By Nicholas Jason Lopez
It may be getting colder, but thanks to these ladies, the scene is in full bloom like springtime.
Comprised of twins Anna and Sonya Kuprienko, the Ukraine-born and London-based duo have made a name for themselves through passionate live performances and memorable collaborations with the likes of Purple Disco Machine, Diplo, Elderbrook, Lenny Kravitz, to name a few.
The Music Bugle had the opportunity to talk with them about their music experiences and more, which you can check out below.
Music Bugle – How would you describe London to someone who has never been there before?
Anna Kuprienko – It’s definitely a city filled with cool kids with great sense of fashion, art and dry humor. Architecture in London is mind-blowing and mesmerizing, it transfers you back in time. Love being able to walk on busy streets and sink up all that London energy.
Music Bugle – What is the biggest challenge you face in being a musical duo?
Sonya Kuprienko – We’d probably add that we faced challenges not only as being a musical duo of twin sisters, but as being foreigners. Challenges we faced ranged from visa implications to language barriers on top of all things music, such as finding your identity as a twin. However, all that directly impacts and results in us discovering our own sense of selves and sense of music.
Music Bugle – What has been your proudest accomplishment, so far?
Sonya Kuprienko – It feels so inspiring for us to be able to play at the biggest arenas across the UK, Italy and Japan and in our motherland – Ukraine, supporting Duran Duran, Seal, Nile Rodgers and LP. Still feels like a dream to be able to do all that. Being able to connect with so many people felt like a gift from God.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Anna Kuprienko – It’s such a mix. It goes from The Rolling Stones, The Strokes to Drake, Lil Nas to Brigitte Bardot, Nancy Sinatra to Bob Moses, Diplo and to Portishead, Radiohead. I think the true journey in leaning what the music is and what you are in music as an artist is in listening to absolutely everything and having your mind open for new exciting artists and directions in music. Never stop experimenting.
Music Bugle – Does social media help or hurt musicians?
Anna Kuprienko – Social media is a blessing and a curse. It’s a great tool to connect with your audience that provides you some independence. You don’t need a label to blow up on TikTok. At the same time, being exposed online at all times could hurt everyone in terms of body confidence, or just not hitting enough number of likes. I do think it hurts artists or known people even more as they are always on the lookout and should be very careful about their image and what they portrait as well as they are being a continuous target for bulling, hatred and judgement.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Sonya Kuprienko – Magic. Even though perusing your dreams isn’t always that easy, it’s defiantly incredible. Looking back, we can not believe how amazing the journey has already been. We got to meet and work with some of the absolute icons who not only understood us as artists, but also made us feel as equals. The best thing is to perform in front of our supporters and see them enjoy themselves and be in the moment.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need a break?
Anna Kuprienko – We just go for a walk. Long walk with EarPods in. Enjoying the songs or listening to interviews of our favorite artists. Whenever we feel low or misunderstood, hearing other creatives talk about their experiences inspires us to continue.
Music Bugle – How were you initially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Sonya Kuprienko – Even though the pandemic was such a difficult time for all, we used restrictions to our benefit. We reached out to a bunch of people that we were dying to work with. Either because we we were lucky or because they had time on their hands, it worked out! Since the pandemic, we have released collaborations with Benny Benassi, Jan Blomqvist, Sofi Tukker and Purple Disco Machine and that is truly amazing. During the pandemic, we made sure to respond to as many DM’s as possible. We appreciate our blooming family for being there for us at all times.
