Blanche DuBois
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Blanche DuBois

Perth, Western Australia, Australia | INDIE

Perth, Western Australia, Australia | INDIE
Band Alternative Singer/Songwriter

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"Feb 2012 - Young Heart Album Review"

It’s been four years since Blanche DuBois released their last studio album but it’s been worth the wait. Perth sisters Nadija and Adriana Begovich have not disappointed with third album Young Heart. Blanche DuBois have stayed true to the acoustic pop formula of earlier records Raging Favourites and All The Things We Never Say but the experience they have gained over the years is also evident. The album is designed to explore the themes of ‘‘life, love and loss’’ and when you finish listening you will definitely feel like you’ve been on a powerfully emotional journey. Right from the hauntingly beautiful first track Young Heart, the sisters tell a story of heartbreak, acceptance and moving on. Their silky voices and sweet acoustic sounds only add to the feeling and emotion, creating the perfect chill-out album. Following opening number Young Heart comes the resentful Hell before one of the best tracks in the album The War in Me. The sisters’ voices intertwine gracefully throughout the third song, which sets a peaceful mood and is one of the catchiest tracks on the record. Later numbers Dear God and The Sum of My Parts are just as strong as the album’s opening tunes, with the infectious melodies continuing as well as the thought- provoking lyrics. - MX Magazine, Melbourne


"Feb 2012 - Young Heart Album Review"

After a quiet four years, Perth sister duo Blanche DuBois are back with their new album Young Heart. With their name meaning 'white trash' in French, they easily defy this title with their sweet acoustic pop and country twang. Young Heart is an exploration of love, loss and life and, as cliche as these themes are, personal experiences often make the best songs. Pleasantly, nothing is overproduced, resulting in an array of honest and unblemished, yet imperfect pop songs. The album opens up with the title track Young Heart, which incorporates the duo's trademark harmonies, simple lyrics and floating melodies. The slow moving starter track is the perfect indication of the songs to come. The first single from the album, The War In Me, brings a new element to the compilation with skittering drumbeats and a repeated catchy chorus. Hell and The Wires showcase a darker side while Time and Time Again maintains a quirky ticking beat and uplifting mood. In an effort to switch things around, Dear God is a more sincere ballad that highlights the singer's conflicts and thoughts. The album ends on a high with the feel-good Sum Of My Parts leaving you feeling refreshed.
After listening through, it becomes obvious that structure and dynamics are kept the same throughout the album with a few minor variations in the tone and mood of the songs, which make it almost impossible to pick favourites. In the end you'll be saying 'Not another breakup album' when in your head you're clinging onto every single word. But don't stress, it looks like these sisters will have plenty more good songs in the near future. - Drum Media, Perth


"March 2012 - Young Heart Album Review"

"…there's plenty to like in the airy orchestral sighs of Perth's Blanche DuBois - sisters Nadija and Adriana Begovich. Their Young Heart is a deeply melodic and ever-so-haunting album. I suspect the bedroom is the frontline they're referring to in such heavy-hearted swoons as The War In Me, think Love Is A Battlefield updated for a twenty something audience." -- Jeff Apter, Vogue Magazine Australia (March 2012) - Vogue Magazine Australia


"March 2012 - Young Heart Album Review"

"…there's plenty to like in the airy orchestral sighs of Perth's Blanche DuBois - sisters Nadija and Adriana Begovich. Their Young Heart is a deeply melodic and ever-so-haunting album. I suspect the bedroom is the frontline they're referring to in such heavy-hearted swoons as The War In Me, think Love Is A Battlefield updated for a twenty something audience." -- Jeff Apter, Vogue Magazine Australia (March 2012) - Vogue Magazine Australia


"Feb 2012 - Young Heart Album Review"

