 Courtesy: Lime Tree Music -Tara Based in London, Two Ways Home - Isabella Mariee, who is originally from Vienna, and Lewis Fowler, who grew up in Gloucestershire – are ready to make their mark as country music’s newest duo. Having released their latest EP, Better Days earlier this year, the twosome is currently in Nashville and immersed in songwriting. During a break from their busy schedules, Isi and Lewis kindly called to talk about their roots, “Better Days,” and more. How did the two of you come together as a duo? Lewis Fowler (LW): We met through friends at university. Isi was a year above me and I auditioned to be in her rock cover band by playing the guitar solo in Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” The band didn’t pan out, but we began writing together and attending open mic nights and it grew from there. We went around London searching for other guys who wanted to play old country and after a musical search, we found three guys who are absolutely great - Clancy, Dom, Chris. Coming from a European background, what drew you to country music? Isabella Mariee (IM): We were both interested in music, but didn’t know what kind of style we wanted. When we sang together, our harmonies lent themselves to country and the more we sang and played it, the more we fell in love with the genre. We really love Lady Antebellum, Brothers Osborne, Lucie Silvas and Josh Kelley. LF: I didn’t grow up listening to so much country music, I listened to bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Eagles, but as I played guitar, I realized the style of guitar I enjoyed playing lent itself to country - and it ended up being a nice transition going from AC/DC to country music. When I was younger, I never thought music was anything more than a pipe dream, but after studying at university and meeting Isi, I realized what I wanted to do and just stuck at it.  Your initial trip to Nashville a few years ago was inspiring to you and you’re back in Music City now. What is it about the city that draws you to it?
IM: It’s just a very friendly place where everyone is welcoming and up for a jam or sharing music. We’re happy to be back again, this time writing with a lot more people. This time you’re focused on co-writing. Do the two of you go into a writing session with other people as a duo or is it something you do separately? L: When writing, we find we do things, such as arranging songs and chord sequences, quite differently; so, when we write with a third person, we write together with them which always brings such a different perspective. IM: When we write, we’re very honest with each other. If something doesn’t sound great we’re fast to say we need to change it. LF: Isi can be a mean critic. (laughing) IM: It makes for better songs when you don’t let anything fly. In a video for your current track, “Better Days,” you speak about how the song has different meanings for both of you. Can you elaborate on that? IM: “Better Days” is the kind of song you can interpret in many ways. For me, the song has a more positive meaning where Lewis is a bit more morbid. (laughing) LF: The good thing about being a duo is that you can have a song mean something different to both of us as well as other people. One person can tune in and connect to a different perspective than someone else, which is really nice. I do like when people appreciate lyrics in a song. I think a catchy melody can get you to listen to a song a second time, but great lyrics may get you to listen to a song fifty times. In our music, we’re trying for both. I believe that as well. The video also includes a new performance of the song, which was filmed in Vienna. LF: We went back to Isi’s hometown and did a version of the song which is much more band heavy. On the original track, Isi and I played everything, but our manager thought the track was such a strong one that we should try it like we do live with a drum and guitar. It felt great getting back to how we started doing things, plus it was great to be back in Vienna. Speaking of performing live, will there be any plans to tour in 2017? Hopefully in the summer. We have a friend in Minnesota who asked us to play his festival, so hopefully we’ll get to go there and maybe do a little tour along the way as we drive back to Nashville. Finally, I always like to know, is there a recent release that you recommend people check out? LF: The Lone Bellow - I absolutely fell in love with their sound. I also like Joseph, who are a band of three sisters and Logan Brill, who we are excited to write with this trip. And The Cains! They have wonderful three part harmonies and we’re excited to write with them this trip as well. IM: The Brothers Osborne’s Pawn Shop blows me away. Lucie Silvas is great too and my favorite band, The Common Linnets, have two albums out that have amazing three and four part harmonies. Check them out. For more information visit their official website Find them on Facebook, Twitter and Spotify Purchase Better Days and more of their music here
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