Our interview with talented L.A. Based twin singer-songwriter duo Macedo.
Duality and individuality are overriding themes in the music of MACEDO, the surname of twin sisters Michelle and Melissa, who have taken a lifetime of creative energy and talent to produce their emotionally compelling, richly textured music. Creating electrifying Alternative Pop tunes with empowering messages, MACEDO is gearing up for the release of their new, emotionally driven album, “Ghost Town.”
The album’s theme of a mystical creative utopia reflects the musical chemistry the girls are lucky enough to experience. All twelve songs (written by Michelle & Melissa) were engineered and produced by MJ Denton. Wurlitzer parts were recorded and played by Khris Kellow (Christina Aguilera).
What is your musical background?
We come from a very musical family. Our dad introduced us to music in every genre imaginable. That is how we fell in love with jazz, classical, soul, pop and folk. Our childhood was filled with everything from Sam Cooke and Otis Redding to Debussy to The Beatles. Our maternal grandmother played piano and our Dad plays as well. There really isn’t a genre we didn’t grow up listening to. We both grew up playing piano and some violin. Michelle started playing guitar when she was about 11 years old and has been playing ever since. Today, Michelle plays the piano in the band and we both sing. We have sung together for as long as we can remember. We were always harmonizing and writing songs together. We grew up hitting up the local music scene and started to play live around L.A. when we were 16.
Do you guys have any music influences?
Yes! Joni Mitchell, Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, Regina Spektor, Claude Debussy, Otis Redding, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and Radiohead were huge influences. We really appreciate amazing songwriting and we feel like all of those artists tell a story in such an impactful way. We knew we wanted to affect other people in that same way.
What is your next goal as musicians?
Our goal as musicians is to keep evolving and stay true to the sound that encapsulates the next musical phase of our career. In each project we have done, we can very clearly hear emotionally where we were. We would love to get on the road with this next album and connect with people. We want to continue to tell stories that could help others with any challenges, especially if they are feeling alone.
Tell us about “Ghost Town”?
“Ghost Town” emerged from a really difficult time. It is a reflection and exploration of the ghosts that we all have and the ways in which we are haunted by our past. This album is a lot about the past and our relationships. “Ghost Town” is a reflection of memories that became a part of our identity. In essence, how we’re each being haunted, in good and bad ways. It was a very raw experience to write this album, there was no holding back.
Why the name of “Ghost Town”?
“Ghost Town” was the title that encompassed all of the isolation I was feeling. The only person I could talk to was Melissa. So we banded together and started writing. I really needed to emerge from that incredibly difficult experience to create “Ghost Town”.
Define your sound in 3 words?
Haunting, Raw, Empowering.
Did you guys write any of the songs in this album?
Yes, we write all of our songs.
Tell us about your characters on #Girlboss.
We play a band on the show, so it was a very natural part to play. We were so excited when we read the script because it was written for a twin band. The show is really fun and empowering. We had so much fun on the set.
Your idea of a perfect Sunday is?
As Angeleno’s there are so many options for a perfect Sunday. We love to hike and be outdoors and of course try out the brunch spots. We like to use Sundays to unplug and get grounded for the week ahead. After hiking, we like to get in as much time as possible in our PJ’s and watch movies.
How’s a normal day in your life?
No two days are alike but you’ll usually find us rehearsing for a show, writing songs or preparing an audition. We try to have some consistency, for example we like to meditate and exercise to stay balanced.
What are the five things you can’t live without?
• Our Animals (our dogs and cats) We are big animal lovers and always enjoy spending time with them.
• Music! We love to have music playing all day.
• Definitely our cars because we are constantly on the go and spend a lot of time our cars here in LA.
• Our cell phones for any last minute auditions or song ideas we can record (and directions of course?!).
• Each other.
Any exciting news you want to share with us?
We are incredibly excited to have a just wrapped a film. We were leads in a film starring and produced by James Franco called “Blood Heist”. It was an incredible experience and we can’t wait until it comes out.
Best advice ever given?
Trust your instincts and keep going.
What do you think of Social Media?
Social media is a blessing and a curse, we love social media because we can connect with our fans and see what other people are up to but it’s also an inaccurate representation of someone’s day to day life, it doesn’t usually represent the challenges people are going through. It only shows the best sides of people. As long as you remember that and take it with a grain of salt, it’s great.
Where we can follow you?
For Music Updates:
Twitter @MacedoMusic
Insta: @MacedoMusic
YouTube.com/MacedoEntertainment
Individual Accounts:
Twitter: @MichelleMacedoM / MelissaMacedoM
Insta: @MichelleMacedoM / MelissaMacedoM
Facebook.com/MichelleMacedoPage
Facebook.com/MelissaMacedoActress
Quote: “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” Anais Nin
Song: At the moment “Formation” by Beyonce
Movie: “A League of Their Own”
Travel Destination: Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Food: We like to eat healthy to keep our energy up. In particular, we like chicken salads (boring, I know). We love sweets as well. When we do indulge we love Churro Borough in L.A. where you can get an amazing Churro ice cream sandwich.
Sports Team: We’re the wrong people to ask but Go Dodgers!
Photo Credit: Ryan West