"Hopefully this theatrically named sister duo from Perth don’t suffer the same fate as the Pierces, the American sisters whose record company are scared of releasing here because they can’t decide whether the Pieces are too pop for cool radio or not pop enough for cool radio. You can see why it's a possibility with two indicative songs in the middle of Blanche Dubois’s third album. The vaguely spectral Run For Miles, shows that when Nadija and Adriana Begovich’s dramatic tendencies are mixed with some spacious, lightly electronic atmospheres they hit a dark patch that blends Kate Bush with Regina Spektor. On the other hand, The Wires, with its swaying balladry and easy tone may make you think of a cross between the McClymonts and Wendy Matthews." - Sydney Morning Herald Metro


"Feb 2012 - Young Heart Album Review"

"Hopefully this theatrically named sister duo from Perth don’t suffer the same fate as the Pierces, the American sisters whose record company are scared of releasing here because they can’t decide whether the Pieces are too pop for cool radio or not pop enough for cool radio. You can see why it's a possibility with two indicative songs in the middle of Blanche Dubois’s third album. The vaguely spectral Run For Miles, shows that when Nadija and Adriana Begovich’s dramatic tendencies are mixed with some spacious, lightly electronic atmospheres they hit a dark patch that blends Kate Bush with Regina Spektor. On the other hand, The Wires, with its swaying balladry and easy tone may make you think of a cross between the McClymonts and Wendy Matthews." - Sydney Morning Herald Metro


"March 2012 - Young Heart Album Review"

"With a four year break between records, Perth's sister duo darlings Blanche DuBois have finally released their third full-length album, Young Heart. With considerable past success over their decade-long musical careers, including a number of huge support slot gigs and support from some massive industry names, this album has been much anticipated by fans and the industry alike.
There's no doubt that the Begovich sisters have stunning vocal abilities that perfectly complement one another, and are capable of writing and creating well-formed songs. Credit must be given for the way the talented duo approach pop music; elegantly and without the restrictions of appealing to mainstream audiences through overproduction and bland subject matter. Though simple, the lyricism explored throughout Young Heart is evocative and expressive.
Young Heart features a few darker-than-usual songs like Hell and Run For Miles, undoubtedly brought on by the tension that occurred during the sisters' brief hiatus. First single The War In Me is a moody, floating yearn for an end to conflict, encompassing the theme of the album and paying homage to similar songstress, Sarah McLachlan.
Although some songs fall by the wayside when listening to the album in full, others stand out as solid, worthwhile expressions. Young Heart will please fans and new listeners alike, and all up, is a beautiful collection of affecting, nostalgic songs." - Xpress Magazine, Perth


"Nov 2011 - The War In Me Single Review"

Elegantly stitched together with flourishes of castanets, yearning cello and delectably insistent vocals, Blanche DuBois' The War In Me is the sort of song Seeker Lover Keeper would kill for - if they weren't so goddamned meek and bland. Almost four years since they first gained international exposure thanks to Dance Away the Day's inclusion in an Ugly Betty episode, Perth sisters Adriana and Nadija Begovich's latest single The War In Me is touched by a sweetheart named desire. Capturing a breathy ache in the mould of former touring partner Sarah McLachlan, yet adding enough texture and depth to put a distinct stamp upon this lovelorn ballad, this DuBois is stellar. - Rip It Up, Adelaide


"Nov 2011 - The War In Me Single Review"

Elegantly stitched together with flourishes of castanets, yearning cello and delectably insistent vocals, Blanche DuBois' The War In Me is the sort of song Seeker Lover Keeper would kill for - if they weren't so goddamned meek and bland. Almost four years since they first gained international exposure thanks to Dance Away the Day's inclusion in an Ugly Betty episode, Perth sisters Adriana and Nadija Begovich's latest single The War In Me is touched by a sweetheart named desire. Capturing a breathy ache in the mould of former touring partner Sarah McLachlan, yet adding enough texture and depth to put a distinct stamp upon this lovelorn ballad, this DuBois is stellar. - Rip It Up, Adelaide


"Nov 2011 - The War In Me Single Review"

Sisterly duo Blanche DuBois have been around for a fair while. With two Eps, two albums and a third, Young Heart, on the way, the songstresses have built a reputation for their infectious pop sensibilities. Now, after a four-year break, new single The War In Me should be no exception. Infused with a quick clickity marching beat, nuanced strings, beautifully balanced harmonies and the catchiest of choruses, it's incredibly hard to resist tapping the dashboard and singing along, let alone getting the chorus out of your head. - Drum Media, Perth


