Watson Twins release new album on Vanguard, play SXSW

photo by Darrin Noble

Over the past 50 years, Vanguard Records has represented Doc Watson, Levon Helm, Joan Baez and John Fahey. The imprint is also home to Shawn Mullins, Mindy Smith and Marc Broussard, amongst a host of others. As of June 24, the Watson Twins will join the Vanguard family with the release of their first proper LP, Fire Songs.

“Our influences as singers and songwriters are the historic sounds of Vanguard Records, a label steeped in folk, country, jazz and blues,” Chandra and Leigh Watson said in a recent statement. “It just seemed like the perfect fit and we are so honored to be working with them on our debut full length.”

Russell Pollard and J. Soda will produce the follow-up to the Twins’ 2006 self-released EP, Southern Manners. Although their names might not be immediately familiar, the bands that they have played with should be, including Sebadoh, Earlimart, Everest and Folk Implosion.

The Kentucky-born sisters will make a couple of appearances at SXSW, which should quench fans’ thirst for the Twins’ scintillating harmonies until Fire Songs comes out this summer.

Don’t forget the extinguisher:
1. How Am I To Be
2. Lady Love Me
3. Fall
4. Just Like Heaven
5. Map To Where You Are
6. Dig A Little Deeper
7. Sky Open Up
8. Bar Woman Blues
9. Only You
10. Old Ways
11. Waves

SXSW:
March 14 - Buffalo Billiards (201 E. 6th St., across from Driskill Hotel) @ 9 p.m.
15 - Home Slice Pizza (1415 S. Congress) @ 4:30 p.m. *free