King and Queen of DIY, Twen, Inspires With Debut Album, Awestruck

It’s easy to come by artists that attach a DIY ethos to their image for branding purposes. It’s another thing entirely to encounter the real deal. To some, it doesn’t matter either way as long as the music is thoughtful and raw. However, for those who do care, indie duo Twen not only encompass the DIY aesthetic in their music, they are DIY through and through.

The Nashville duo released their very first album Awestruck last month on September 20th and have since garnered nothing but positive feedback. NPR, Stereogum, and numerous others have praised the new record as genre-defying and purposefully etched with dynamic pairings. Twen’s secret? Incessant touring for two years straight, as well as an array of smashing singles. The only official recording prior to Awestruck was a single cassette that consisted of five live songs. It was recorded in a basement somewhere in Boston, the first time the band had ever played for an audience. Talk about going all in.

In fact, it could be said that when it comes to going all in, Twen never lets an opportunity pass. Singer Jane Fitzsimmons and guitarist Ian Jones paid for and planned an entire two-year tour to support their initial tracks. To get by, they ran Airbnb rentals, booked their own shows, and made their merch by personally screen printing items. They even accepted trades— such as the opportunity to skydive in exchange for a performance— and created a customized van to accommodate their touring needs. It seems as though Twen are the king and queen of modern DIY.

With a colorful personality, the songs on Awestruck are bright, energetic encapsulations of the band, like “Honey Smacks” and “Azkaban.” Lead single, “Damsel,” is adventurous and animated. Jones’ vivid electric guitar is glittery and jangly, which pairs delightfully with the echoing filter applied to Fitzsimmons’ voice.

It’s not all fun and games, however. In “Make Hard,” the band explores the growing pains of shifting from part time musicians to full time on-the-go gladiators. According to Fitzsimmons, “This song was rewritten and arranged very late in the recording process. The lyrics have come to symbolize the dynamics and relationships within a band as it grows, through the transformation of defined roles and how they change over time.” The song is still upbeat but communicates musically the feeling of trying to find a steady footing while experiencing something new.

Twen, unsurprisingly, is embarking on another tour to promote Awestruck. For a band that just doesn’t quit, it will be exciting to see what they concoct next. Awestruck is available everywhere now.

Tour Dates

10/09 | Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall ^

10/10 | Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda's ^

10/11 | Washington, DC @ City Winery Washington D.C. ^

10/12 | Brooklyn, NY @ Elsewhere

10/24 | Richmond VA @ Richmond Music Hall &

10/25 | Harrisonburg VA @ The Golden Pony &

11/29 | Washington, DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel !

11/30 | Philadelphia, PA @ Boot & Saddle !

12/01 | Philadelphia, PA @ Boot & Saddle !

12/03 | Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall !

12/05 | Brooklyn, NY @ Rough Trade !