War Twins American Kids Interview

Haunting Video: Grammy Award Winning Producer

War Twins are an art rock grunge pop duo based in Los Angeles. Known for their dynamic live set, full of passionate energy, rock n' roll soul and deep electronics, the band have grown from their small hometowns on the east coast, to a string of successful nationwide tours.

The duo was founded by singer/songwriter Gaetana and drummer/producer James Grey. Beginning in early 2013, the band built a bed in the back of a '98 Plymouth Voyager and promoted their first demo on a tour that took them to over 80 cities. Since then they've performed close to 500 shows across the country to date.

War Twins are now releasing their new record American Kids. Produced by Grammy Award-winning producer, Sylvia Massy (TOOL, Prince, Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tom Petty), the release includes the single 'Right or Wrong,' out via 6Tetra4 Records. Showcasing haunting melodies, gritty guitars, stomping percussion and passionate vocals, the music narrates a message of empowerment, expressing that anyone can do what they want, even if they had been through hell. Gaetana confides, "To be honest, this project was a way for me to heal. When I began writing for War Twins, I felt a strong desire to give a message of brutal honesty, empowerment and strength. I didn't know at the time that this was because it was what I needed myself. I am a survivor of rape, domestic violence and abuse, so for me this project has been about reclaiming who I am in a powerful way, even when it makes me uncomfortable". The visuals for 'Right or Wrong' emphasizes the ideology of female empowerment, with Gaetana dressed in glamorous costumes, she takes vengeance, poisoning her victim, creating an eerie and eccentric vision.

American Kids is comprised of a variety of unique songs, ranging from grungy 90s-esque, to atmospheric, folky, electronic, and dark, heavy hitters. The release covers themes of sexuality and Gaetana's story of being in the closet in high school as a pansexual woman, poking fun at her obsession with romance and true love stories and rom-com movies. She shouts about her frustration with parts of western culture and expresses questions and sadness around seeing females, LGBTQ and other beautiful communities oppressed by popular culture and social confines.

War Twins succeed in bringing in an element to the forefront of their music that allows audiences to feel connected to something big and mysterious, something magical, mystical or spiritual. Inspired by the likes of The Runaways, Joan Jett, St Vincent, as well as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and The Smashing Pumpkins, the duo have created a fresh sound which bursts with energy and leaves a powerful imprint with listeners.

War Twins have supported international acts such as Wolf Alice, Alien Ant Farm and Filter, with additional performances at SXSW, Catskill Chill, Slingshot and other Festivals. 'Right or Wrong' is out now.

Interview with War Twins

Question: How would you describe your music?

War Twins: Art rock grunge pop music.


Question: Can you tell us about American Kids?

War Twins: I wrote it on tour with my friend Zakk Connor on a bench. We were hanging outside of a hotel and I just started singing the hook. The rest is tongue and cheek about being a millennial, feeling misunderstood and living with the American bullshit circus that is in the fucking white house.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

War Twins: Speaking my own personal truth and being willing to say what I feel and see around me.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

War Twins: Performing definitely.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

War Twins: Warrior, because it is dynamic and uplifting. I love hearing the crowd scream "I am a Warrior".


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

War Twins: Sweetie the cat. With her kitty headphones on. The cuteness would be inspiring.


Question: What is the story behind the band name?

War Twins: James and I discovered it from a beautiful book called "Grandmothers of the Light".

Question: How did the band come together?

War Twins: James and I fell in love and the rest is history.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

War Twins: Bleached, Frankie and the Studs, St Vincent and Tune-yards.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

War Twins: Merrill Garbus from Tune-Yards. She inspired me through bringing causes she cared about into her music. She is also a powerhouse who did something strange and made art from her heart.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

War Twins: James Grey.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?
War Twins: Living in a van for years. It really changes you, and not always in a good way. On the positive side I have learned you can live with far less then you think, although on the other side, I am learning how to rest and take time to just be as opposed to always working.


Question: What's a typical day like?

War Twins: Now? I wake up, I meditate, I hang with my cat and then I go out into the world and follow my intuition wherever it leads. I do my best to be of service to people and beings around me.


Interview by Brooke Hunter