The Twins of Franklin

The Twins of Franklin are not, in fact, twins. But they are best friends Becky Shaheen and Laura Lou, two Minneapolis musicians who fell in love belting show tunes and classical arias together in a dorm room back in 2009. Over the past fifteen years, they have evolved into professional musicians, releasing multiple albums—both together and solo—and performing hundreds of shows as a dynamic duo.

Their newest album, This Life, has received an overwhelmingly positive response since its release in May 2024. The album promises "a sonic journey unlike any other," as described by Tom Smouse from Music in Minnesota. He noted that it “blends introspective ballads with vibrant, soul-stirring melodies, featuring big, fun rock and roll songs that bookend the album. The overall experience is a cohesive indulgence of harmonies that will captivate listeners, serving as a testament to friendship, creativity, and the enduring power of music that has bonded the band together.”

Local legend Youa Vang put it eloquently for MSPMag when she said, "on their latest album, This Life, they come out swinging on their own terms with dense, intentional authenticity that is driven by emotional maturity."

In contrast to their indie-pop debut, Low (2020), This Life showcases the Twins’ captivating harmonies while allowing their band to shine. That band is made up of bass/harmonica player and third harmony Joe Shaheen and powerhouse drummer Brian Riedinger. Since their Spring release, they’ve gotten to hear their songs in regular radio rotation, played to some of their biggest audiences to date, and continued to grow as humans, mothers, and friends.