Times are changing, and while some artists are more hesitant to embrace a rising, unconventional country cohort, up-and-coming country duo Robyn & Ryleigh are riding the wave of revolution that this new and expanding pool of country talent brings. That said, they are not about to discredit the profound influence that the past has had on them and Robyn discloses, “All the events in my life, big or small, inspire me to write songs about how I’m feeling at the time. The people in my life and “their” experiences also have an influence on what I write.” With music as catchy and genuine as this, listeners are certain to welcome the developments that a new era of musical variance imparts.

Bringing together a great combination of conventional country stylings with a fresh twist and a modern approach to songwriting, these sisters have a great, natural chemistry only found in close siblings: “We’re always there to support each other and to help each other keep it real. It sure helps to calm the jitters before we go on stage.  We usually give each other a bit of a pep talk before we go out there . . . We love doing this together!” Music has the remarkable ability to take the edge off of just about anything.

Regardless of where their influence comes from, Robyn and Ryleigh have set out to make a name for themselves; their instant rapport with both each other and audiences translates to an excellent stage presence, an attribute which Robyn claims to be inherent: “We have been performing for quite awhile together, it’s kind of hard to remember the “first” time we went on stage as a duo.  One of the first moments that always comes to our minds is when I was singing one of the songs I had just wrote, sitting at the kitchen table, and we could hear Ryleigh (from her room) singing along in harmony… I didn’t even know she could sing harmony… I don’t think she did either….but she’s been putting the icing on all my songs ever since.”

 So where do two ambitious girls from BC aim to take their tremendous talents? “Well our biggest dream would be to perform at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver for a huge concert one day.  We really just sing and perform anywhere, anytime and any chance we can. We really love it! Every time we’ve seen concerts at the Rogers Arena or places like that, we think about what it would be like to be up there ourselves! one day!” From their kitchen table to the Rogers Arena and everywhere in between, this dream may be closer to reality than they think.

In addition to having a fresh new sound, creative chemistry, extensive performance experience and affluent aspirations, Robyn and Ryleigh have managed to reach a new audience and relate to them on a level all their own: “I (Robyn) always try to write real, relatable songs, it’s just what seems to come out.  Feel good songs, well sometimes they don’t feel good, but sad songs are from the heart too and everyone can relate to a sad song, right? We are really glad that people seem to like what we’re doing, there’s been a lot of great feedback and we are so looking forward to our future in this business.”  With plans to get back in the studio to record many more songs and hopes to be able to travel to Nashville to co-write, Robyn and Ryleigh are scripting their own story – one that just might inspire the next generation of artists.

Artist Biography

Robyn and Ryleigh Gillespie are part of the wave of young, new country performers rising up from the West Coast of Canada. Like many of their contemporaries, they've taken modern, youthful pop influences and blended them with traditional country elements of acoustic instruments, meaningful lyrics, and sibling harmonies. Their original songs describe the honest, everyday feelings of their generation, in a way that listeners of any age can identify with.

Robyn Gillespie is emerging as a prolific songwriter, having written all of the tracks on the sisters new EP ‘Love Always’. Ryleigh’s dynamic vocal range and strong stage presence forms the perfect balance with Robyn’s singing and playing in their live show. Combined with the girls acting skills, the result is a highly entertaining experience. Robyn and Ryleigh’s performance highlights include the 2010 Olympic Celebration, Merritt Mountainfest, and the BC Country Music Awards Show.

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