweetness Follows". In 2007, Tegan and Sara also recorded a cover of Rhianna's "Umbrella" (ella-ella!).
They have appeared on many talk shows since their first album including, "The Late Show with David Letterman" and "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno". Their songs have appeared in many movies, the most famous being Monster-in-Law and Sweet November. Their tracks are also found on the hit television shows "Grey's Anatomy" and "One Tree Hill". Not only that, but their song "The Con" was played repeatedly between shows on The-N.
Tegan and Sara have many accomplishments including gracing the front pages of many magazines. In Rolling Stone's magazine (2004) their album, So Jealous, was placed in the top 50 albums of the year. They were also nominated for the 2006 Juno Award (Canadian Emmy Award) for album of the year. In 2008, Spinner.com placed them at #7 for "Women Who Rock Right Now".
BAND MEMBERS
Tegan Quin - vocals, guitar, keyboard, piano, and various percussion
Sara Quin - vocals, guitar, keyboard, piano, and various percussion
Edward "Ted" Gowans - guitar, keyboard, and MalletKAT
Shaun Huberts - bass guitar, synth bass, and keyboard
Johnny "5" Andrews - drums, various percussion
DISCOGRAPHY
Yellow Demo (1998)
Orange Demo (1998)
Red Demo (1998)
Under Feet Like Ours (1999)
This Business of Art (2000)
If It Was You (2002)
So Jealous (2004)
The Con (2007)
I'll Take the Blame EP (2007)
Tegan and Sara: Live Session EP (2008)
The Con Demos (2008)
SINGLES
"The First" (2000)
"Time Running" (2003)
"I Hear Noises" (2003)
"Monday Monday Monday" (2003)
"Walking With a Ghost" (2004)
"Speak Slow" (2004)
"Back In Your Head" (2007)
"The Con" (2007)
DVD's
"It's Not Fun Don't Do It" (2006)
"The Con- The Movie" (2007)
Just by reading their web site I can tell that they both have a sense of humor. They also respect one another tremendously and admire each other's writing. It's great to know that they have such a tight connection with each other. When ever they come to my town I'm definitely seeing them!
HAWT (having a wonderful day) and hope you are too!
Kindell
Author's Note: Sources:
iTunes
www.teganandsara.com
www.teganandsarafans.com
www.youtube.com
www.amazon.com
