Ukrainian duo Bloom Twins are currently on tour with Duran Duran for all of the band’s upcoming UK arena dates. Sonia and Anna Kuprienko grew up in a small town outside of Kiev, they moved to the UK last year to leave behind the political turmoil at home. Now based in London, they are able to pursue their unique musical vision. After uploading their debut track ‘Fahrenheit’ to YouTube in 2013, Bloom Twins had a double impact on both music and fashion, opening the doors to numerous profile pieces in magazines such as Vogue, i-D, Paradigm and Numero. Since then, fashion elites including Wonderland, Hunger and Flaunt have heralded them further. They are currently working on their debut album to be released in 2016 and have been in the studio co-writing with Duran Duran’s own Nick Rhodes, who has also produced the songs. We caught up with them in the midst of the tour to see how things are going…
Hi, thanks for taking some time out to chat with us, it is much appreciated. So you’re currently in the middle of a UK tour supporting the legends that are Duran Duran, how’s that going?
It’s unbelievable! We played Manchester Arena, Leeds First Direct Arena and Motorpoint Centre Cardiff and we can’t wait to play other shows! Don’t want it to end though. It’s such a special feeling.
Were you big fans of Duran Duran before the tour? And any favourite songs?
We grew up with Duran Duran playing in our house. Our favourite songs are: “Wild boys”, “Ordinary World”, “Come Undone” and from a new album: “Pressure Off” and “Paper Gods”.
I heard that Nick Rhodes is also producing your album and writing with you, how did that all come about?
The best writing experience we had so far. We’ve met few times before and have decided to spend one day in a studio. Once we entered that heaven of keyboards and complete darkness – 8 beautiful songs emerged. We were felt connection with Nick instantly.
When can we expect your debut album to come out and have you already decided on a name for it?
Let’s have it as a secret, what we can promise is our story. All the songs are based on things we saw, felt or people close to us have experienced. We are planning to release a single in February 2016 and soon after an EP.
How would you describe your musical style to someone who has still not heard you?
Dark Pop. Mix of sweet and sour. Electronic and acoustic. Black and white- My sister and I.
What was behind your decision to move to London from Ukraine?
London is a capital of music for us. We were always inspired by British music and artists such as “Beatles”, “Radiohead”, “Massive Attack”. This has been a dream we never thought could become reality.
Is there much of a music scene in Ukraine? And how does it compare to what you’ve found here in the UK?
There is certainly a music scene. It’s different to UK in many ways. What people listen to, or like. We can’t compare experiences as our careers started here in the UK, but we can say that it’s different. There are some incredibly talented artists in Ukraine thought. The first thing that caught our attention in UK were open mics. There is no such thing in Ukraine. What also amazed us is that all these venues hosting open mics are full. It’s such precious experience. As a young artists you don’t struggle with getting yourself gigs or fans. You can start performing right away and it’s beautiful that people in United Kingdom just love live music and love good music. It’s in the genes probably.
You seem to bridge between both fashion and music, do you think there is a much of a divide between the two and how do you unite them?
Music works well with Fashion. It’s perfectly united. Fashion is the way our music looks. And we like to express ourselves not just with words and music but by our clothes as well.
Which artists have inspired you and also your sound?
Bob Marley, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, because they all have beautiful music and also a massage. Let’s not forget about Thom Yorke, his music is very unique. We also love Massive Attack and Portishead.
How does the song writing work within Bloom Twins? Does one of you come with an idea and you work on things together?
It is always different and organic. You can never predict it. It could be that one of us is sad and she will share it with the melody and lyrics and we will come with the song together and other way round.
Are there any more plans to tour next year in support of your album?
First will start with the single in February, then an EP. We haven’t planned the tour yet, but so addicted to touring now.
Is maintaining a social media profile important to you as a band?
It’s not that it’s more important or less. It’s essential to know your friends/fans. An artists is nothing without its fan base, without people that hear/listen to him/her and it’s important to be able to hear and listen to those people too. It’s an exchange. Like at gigs – The drug is in that exchange of energies.
Where is the best place for people to check your music out?
We upload everything on our website, www.bloomtwins.com otherwise on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes.
Have you any advice for our readers out there? Either musically, spiritually, anything?
Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Don’t be afraid of challenges. Live, love one another and learn.
Thanks so much for chatting to us and one final question, and don’t worry I’m not going to head for the cliché “where did your name come from?” what I’d really like to know is if you could collaborate with any one artist on a song, who would it be and why?
Thom Yorke. He is the one always creating some sort of a new type of music.
www.facebook.com/TheBloomTwins
All photos by Richard Shaw.
Thanks to Jenny @ Chuff Media
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