Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with The Debutantes

Inspired by the ’60s, sister duo The Debutantes are throwing it back to groovier times with their far out sound. They recently dropped their brand new single, “(If Paradise Is) Half As Nice”, made famous by the band Amen Corner, and we’re OBSESSED. Pop Culturalist sat down with the pair to chat about reimagining this ’60s classic and getting their start in the biz.

PC: How did you both discover your passion for music?
The Debutantes: We grew up in a very musical family. Our father is a lead violinist in the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and our mother is also a professional musician, so we were surrounded by music from an early age.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your careers?
The Debutantes: We wouldn’t really say that we have a role model or idol who inspired our individual and collective careers, as we have always had a passion for the performing arts and aspire to just be ourselves. However, at the young age of five, Victoria watched the black and white version of Wuthering Heights starring Sir Laurence Olivier and that triggered a fire inside her for acting and performing.

PC: You’re bandmates and sisters. How do you manage that dynamic?
The Debutantes: Quite easily—we both have a flair and talent for singing and dancing. Being sisters performing comes relatively easy. We also have similar tastes and get along well.

PC: You’re both inspired by the 1960s. What is it about that decade that resonates with you both?
The Debutantes: Through our mother, we have been listening to tracks by The Bee Gees, Cilla Black, Dusty Springfield, and American artists like The Ronettes, Chrystals, etc. and have spent many hours singing along with them and harmonizing the vocals.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “(If Paradise Is) Half As Nice“. How did you decide that you wanted to cover the song?
The Debutantes: We had been recording the album of songs written by Alan Jones, who had been a member of The Amen Corner that had a #1 hit in 1969, and felt that as new artists it would be a good introduction.

PC: How challenging was it to make the song your own but also pay homage to the original?
The Debutantes: We sang it in the same key as the original and followed the basic arrangement. John Rea, who did the orchestration, then added the string and brass parts, which gives the track such a big sound. We were very familiar with the lovely melody of the song and recorded the vocals very quickly, harmonies and all.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Victoria: I wouldn’t call this a band or artist but I absolutely adore Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini which was used for the film “Somewhere in Time”. It always gets me crying!

Lavinia: So, my playlist is full of every style you could imagine, my go-to artists to listen to while I’m traveling are Sierra Boggess singing a playlist of songs from musicals, some Lady Gaga from her album Joanne and to let rip some Halestorm and Green Day!

PC: First album you bought?
Victoria: It was such a long time ago! However, I was a ’90s girl, so I think I purchased a CD by Steps or Atomic Kitten. They were all the rage back then!

Lavinia: I actually think I remember our first collective album as sisters was Atomic Kitten. We used to put on shows in the living room together choreographing a whole routine with outfits!

PC: First concert you attended?
Victoria: The first concert we attended was held in the St. David’s Hall in Cardiff. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales was playing, and we loved listening to an orchestra live.

Lavinia: Band wise, my first concert I attended in my teenage years was seeing The Vamps live, which was absolutely thrilling for me!

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Victoria: We wouldn’t say that an album changed our lives, but music has had a huge influence on us as it is both of our career paths: Lavinia in musical theatre and Victoria in the performing arts. We love all genres of music but ’60s and classical are both passions.

Lavinia: I think there are many songs out there that aspire me to take an interest in or compose songs of my own. For instance, Wicked, the musical soundtrack was the first album that turned my head towards musical theatre, Ed Sheeran and Lady Gaga inspired me to write songs of my own, and I remember listening to my favorite song on a ’60s album when I was younger, “Lazy Sunday” by Small Faces, and really loving it!

PC: A must-have on the road?
Victoria: A Bee Gee’s CD and some chocolate!

Lavinia: The full Disney playlist and of course I agree some choco!

To keep up with The Debutantes, follow them on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify.