Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk Club inc.

 

Alanna and Alicia are twin sisters who blend folk, jazz and roots in their original, acoustic songs. Their performances feature sweet, sibling harmonies and their lyrics sparkle with an original, intimate voice that is rare in songwriters today. As identical twins, they share a uniquely intuitive, creative partnership and have a natural musical rapport. They have had considerable recognition for their songwriting, winning awards at several national festivals. Both have been finalists in the Australian Songwriting Awards (Alicia 2009, Alanna top 10 acoustic song earlier) and Alicia won Best New Talent at Port Fairy in 1998. Amy Bennett (piano and strings) and Andy Baylor/ Damien Neil, (guitar ) provide subtle, imaginative instrumentation.

The band performs in Melbourne eg Northcote Social Club, Wesley Anne, Clifton Hill Hotel, The East Brunswick Club, Bar 303 and at Australian festivals, including Port Fairy 2010, the National FF 2010, Brunswick 2010, Newstead Live 2010, The Troubadour 2010, Gorgeous Voices 2010, Melodica 2010, The Basin 2009 & 10, Maldon 2008 and Darebin 2009, and at folk clubs such as Melbourne, Selby, Burrinja Ranges and Bendigo.
In March they opened for Eddi Reader at the Brunswick Town Hall.

They have shared the stage with many talented acts including Eddi Reader (Scotland), Eleanor McEvoy (Ireland), Madison Violet (Canada), Kim Richey (USA), The Waifs, Jeff Lang, Clare Bowditch, Jen Cloher, Alex Burns, Kavisha Mazzella, Kerrieanne Cox, Lloyd Speigel, Jordie Lane and Tinpan Orange

'Two in a Book', the much anticipated second album from the sisters, was recorded with the assistance of a Vic Rocks Arts Grant and launched at the Port Fairy Folk Festival 2010.

Both are gifted songwriters, and the tracks on the new album are inspiring, honest and witty. The girls are natural wordsmiths and they write with insight about personal issues, especially for the 20s to 30s demographic. We hear about the 'joys' of living in a sharehouse, coping with a long distance romance and the conflicting choices facing women today. Alanna & Alicia write about what people think but often are unable to articulate themselves.
Barry Stockley at Fatsound Recording Studio in Melbourne has captured the essence of Alanna & ALicia's work with a warm, present recording. They have some fine musicians playing with them on the album; Australia's elder statesman of folk, jazz, country and blues, Andy Baylor on guitar, Peter Baylor and Justin Bernasconi on guitar and slide guitar, Amy Bennett on piano, viola, violin, Corey Romeo on mandolin, Cally Tromins on cello and Mark Elton on double bass.


‘By any assessment they are shaping up for a very significant, even huge future. It would not surprise me if they ended up on any stage in the world.’ Jamie McKew, Festival Director Port Fairy Folk Festival, Feb, 2009

‘They were cheeky, adventurous, funny and commanding. They are a joy and a must see for anyone who thinks, listens, laughs and sings.’ (Mel Robertson, Melbourne Folk Club, May 2009)

‘Alanna and Alicia Egan’s songs are timeless and delivered from the heart, a rare trait for singer/songwriters in this day and age. ’ (Marcello Lo Ricco, LSS Productions)

‘These girls are the complete package – not only are they excellent songwriters, they are also excellent singers.’ (Jan Preston, musician, MC ,Maldon Folk Festival 2008)

‘They put on a great show – lyrically very inspiring and they are right on the edge of where all lyricists aim to be.’ Graham Dodsworth, singer/songwriter, Melbourne Folk Club. May 2009