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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes quite literally \u2014 like when they arrived at the home of Joni Mitchell, invited by Brandi Carlile to sing at one of her \u201cJoni Jams,\u201d and Paul McCartney answered their knock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a heady experience, singing at Mitchell\u2019s house. Tipped in advance that McCartney might be there, Laessig and Wolfe rehearsed a version of \u201cGoodbye,\u201d a song he wrote that was a hit for Mary Hopkin in 1969. They sensed the moment he recognized it \u2014 hey, that\u2019s my song!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019re concentrating on their own music with Lucius, a rock band that also includes Dan Molad and Peter Lalish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They\u2019ve released a self-produced disc that reflects their experiences settling in Los Angeles and starting families, titling it simply \u201cLucius\u201d even though it\u2019s their fourth album.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check out the heartbreaker \u201c The Man I\u2019ll Never Find\u201d \u2014 particularly the stripped-down, piano-led version \u2014 for a spellbinding example of their work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can be, let\u2019s be honest here, a little creepy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019re dressing the sound,\u201d Wolfe explained. \u201cI 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\u2019s something magical about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n