Best friends and sisters Robyn and Ryleigh Gillespie are from Langley, B.C. Robyn, 21, and Ryleigh, 18, are country girls at heart and that really shines through their music.
Blending country, pop and rock to create tunes about love, fun and life experiences, these girls are just starting to create an impressive impact on the music scene. They’ve already released an EP and have performed at the 2010 Olympic Celebration, the BC Country Music Awards and have received two BCCMA Award nominations. Now, the girls are looking forward to the release of their debut album, ‘Robyn and Ryleigh,’ on July 17!
THE MAG spoke with Robyn and Ryleigh to chat about their new album,their extremely different personalities and bullying!
Congratulations on your first album! How are you feeling as we’re finally nearing its release date?
Ryleigh: Excited! We’ve been waiting for a long time now. It’s been a couple of years that we’ve spent making this album, so it’s really cool that it’s finally coming up to that date, July 17!
What is your favourite track on the album?
Ryleigh: The song “Summer Girl”! It was supposed to be Robyn singing the entire song, but after we had finished recording, Robyn came up to me and said, “We want you to record this song because it matches the song better.” Robyn has a raspier voice and mine is more soft.
Robyn: For me it’s tough to decide, but I really like “Perfect Date” because it’s something that I would want to listen to, if I didn’t write it. It’s a party song, it’s fun! And I love big old trucks and the song’s all about that, too!
Robyn, you wrote some of the songs on the album, like “Mr. Perfect,” “Perfect Date” and “Summer Girl.” Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Robyn: My inspiration comes from real life events, like memories, wishes, dreams, friends, love and heartbreak.
How did you guys both get interested in music?
Ryleigh: We both got started in elementary school. Our school was so into music, there was a choir, musicals, Christmas concerts, and we were always involved in them. Our family was really supportive too. When we were done elementary school, we still loved music. Everybody was so supportive of us and told us to keep going, so we did! Robyn knew the ukulele and then learned the guitar on her own. She always learned by ear, which I think is really cool.
You both dealt with bullying and loneliness in high school. Can you tell us how music helped you cope with those difficult situations?
Robyn: Music really is an outlet — songwriting, playing guitar and singing. If I ever got sad or upset, I would just grab my guitar and start singing. It literally made me feel so much better.
Do you have any advice on how to cope with bullying?
Ryleigh: It’s different for everybody. When I went to school, there definitely was that group of mean people. The way I dealt with it was by finding my own belonging, and that was in the music room, or by going home for lunch. I didn’t want to be around people that had that much negative energy.
Robyn: To add to what Ryleigh was saying, it definitely doesn’t hurt to tell somebody. It won’t bite you in the butt, like people think. Just tell somebody and it can be dealt with. Other than that, find an outlet.
As siblings, you must spend a lot of time together! Are your personalities very similar or different?
Ryleigh: We’re very different! People who know us can definitely tell the difference.
So how would you describe your own personalities?
Robyn: Outgoing but sometimes shy, artsy and happy!
Ryleigh: I would also say outgoing, but funny, not shy at all, happy and cheeky! I’m super cheeky.
Since your personalities are so different, are your music tastes different as well?
Robyn: I’ve always written music about love and heartbreak. Some of it is fun, or a little bit raunchy. But then Ryleigh started writing with me and she pulled in a rock vibe and revenge-type music. Ryleigh listens to ’80s music and I listen to country music, mainly. Well I actually listen to all types of music, so I do love what Ryleigh writes, too!
When you’re not busy working, what do you like to do in your free time?
Ryleigh: I like working out. This is going to sound really weird, but I love animals, so whenever I see an animal that is close enough to touch, I will! I love movies and I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, too.
Robyn: I really like camping, running, driving and hanging out with close friends. And songwriting, of course!
You have both performed at a variety of events. Do you prefer big or small audiences?
Ryleigh: There’s a big difference! With a big crowd it’s a whole different atmosphere. It’s such a fun atmosphere and there’s so much energy! With smaller audiences, for example, we’ve been asked to sing at a restaurant, everyone is sitting down in chairs and it’s more intimate. Bigger stages are definitely more nerve-racking, but having a smaller audience isn’t always easier. If you accidentally say something that’s weird then you’ll find out right away, but if you’re with a bigger audience, they probably won’t even hear what you said!
If you were given the chance to perform with any artist onstage, who would it be and what song would you choose?
Ryleigh: Any song with Keith Urban would be awesome!
Robyn: Just recently I went to a Florida Georgia Line concert and those boys are quite talented and attractive! I think it’d be really cool to get up on stage with them and just sing their big hit, “Cruise,” or we could sing one of our songs, like “Perfect Date”!
On top of your album’s release, what else do you have coming up?
Robyn: We have a show coming up on Canada Day at McLeod Athletic Park. We’re playing all over the interior B.C. and we’re heading to the United States. We’re also showcasing in Edmonton for the CCMAs and we’re planning a trip to Nashville in September. Country music central, here we come!
Thank you, Robyn and Ryleigh!Be sure to get your copy of ‘Robyn and Ryleigh’ on July 17!
(Images courtesy of Karolina Turek)