Interviews

The Lemon Twigs : “We’re definitely music first people”

The D’Addario brothers are a pair of talented songwriters with a deep affection for an era well before their time. They talk about their latest albums and the guiding light to their creativity: ‘60s pop.

The Lemon Twigs 2024 © Stephanie Pia

Brian and Michael aren’t just coasting, they’re gearing up for take-off. Still in their 20s, with five albums under their belts and a decade of experience, their music just gets better with every release. Thanks to their dad, a ‘60s musician, these Long Island sensations have found their niche as they blend the orchestral pop of Laurel Canyon with Liverpool’s Mersey Beat. In other words, they are somewhere between the Beach Boys and The Beatles, and with similar vibes to artists like The Everly Brothers, Simon & Garfunkel, The Association, and Spanky & Our Gang. Since their debut album, Do Hollywood, came out in 2016 on 4AD when they were still teens, they’ve been on an incredible journey of self-discovery, guided by the advice of Jonathan Rado.

Today, they’ve really found their groove. Following their ambitious 2017 album Go to School (a quirky tale about a chimp who wants to go to school), and then the energetic glam rock of Songs for the General Public (2020), their record Everything’s Harmony (2023), strikes the perfect balance. The D’Addario’s create harmonies that will take your breath away, singing about those fleeting moments of love without the emotional baggage. Their latest release, A Dream Is All We Know (2024), recorded on vintage gear, has continued their pursuit for perfect melodies and a warm, classic vibe. These two retro “good vibes only” records stand in stark contrast to the anxieties of modern life, putting the focus squarely on the music. We caught up with the brothers to discuss their ambitions for the future, their past inspirations, and their exciting solo projects, just ahead of what was a fantastic live show in Paris at Le Bataclan.