The sibling acoustic pop duo Poema are out with the video to their new catchy rhythm single "2 AM," a lead song off their debut EP "Sing It Now," in stores and online now on Tooth & Nail Records. Two teenage sisters from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Elle and Shealeen write and perform their acoustic/pop songs that range from serious to silly, from being in love to changing the world. They love serving up these melodic slices of life to a broad audience. "2 AM" replays the events and insecurities of a night's date, worrying if the guy is still interested.Although they didn't necessarily know how it would play out in their future plans, music has always played a key role in their lives, who've discovered that songwriting is a pretty great vehicle for saying exactly what's on their minds. Elle is the bands captivating lead vocalist and acoustic guitar player. She sings and plays with dynamic that is stunning for a girl of just 17. 19-year-old Shealeen sweetens the music with her tasteful harmonies, classical piano playing, and subtle lead vocals.
Unlike many siblings who spar and fight at the drop of the hat, Shealeen and Elle's don't use their songs to vent their frustration against each other. They aren't the Gallagher brothers from Oasis, after all. Instead, the lilting melodies and memorable harmonies they've created only underscore the beauty of collaboration. The girls have many musical influences. Some of their favorite artists include Switchfoot, Taylor Swift, the Jonas Brothers, Jack Johnson, Phil Wickham, Paramore, John Mayer, Johnny Cash, and Eisley.
"We really loved music, but we never thought there was a future career in it," Shealeen says. "But that particular show was such a turning point. We'd played a couple of original songs, nothing that really seemed all that special to us, but the audience really responded. After a standing ovation, half of the people actually came up to talk to us after the show. Later, they asked us if we were trying to 'make it' as professional musicians. And we were like 'No.'" Describing their sound as "happy, acoustic-pop," the girls felt that "Poema" was the perfect name for the group. "We really wanted our name to be one word, something that would really define us."
Poema has been a band for just over a year and already the sisters have poured their hear and soul into their debut EP, which has a happy vibe to it, also managing to be upbeat as well as acoustic. From the very start, there are absolutely no pretensions that this is a "ballad-y slow pop project." "2 AM" leads off the record with a long night gone awry and boy problem lyrics laid on top of the album's most aggressively catchy music, only challenged by "City Boy." Usually getting lost in some sort of mid-paced sway, the acoustic guitar and piano do perfectly accompany both girls voices and provide a foundation for what you could ultimately call adult contemporary pop/rock.
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