Experimental folkpop duo Christy & Emily is comprised of Christy Edwards, a self taught indierocker and Emily Manzo, a classically trained pianist. Formed in Brooklyn in the mid 2000’s their first album, Gueen’s Head was released on the The Social Registry in 2007, displaying all the core elements of the C&E sound; raw emotional songwriting coupled with sonic experimentation. A second full length release followed, Superstition, on Llyod’s label, Big Print. The invitation to record for Klangbad label resulted in two more releases. Also with the same lineup, they released a split 7 inch called Quick Words. Most recently, in a return to their duo sound, Christy&Emily released another split 7 inch entitled Two Rooms. Christy&Emily have an ongoing collaboration with visual artist Brock Monroe of The Joshua Lightshow, creating synthetic experiences with projected light and sound. Christy & Emily have forged a songwriting style that melds haunting vocal harmonies with jagged guitar swells and vintage electric piano/organ dreaminess. A piece such as Erik Satie’s First Gymnopédie does not feel out of place during a live rendition of their tune “Lover’s Talk” (Superstition). Conversely, the crowd favorite, “Thunder & Lightning” (Gueen’s Head) evokes the reckless rock of the Velvet Underground. Unusual songs such as “Tidal Wave” (Superstition) while a nod to punk band , the Electric Eels, also displays their fearless approach to structure and humor. Country and folk stylings are at home as well, reflected in the John Fahey like finger style of “Railroad” (Two Rooms) or the Crazy Horse looseness of “Something Easy” (Tic Tac Toe).
Questions
What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
C&E: Cosmic emotions
How and when did you get into making music?
E: Probably since I was in my mother’s womb, listening to my father play the guitar. Have you ever heard what music sounds like in there? It’s very much like Christy’s guitar style. As soon as I was born I asked for a piano!
C: When I was in high school I went through a medical procedure where I couldn’t play sports for a year. My father took pity on me and got me that guitar that I’d been asking for. That’s when I think I got really addicted to music.
What are your 5 favourite albums of all time?
E: Maro Ajemian’s performance of John Cage’s Sonatas and Interludes for prepared piano (where Cage himself has made the preparations) and Willie Nelson’s Red Headed Stranger.
C: I’m always in the mood for Neil Young’s „On the Beach“ , „Afro Roots“ by Mongo Santamaria , or the Dr. Who Soundtrack.
What do you associate with Berlin?
E: Darkness, unpredictability, Thai food
C: Beautiful urban decay
What’s your favourite place in your town?
E: The East River Ferry
C: My apartment
If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
C&E: Run
What was the last record you bought?
E: Ethiopiques vol. 21
C: Zapp & Roger „Greatest Hits“
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
C&E: Brian Eno!!!!!
What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
C&E: We don’t know but Sunday February 12th at The Roter Salon in Berlin will probably be the best gig ever.
How important is technology to your creative process?
E: Vintage gear plays a big role. The NORD scares me.
C: We aren’t scared of Nords!
Do you have siblings and how do they feel about your career?
E: I think my sister used to be really jealous of me growing up. We were raised in the woods while my parents built our house, and at one point she hit me on the head with a hammer. Now she sends me texts and tells me she loves me all the time. So we figured it out.
C: I have a big sister too but everything is cool with us.
Our Favourites:
Kings & Monsters
Firefly
Doff
Links: Soundcloud | christyand emily.com