By: Jamie Steinberg
Q) How would you describe your sound?
Calvin: I would describe our sound as very uptempo. We really enjoy making music that people can move their body to and dance. In this current era we have taken inspiration in Brazilian funk culture infused with elements with sounds including Hip-Hop and Pop.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
Clinton: Chris Brown, Lil Nas X, Anitta, Pedro Sampaio, Bad Bunny, Doja Cat, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, Katy Perry and Justin Bieber, and Britney Spears especially the early 2000s-2010s era.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Yum Yum.”
Calvin: “YUM YUM” is inspired by Brazilian funk influences so it”s very raunchy, fun and sexy and we wanted a track that is fun to perform and dance to. We heard the beat and wanted to talk about someone desiring you as a dessert, think of you being the ice cream and the person wants that flavor they crave, which is YOU! [laughs]
Q) This has a great Brazilian vibe to the song. Where did the idea come from to add this sound/vibe to the track?
Calvin: We love Brazilian culture. We both like to joke that Brazilians are our spirit humans, because they understand fun, chaos, and know how to make very high energy songs, very much like how we do.
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
Calvin: I think “YUM YUM” is a great summer gay anthem for the gays to just have fun and twerk and get lit to. I think that in itself is why our audience connects to it because it’s a fun summer bop.
Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?
Clinton: The music video for “YUM YUM” plays into the dessert aspect of what “YUM YUM” can mean. Someone can crave your body as a dessert, so we wanted to playfully create a visual that embodies that.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
Clinton: For our song writing process, we definitely need to hear a beat before our writing. I think that makes the most sense especially if you want the emotion you are seeking. As far as coming up with ideas, we do a lot of thinking into what we want to talk about on a track. A lot of our songs are metaphorical in which we use a certain word to play off of and we use our real life situations, or something that is relatable for the most part.
Q) How do you decide which voice would sound best for the various aspects of singing your songs?
Clinton: Although we are twins, we have our strengths and weaknesses. So, when we listen to a track, sometimes if the person comes up with the chorus they will do that part, and vice versa. If someone is starting a verse they do that, but this isn’t always the case. We usually pick which parts we want to do and then write to them.
Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
Clinton: We are part of the production from the jump. We have our best friend who creates our beats for us and we initially put together the structure of our songs and often create melodies. We also work with a songwriter who also helps us with our vision.
Q) With “Yum Yum” out now, is this a prelude to a full album or EP?
Calvin: For “YUM YUM,” the song sets the tone for what our upcoming album will bring. It’s Brazilian funk inspired. We have another planned single called “DINERO,” which the vibe is completely different from “YUM YUM.”
“DINERO” is an anthem about getting to the money and getting out your feelings. Beginning of 2024 last year I gave someone a chance, who chased me, and then when they had me they stopped communicating and gave low effort. I usually don’t like to date because it requires vulnerability , n which I was for that situationship, and I’m still embarrassed till this day showing them that side of me. So, I made “DINERO” to focus on the money not the man. [laughs]
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
Clinton: There is nothing better than performing in your own city (Sacramento, CA). As of recently, we did a show in LA and the crowd was amazing! What makes it special is connecting with audiences and they enjoy how fun our music is.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
Calvin: We would definitely want to collaborate with people who we can connect and vibe with and not always about the money, just pure mutual vision and vibes. But ideally it would be Lil Nas X, Durand Bernarr and Kaytranada.
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
Calvin: For the longest time it has been Brazilian artists like Anitta, but now we have gotten into Kaytranda and house music. I love Kaytranda’s vibe and his production. Also, I have been listening to an upcoming artist named Bronze Avery – he makes bangerssss!
Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?
Clinton: Social media is the blueprint for connecting with fans. Anyone who despises the internet will get left behind and forgotten. That is the new way to promote music and push your brand, whatever that may be. We like posting our videos and getting comments and replying to people. That makes me feel connected to my audience and I know they appreciate that.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
Calvin: We would like to say just have fun listening to our music. You never know what you’re really gonna get from us. One day we may want to do hip-hop, one day we may want to do house music, but still staying true to our sound.
Clinton: We would also say our platform is a way to inspire other queer black folks that being you and being authentic is more than enough. Many people know our hardships growing up and hopefully when people come to our page, they have a safe space to feel like themselves even if it’s just for a moment.
Calvin: We have also inspired other people to come out, so I really feel amazing that our platform allowed others to be themselves loud and proudly!