Jennifer & Sarah Ray
California
The Back Story
Jennifer and Sarah's trademark sound was born in the rear seat of a hatchback family car, when the two pint-sized twin toddlers spontaneously began vocalizing the lyrics of their first song. By the age of 12 the identical twin sisters were well on their way to becoming a powerhouse songwriting team. Taking the stage in front of audiences numbering in the thousands, some highlights of the twins’ early career were special guest appearances at such notable events as the Special Olympics and goodwill benefit events at the national level.
Now decades later, and with a repertoire of more than 100 songs under their belt, the twins’ signature style is unmistakable. In both their writing and vocal style, the alternative folk-rock duo (who have been compared to The Cranberries, Alanis Morrissette and Fleetwood Mac) cross stylistic boundaries, blurring genre lines and attracting listeners with their synched vocals, fluid harmonies and intelligent lyrics. Fans regularly marvel at the "in stereo" effect produced by the pairing of their voices. At times blunt-edged, at other times sweet, solemn, powerful or reflective, yet always distinctly original, Jen and Sarah's unique sound and flawless harmonies are hard to forget.
In the height of their early career, Jen and Sarah climbed to the upper ranks of various competitions in some of the most cutthroat cities, such as New York and London. The unassuming, sweet-natured blondes have regularly billed alongside larger, louder bands and have consistently held their own and gained audience approval.
In October 2009, while still performing under the name Inventing Eve, their song, Beautiful By My Scars (Stumbling Toward Destiny, 2009) was placed on the ballot for the Grammy Awards in four major categories. With no management company or record label behind them, Jen and Sarah’s appearance on the nominee list broke through barriers in an industry infamous for favoring big-name artists represented only by powerful industry players. Nonetheless, the dynamic duo secured the support of several major US and UK music industry giants, gaining support from the likes of Warner Music, music legend Pat Boone and multi-platinum British producer Robin Millar (of Sade, Diamond Life fame) who would become their mentor and later, their manager.
A chance encounter with Robin Millar in 2011 would become the catalyst for an artistic rebirth for the twins. What followed was a two-year journey of inward-exploration which pushed the boundaries of artistic expression in the studio. In Spring 2013 under the direction of a dynamic production team, with Robin Millar taking on the role of Artist Manager and Project Mastermind and Paul Stacey (Oasis, The Black Crowes) serving as Producer, the twins were poised to unveil their third album, a work that would feature their truest “voice” and highlight the shared heart and passion of this seasoned sister-songwriter team.
When Jen and Sarah re-appeared on the international music scene, their style had evolved from pop to an edgier alternative rock. A more authentic songwriter duo and aesthetic had emerged, whose potent lyrical message centered on social issues. Inspired by what they termed "new era" for themselves, Jen and Sarah created a new name for themselves, releasing their very first album as Waking Aurora. What About The Girl (What About The Girl, 2013) is the shining result of their two-year journey and the keystone of Jennifer and Sarah's artistic career thus far.
Waking Aurora’s tracks
published on
published on
published on
published on
published on
published on
published on
published on
published on
published on