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Daily Discovery is a feature that will highlight a new or recently discovered artist that we’re excited about. See the rest of our Daily Discoveries here.
Polyvinyl Records rarely disappoints when it comes to introducing us to emerging indie artists to the music scene (see: Generationals and Japandroids), and next up is Psychic Twin.
Beginning in 2011 as the brainchild of Illinois native, Erin Fein, Psychic Twin has transformed into far more than just another basement solo project. Joined by Brett Sanderson, fellow member of the now disbanded indie group Headlights, Psychic Twin has begun to make its mark with dreamy synth-pop sound. The duo’s experimental pop draws on the ’80s new wave influences of Fein’s youth, fusing layered synths and melodies with ethereal vocals to create iconic feeling tracks.
Since the release of their self-titled album in 2011, Psychic Twin has relocated to New York, releasing consistently impressive tracks, all of which are filled with honest, often personal lyrics, and an unmistakable dream-like quality.
Last March, Psychic Twin released their “Strangers” 7”, which was followed closely by the captivating track, “Unlock Yr Heart.” While we look forward to more music from PSychich Twin, get to know Erin Fein a little better below
You spent almost eight years with indie band Headlights. Was there a particularly pivotal moment in your life that led to your desire to begin a solo music venture?
I always dreamt of doing a project like Psychic Twin, but it wasn’t until nearly a decade of being in Headlights that I was confident enough to do it. I never felt like Headlights was what I wanted to do musically, and after going to a Bjork and MIA show one night, I thought, what the fuck am I doing? I made a mix of all of the music that I loved and I listened to it over and over on the last tour with Headlights and finally realized the path for Psychic Twin.
Can you tell me more about how the name “Psychic Twin” came about?
I was writing alone in my basement, and was feeling incredibly isolated in my life at that time, but also very inspired. I remember layering and looping vocals, weaving the melodies, and had this vision there was two of me singing. I thought, “how cool it would be to have someone who would always understand?” I imagined the looping vocals were my twin… the two of us creating together. Maybe it made me feel a little less lonely? To this day I write with my “twin” in mind.
You didn’t hide your excitement on Twitter when Built to Spill asked you to perform with them back in May. How was that?
Doug Marsch called me at midnight asking me to perform with him. I called back after work and we talked about the performance, and after I hung up, I was just yelling, “I’m gonna sing with Built to Spill!” I had to learn “Genius of Love” in two days, but it was worth it to perform with some of my heroes. It was incredibly special because my dear friend Peter Spear, who recently passed away, sang with me too.
It was an ultimate fan girl experience. At the end, Doug gave me a comic book called Today is the Last Day of the Rest of Your Life, saying that it meant a lot to him and that it would mean a lot to me too. I may have fallen asleep with the book that night.
If you were to have a final meal before the end of the world, what would you eat?
I really love food, so I’ll be specific. I’d go with mussels cooked with white wine, butter, garlic, tomato, leek, a big glass of dry white wine to drink and a freshly rolled joint. Oh and a sunset, the ocean, and some mountains with Roxy Music’s “More Than This” playing on repeat.
