Columbia will no longer be “oh-so typical” at the beginning of next month. Tegan and Sara, the Canadian pop duo behind the hit “Closer,” will bring their headlining tour to The Blue Note May 6.
The pair, who are identical twin sisters, released their latest album, “Heartthrob,” in January 2013. This seventh record revealed a different sound for the band.
“The big difference with ‘Heartthrob’ was how we actually wrote and recorded it,” Tegan Quin says. “The songs are still very much T&S-feeling, but we tried to collaborate more with each other than we have on past records. This made the record very cohesive-feeling. And we recorded it in parts rather than just going into the studio and recording it all in one shot. This allowed for perspective, and I think we were never burnt out recording, (and) it ended up being a really strong, vibrant-sounding record.”
Tegan and Sara received a hefty spotlight with the release of their chart-topping single, “Closer,” an infectiously catchy tune that’s been heard all over the radio and featured in television shows like MTV’s “Awkward.” Tegan says the duo were thrilled with such feedback.
“We’re just thrilled our old fans accepted our need for something fresh and new,” she says. “And we’re overjoyed at all the new T&S fans that we have brought to our project with the success of ‘Closer’ in the U.S. on radio.”
So what can fans expect from their concert in Columbia?
“We are doing a log set made up of songs from all seven of our records,” Tegan says. “Sara and I have some surprises in store! And a new lighting show and stage setup. The whole evening is going to be a great time. The acts we’ve chosen to support us are also brilliant and entertaining to watch.”
Tegan and Sara have previously toured with some big names, including Neil Young and The Killers. Tegan says the duo learn something each time they share the stage with another band.
“Our career has been packed full of incredibly important tour opportunities, and each time we try and soak up as much as we can,” she says. “Luckily, most of the artists we’ve opened for and supported have had amazing relationships with their audience. And so we were told how important it was from day one to cultivate an open, generous, honest relationship with the people who enjoy our music.”
The duo will be touring on and off until Christmas, including a leg with Katy Perry this fall. After that, Tegan says they’ll spend the next year writing, recording and recuperating.