Brick & Lace
Brick & Lace, also known as Nyanda and Nailah Thorbourne, are an R&B sister act from Jamaica. Having already enjoyed success internationally with their debut album, Love is Wicked, I caught up with the duo to find out a bit more about them.
Hi girls. What have you been up to lately?
Well we have been travelling all over the globe promoting our new single Bad to Di Bone, and the Love is Wicked album. Life is good.
So, you’re both sisters. Where does Brick & Lace come from?
Brick and lace is a concept; it represents the two sides of a girl - her flirty, sexy side and her edgy side.
How would you describe your personalities? How are you similar or different to each other?
Nailah: We are similar and different in many ways. Nyanda tends to jump head on into things without thinking sometimes – typical Aries - and I'm a little more premeditated, I like to evaluate the situation before delving in – typical Sagittarius, to say the least. But we’re both fire signs and are passionate about life.
For someone who hasn’t heard your music before, how would you describe your sound?
Our sound is a fusion between R&B and dancehall. We call it “sexy roots”.
There used to be three of you in the group. Why did your sister Tash decide to leave?
She decided to take a “behind the scene” roll. She’s the silent member in the group; she still writes with us all the time and is very integral in imaging things.
You both grew up in Kingston, Jamaica. Had you always wanted to sing?
Yes, we always knew this is what we wanted to do. We started singing at an early age so this was our passion and, one could say, our destiny.
Who were your musical idols growing up?
We loved listening to a lot of artists but our main idol was Diana King, just because we saw ourselves in her and she gave female artists coming out of Jamaica hope to make it big internationally.
What about your relationship as sisters. Have you always been close?
Nailah: Yes we grew up very close. Of course, any body with a sibling will know there are ups and downs, times when you bicker, and that is no different for me and Nyanda.
Who’s the bossiest?
It switches up daily. Maybe Nailah!
You were originally signed by Jive Records before Geffen came along. Why did you make the switch?
They missed out on a good thing, they didn’t understand how to market a Jamaican artist. Some labels don’t know how to think outside the box.
Your album ‘Love is Wicked’ features production from Akon. What was he like to work with?
He’s mad cool, we love his vibe. He ‘s mad cool and so talented.
What is your favourite track from the album?
That varies from day to day depending on the vibe we’re in at the time. Mr. Officer is a wicked tune and Push it up.
Apart from Akon, who else have you enjoyed working with?
Will.i.am is soooo crazy, a genius. He loves to try different things and we did a wicked tune with him called Bust a Shot.
What is the best part about touring?
Performing. Everywhere we go, it’s a new energy. Our fans have so many good vibes; that’s party time and for us, its therapy. All our songs tell a story.
How do you find the whole fame thing? Are you quite relaxed about it?
It's so weird sometimes because we consider ourselves like everybody else. The star thing is an illusion. We just love music.
I’ve heard that you’re both keen Scrabble players! What is the best word you’ve ever come up with?
Oh we’re such nerds but we take it seriously and anybody who wants to test us is welcome.
If Brick and Lace ruled the world, what would you change about it?
Oh my god, life so complicated and we’re all looking for answers. I think, as people we are too controlled. We are told what to do all the time, when to do it and how to do it. Religion, social groups and race separates the people. More liberation for the people.
What are you plans for the summer?
It's all about Bad To Di Bone. We’re going to be hitting all the hot spots for the summer. It’s going to be hot!
Bad To Di Bone is released 11 May 2009
FemaleFirst: Fiona Haran