by Feb. 22-26th.
Family: a link to the past and a bridge to the future. Fitting how that short phrase works equally well in defining the songs and stories shared by Amy and Rachel Beck, who are carrying on family traditions with their not-so-traditional take on folk music – contemporary, carefully crafted, and undeniably endearing.
Amy & Rachel Beck began singing together around the family piano in Montague, PEI. They now share their pop-tinged folk with eager and ever-expanding audiences in Canada and beyond. Their musical kinship reaches back to their shared childhood, singing with their siblings as kids and performing with school bands and choirs in their teens; however, it wasn’t until their university years that they let people in on the well-kept secret that is their penchant for penning and performing music of their own.
Amy & Rachel draw the folk stylings of decades past keenly into the present, infusing elements of roots, pop, and R&B to create a unique sonic signature. Amy’s multi-instrumental melodies act as the anchor for Rachel’s stunning lead vocals and percussive forays, but the standout moments come when the sisters’ complementary voices blend in perfect harmony, rendering it nearly impossible to tell where one ends and the other begins.
Their penchant for writing and performing was a secret well-kept until they entered the inaugural CBC Music Searchlight Contest in 2013 and landed a spot as national finalists. Since, the duo has been making up for lost time. Tour highlights include playing the legendary Stan Rogers Folk Festival (2015), opening for Tom Cochrane at Rock the Boat Music Fest (2015), and performing during Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall’s Royal Visit to Canada (2014).
Run’s sharp-but-simple production lets Amy’s multi-instrumental melodies act as the anchor for Rachel’s strong, stunning lead vocals. Since, the duo has made up for lost time by releasing their well-received studio debut and new EP within thirteen months and sharing their music with ardent audiences throughout the Maritimes.
After a busy 2015 and a wonderful holiday season, Amy & Rachel are excited to spend some time writing for their new album (planned for release in early 2017). They will play select tour dates in the Maritimes leading up to ECMW in Sydney, NS, and kick off a busy summer with an Ontario tour in July.
Whether it’s just the two sisters onstage, armed with Amy’s guitar and Rachel’s mixed bag of percussion instruments, or they get a little help from their friends, few will leave an Amy and Rachel Beck performance without feeling like a part of the family – and that’s just fine with them.
