The magic created by the vocal blend of Holly Laessig and Jess Wolfe, collectively known as Lucius, has opened many doors for them in the music industry.
Sometimes quite literally — like when they arrived at the home of Joni Mitchell, invited by Brandi Carlile to sing at one of her “Joni Jams,” and Paul McCartney answered their knock.
It’s a heady experience, singing at Mitchell’s house. Tipped in advance that McCartney might be there, Laessig and Wolfe rehearsed a version of “Goodbye,” a song he wrote that was a hit for Mary Hopkin in 1969. They sensed the moment he recognized it — hey, that’s my song!
The women have collaborated with many artists through the years, among them Carlile, Sheryl Crow, Harry Styles, Roger Waters, Jeff Tweedy, the Killers, War on Drugs and Mumford & Sons. This year, they’re concentrating on their own music with Lucius, a rock band that also includes Dan Molad and Peter Lalish.
They’ve released a self-produced disc that reflects their experiences settling in Los Angeles and starting families, titling it simply “Lucius” even though it’s their fourth album.
Check out the heartbreaker “ The Man I’ll Never Find” — particularly the stripped-down, piano-led version — for a spellbinding example of their work.
Many have wrongly assumed they were sisters. They look a little alike, and play up this image of two who have become one by frequently dressing alike onstage. Even offstage: they arrived at The Associated Press for an interview in nearly matching, all-red outfits with identical makeup. They are disciplined in alternating who answers questions.
It can be, let’s be honest here, a little creepy.
“We’re dressing the sound,” Wolfe explained. “I grew up in the theater. Being able to escape and feeling like, you know, you can put on your costume, put on your uniform and become something else for a moment in time. Even though it feels honest and real and close to the heart, there’s something magical about it.”