TWINKIDS is the electronic pop project of pianist-producer Matt Young and Tokyo-native singer-songwriter Gene Fukui. After meeting at Oberlin College & Conservatory in northeast Ohio – the same rural campus that spawned the likes of Teengirl Fantasy, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Liz Phair – the two quickly discovered a mutual reverence for electronic music and began writing, producing, and performing as one. They went on to study at the renowned Banff Centre in Canada under Brendan Canning of Broken Social Scene.
TWINKIDS bring together Gene’s experience as a J-pop songwriter and Matt’s background in classical piano, delivering genre-bending tunes with catchy hooks and lush harmonies. Following releases on Cascine, Yellow Year Records, a collaboration with Australian singer-songwriter Sophie Lowe, and official remixes for Dawn Richard and Ghostly International, the LA-based duo has garnered support from Rolling Stone, The Fader, Stereogum, Sirius XM, & The Burning Ear.
TWINKIDS’ debut EP “Boys Love” on Om Records pays homage to the gay romance manga genre of the same name. Drawing influence from 80’s J-pop and artists like Imogen Heap and Bonobo, the EP’s five songs tell coming-of-age stories about falling in love.
“Meshing bright synth pop hooks, dreamy vocal sinews, and rampaging dance beats into one addictive neon-lit haze.”
“The singer asks “Is it crystal or plastic?”, but it all sounds brilliant to me.”
“If you feel a mood of romantic desperation coming up, then your soundtrack will be ‘Body Wonder’, the new single by L.A. queer duo TWINKIDS. They take you on a lush trip laden with epic synths.”
“TWINKIDS returns with their clever blend of soulful vocal acrobatics, unexpected harmonies, and sparse percussion in Overdressed.”
“This is highly addictive pop music. Sleek like a fast car.”
“There is a gorgeously minimal electronic feel to this pop record - the softly layered synths are set against some baggy percussion and soulful falsetto vocals to create something that feels one part Californian, one part Balearic and just a bit Junior Boys.”
“Something tender and complex, beautiful with big highs and quiet lows.”
“Loving this little gem out on San Francisco based label Om Records.”
“This tune is a stellar new one that has the duo wrapped in flowing melodies in the verses that fall into the likes of Perfume Genius.”
“A sweeping, pounding electronic ballad. Starting out with ominous synths and industrial percussion laying the groundwork for an understated vocal performance, the song builds throughout making for something unique and intriguing.”
“It’s a brooding number with elegant pieces of soulful vocals, unexpected harmonies and spare percussion written about how all-consuming love is.”
“TWINKIDS new song will get your fickle heart beating.”
“Experimental Los Angeles pop duo TWINKIDS deliver intoxicating, sugary electronica on the lush, romantic Overdressed.”
“The first single from the breakout Boys Love release.”
“Overdressed is the most recent release from the duo, and it’s quite awesome.”
“Dark and soulful vocals join the electro-drenched nocturnal landscape drawn by the chasing beats and intricate synth stabs, creating a danceable yet full of love musical moment.”
“TWINKIDS’ uber-catchy Japanese-influenced queer electro-pop is revolutionizing the US mainstream, ramping up pop music’s importance within this politically heightened generation.”
“We can’t get over the song.”
“We are massively digging TWINKIDS new single ‘Body Wonder’ with its combination of industrial beats that build into a tribal pattern blended with futuristic sonics and candy floss light vocals.”