Twin Bandit

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Something very special happened one day, two years ago in the kitchen of Vancouver’s St. James Music Academy, a non-profit that nurtures the musical souls and tummies of neighboring inner city kids. Academy cook Hannah Walker was frazzled trying to prepare and serve a hundred quesadillas to a mad rush of children. She also had to deal with a well-meaning, but untrained, volunteer. In a strange moment of serenity, she discovered that the greenhorn in question, Jamie Elliott, was her musical soulmate and would be her future counterpart in the folk-Americana duo, Twin Bandit.

On that day, Hannah and Jamie harmonized against the fevered pitch of stress and imminent chaos. With a few stolen moments, Hannah and Jamie began the adventure that would lead to their all-original folk-Americana duo, Twin Bandit.

“It’s a profound and confusing time being a young adult, and there is something universal and timeless about folk music because it’s about life lessons like forgiveness,having your heart broken or finally falling in love,” Hannah explains. “Telling and sharing stories is therapeutic.”

At the core of the East Vancouver, British Columbia based band’s aesthetic is the vocal harmony and spare instrumental accompaniment evocative of traditional American roots music. The day they met they sang almost every old chestnut they knew and excitedly rattled off favorite songs and artists from bygone eras. And yet if you listen closely, there are textures and nuances conjuring up contemporary soundscapes and the weeping of pedal steel straight from traditional country.

Both Jamie and Hannah grew up immersed in the rich heritage of American roots music. Prior to joining forces, Jamie had been playing in country and bluegrass bands for seven years, harmonizing with other female vocalists. Hannah grew up with five sisters, and has been singing with her siblings since before she can remember. Upon meeting, their connection was instant—like sisters and perfect creative counterparts—as both are equally strong instrumentalists, singers, songwriters, and co-songwriters. They’re twin creative souls with a compelling underpinning of darkness to their work, hence the name Twin Bandit.

While working on their second full-length album, the aptly titled Full Circle (Nettwerk), Twin Bandit grew personally and creatively amidst life’s unpredictable ebb and flow. Throughout that experience, the Vancouver-based duo progressed as songwriters and musicians, delicately expanding their sonic palette of folk, alternative, and country and opening up lyrically like never before.

“The concept of a full circle spoke to us,” admits Hannah. “When we started writing, Jamie and I were in not in very good places. Jamie was dealing with mental health issues. I was struggling with depression and the loss of family members and friends. There were a lot of funerals at the time. We sat down and made a decision to write music that’s positive and encouraging. When you focus on practicing positivity and gratitude, it can really change your outlook. Even though we began in a tough place, it was an exciting and beautiful experience. Everything came back around. We acknowledge that it will be difficult again down the road, but there’s always another day to keep trying.”

Full Circle represents the next chapter of a journey these two musicians began four years ago. Along the way, they racked up over 10 million Spotify streams and impacted popular platform playlists, including Acoustic Covers, Acoustic Spring, The Pulse of Americana, Happy Folk, and more. The world got to meet the girls on the critically acclaimed For You, which garnered praise from The Bluegrass Situation, Folk Alley, Exclaim! and many others. Between standout festival appearances and tours with The Paper Kites and Joshua Hyslop, they’ve performed to passionate crowds across Europe and North America.

As much as Full Circle lives up to its name, it also represents something of a new beginning for Twin Bandit. “I like to think of music as a map of the soul,” Hannah leaves off. “When you’re lost, it can help to sort through the most painful and joyful experiences by creating. In rough times, music helps of course, but having Jamie in my life made the biggest difference. I’m thankful I have not only a creative counterpart, but a best friend who has become family to me.” 

The Rogue Folk Club is pleased to provide great SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES for all our shows. For a nominal cost, individuals or businesses can sponsor any of our shows and reap a number of benefits - free tickets, reserved table, recognition on literature, our web site and at the concerts. For more information simply contact our Sponsorship Director Morris Biddle at mobiddley@me.com

Please note that the admission price for this concert includes a $2 Venue Improvement Fee that we are required by the St. James Square to collect from every patron. Starting in September 2016, the proceeds from this temporary fee will be used for construction projects such as ventilation, flooring and washrooms that will make the hall a nicer place for you to visit in the future. If you wish, you can make a secure donation by clicking on the big blue button at the bottom of the page at www.sjcommunitysquare.org. For information on donating by phone or post, please contact the St. James Square office at 604-739-9373.