The best part of the 1970’s was the glamour rock. It was an era of poppy drums, rough guitar riffs and rushing rhythms. It was rock n’ roll, pure and simple, with an unfinished touch. The music was a show–a wild and untamed sensory overload. For the first time, musicians weren’t afraid to speak out of turn or to be loud and raunchy just because they had the freedom to be loud and raunchy. And then they had the style to match their outlandish sounds. We remember Elton John in his oversized multi-colored sunglasses and platform boots, with feathers on his shoulders or a sequined jumpsuit. And how could anyone forget David Bowie’s hair and makeup? The 1970’s glam rock artists abandoned the gender binary (and overall convention) to make an epic show with damn good music.

Brian D’Addario and Michael D’Addario are brothers from Long Island, New York who are harnessing that unencumbered energy from 50 years ago and making it their own. Their band, The Lemon Twigs, is jangly and they wear costumes reminiscent of our glam rock idols —with feathered hair, pirate hats, makeup and frills. All of that razzle-dazzle that we’ve missed from the music scene is showcased on their debut album, Do Hollywood. Since the compilation’s premiere in 2016, the duo has gone from relatively unknown to festival darlings so, of course, we had to have an email chat with them about all things Lemon Twigs.

Can you tell the story of the inception of the Lemon Twigs?

Michael and I went from working with a four piece band called MOTP, to working as a duo mostly in the studio. We decided to play live with Danny and Megan and I called it The Lemon Twigs.

Siblings who are in the same band are very close or intensely competitive. What is your dynamic as brothers?

We just want to do whatever benefits whatever song we’re working on. Competitiveness doesn’t usually factor into that.

What were you doing for work before the Lemon Twigs? Did you ever have a more conventional job?

When we were kids we were actors which isn’t any more conventional than this. But that’s the only other job we’ve had.

What do you think is the ideal circumstance for your music to be heard? In the car? At a festival? In a small venue?

I most enjoy music when I’m wearing headphones.

We love your fashion choices and hair. Can you describe your style where you find them?

Usually it’s from seeing pictures of clothes and haircuts we like. Mostly pictures of musicians whose music we also like.

What’s the big plan for Lemon Twigs? In 5 years? In 10 years?

I’d like to be able to spend most of our time recording and putting out records in the future. That and producing would be ideal for me.

What advice do you have for aspiring musicians trying to stand out from the slew of other rising stars?

Oh I don’t know, I guess to spend a lot of time trying to make the songs good before you go into recording it.