L.A. Duo Crafts Nostalgic Sound, Finds Unexpected Fans

The Los Angeles duo, comprised of Justine Dorsey and Graham Epstein, has released their debut album, 'Fell Asleep in the Sun,' four years after meeting. Their music evokes a Y2K-era nostalgia, blending influences from Hilary Duff to Portishead, aiming for a polished yet slightly frayed sound. Their origin story began on Hinge in 2021, evolving from friendship to a musical partnership inspired by shared tastes in music from the early 2000s. This nostalgic sound has surprisingly attracted a diverse fanbase, including underground rapper Bones and pop artists like Kim Petras and Princess Nokia.

The creative process for 'Fell Asleep in the Sun' involved refining songs written over the past year, focusing on meticulous details in production. Epstein describes the album title as encapsulating the project's themes of solitude and change, an idea initially suggested by their lawyer. The duo's aesthetic draws from early 2000s internet culture, video games, and films like 'Mirror Mask,' aiming to juxtapose underground influences with glossy pop. They were particularly inspired by the visual design of consumer products and technology from that era.

Dorsey and Epstein have found particular validation in early Y2K artists acknowledging their music, with Michelle Branch aware of their existence. Their influences are eclectic, ranging from Sigur Rós and Fountains of Wayne to Taylor Swift and The Fray. The album's thematic core explores the passage of time, the sadness of growing older, and the internal struggle to break free from limitations, as reflected in song titles like 'Blow Out the Candle' and 'Fell Asleep in the Sun.' Looking ahead, the duo plans to continue creating authentic music that evolves with their interests.