Twin meets Christa Palazzolo and Sarah Brown of slow motion-pop duet Boy Friend to talk about their latest dreamy incarnation, a U.S. girl group world takeover and what it’s like to be a twin…

Boy Friend emerged from a previous project, Sleep ∞ Over, how did it come about?
Christa: We’ve played music together on and off for the last 12 years, and have managed to stay super close through all the ups and downs. When Sleep ∞ Over began to fall apart, it only felt natural to start afresh with each other in a new band. The Boy Friend EP came directly after the S.O. breakup, and was definitely therapeutic. We’re looking forward to new adventures in sound with this new project.

Sarah: The break-up wasn’t the most pleasant of experiences. I think we needed a fresh start and to stay busy and positive, so we’re both really pumped to be making new music.

What are your roles within the Boy Friend project?
Christa: I play keys and sing; which is what I’ve done for quite a while now, though I’ve never had so much of my voice thrown into the mix. I also tinker with other instruments- My twin is sort of a musical savant, so I’ve learned a lot from her.

Sarah: I just play

guitar and attempt to sing back up. I’ve taken piano and violin lessons and I played bass in our high school band/project. I’m mostly just here to Keep IT Real.

From a personal rather than stylistic perspective, how would you distinguish the music you produce as Boy Friend from your previous work?
Christa: I have personally never poured so much into a musical project before. I’ve been in several bands where I wasn’t doing the majority of the writing, so I wasn’t quite as attached as I am now. I feel so comfortable working with Sarah, I don’t hold anything back. We both tell it like it is to each other and we want this project to be totally true to ourselves.

Sarah: I have to sing.

Christa, co-incidentally you’re a twin – when it comes to your creative relationships would you credit this as having an influence?
Christa: It has definitely played a role, but I’m not sure it’s an advantage. Me and my sister have played music together on and off and perhaps grabbed some attention because of the identical twin factor (and have always been competitive with any of our artistic projects), but we’re both pretty different as individuals.

Sarah: NOVELTY FACTOR

In recent years there’s been a surge in American female bands. With groups such as Vivian Girls and Warpaint snowballing into mainstream popularity and inevitable comparisons being drawn across the genre, do you think this is the result of an industrious generation of female artists or are audiences just growing more attuned to female groups?
Christa: I think it’s fucking awesome that so many females are getting into the mix, but I don’t feel anyone should be judged solely on gender. Maybe the surge has to do with confidence…either way it’s about talent. I think audiences love diversity, so put those two together and 2012 is going to be AMAZING.

Sarah: I think it’s more socially acceptable now to pursue an artistic career for both men and women. Also I don’t think gender plays a role in anyone’s ability to be creative.

Who are your strongest influences?
Harry Nilsson, Paul Simon, Ray Lynch, Fleetwood Mac, Brian Wilson, The Bangles, Boyz 2 Men, The Cure, The Cranberries, Danny Elfman, Wanda Jackson, The Everly Brothers and R. Kelly

Whose music are you currently most excited by?
Christa: Chat Room, Grimes, Love Inks, I Dazzler, Melted Toys, Airwaves, Gucci Mane

Sarah: R. KELLY, Gucci Mane, SURVIVE, Speculator

You have a very luxurious euphoric sound – how do you see your music evolving in the future?
Grittier, bigger, crazier, love jams.

Listen to Boy Friend at boyfriendmusic.bandcamp.com

Words by Julia Hobbs.

Photo diary by Boy Friend.

Tags: Boy Friend, Christa Palazzolo, Julia Hobbs, Sarah Brown, twins