"Nov 2011 - The War In Me Single Review"

Sisterly duo Blanche DuBois have been around for a fair while. With two Eps, two albums and a third, Young Heart, on the way, the songstresses have built a reputation for their infectious pop sensibilities. Now, after a four-year break, new single The War In Me should be no exception. Infused with a quick clickity marching beat, nuanced strings, beautifully balanced harmonies and the catchiest of choruses, it's incredibly hard to resist tapping the dashboard and singing along, let alone getting the chorus out of your head. - Drum Media, Perth


"Nov 2011 - The War In Me Single Review"

Over a suitably exhausted martial heartbeat marching them home, the voices of the Begovich sisters share their stories once again telling that love is a battlefield and how, even when the war is won, the wounds can still need some time and tending. The harmonies and structures that this song is built on have them heading somewhere more towards Bush or Bjork than the strum and reveal of the more typical singer/songwriter types. The mostly unadorned production lets those voices swell and offer their feelings. - Drum Media, Sydney


"Nov 2011 - The War In Me Single Review"

Over a suitably exhausted martial heartbeat marching them home, the voices of the Begovich sisters share their stories once again telling that love is a battlefield and how, even when the war is won, the wounds can still need some time and tending. The harmonies and structures that this song is built on have them heading somewhere more towards Bush or Bjork than the strum and reveal of the more typical singer/songwriter types. The mostly unadorned production lets those voices swell and offer their feelings. - Drum Media, Sydney


"Nov 2011 - The War In Me Single Review"

Sounding and looking like a million bucks, Perth two-piece Blanche DuBois continue that city's fine tradition of producing more bands per capita than any other city on earth (probably). Their new single The War In Me is highly polished, especially by the standards and budget for your standard indie band, thanks to the good work of Sydney producer Matt Fell and his awesomely named Love Hz studio. Sisters Adriana and Nadija have been playing throughout the country for the better part of a decade, and with new album Young Heart due for release early next year, expect to hear more of their earthy-country-tinged, delicate pop in the not too distant future. - Time Off, Brisbane


"Nov 2011 - The War In Me Single Review"

Sounding and looking like a million bucks, Perth two-piece Blanche DuBois continue that city's fine tradition of producing more bands per capita than any other city on earth (probably). Their new single The War In Me is highly polished, especially by the standards and budget for your standard indie band, thanks to the good work of Sydney producer Matt Fell and his awesomely named Love Hz studio. Sisters Adriana and Nadija have been playing throughout the country for the better part of a decade, and with new album Young Heart due for release early next year, expect to hear more of their earthy-country-tinged, delicate pop in the not too distant future. - Time Off, Brisbane


"Oct 2011 - The War in Me Single Review"

So apparently, according to the presser, Blanche DuBois 'loosely translated…also means white trash in some French dialects.' Well I never. Is McLeod's Daughters still on the idiot box? This song is tailor-made for those scenes where the independent woman rides (suggestively) off into the sunset, halts and then glances briefly back to the man who couldn't satisfy her (or has been conscripted). The drum pattern's cool, but then castanets come in and this is distracting. Nadija and Adriana Begovich do have pretty voices that remind me of fellow sibling outfit The Coors, however all the breathy "Hheart, heart, heart, heart" (with the emphasis on the HHHhh) proves a bit much" - Inpress, Melbourne


"Oct 2011 - The War in Me Single Review"

So apparently, according to the presser, Blanche DuBois 'loosely translated…also means white trash in some French dialects.' Well I never. Is McLeod's Daughters still on the idiot box? This song is tailor-made for those scenes where the independent woman rides (suggestively) off into the sunset, halts and then glances briefly back to the man who couldn't satisfy her (or has been conscripted). The drum pattern's cool, but then castanets come in and this is distracting. Nadija and Adriana Begovich do have pretty voices that remind me of fellow sibling outfit The Coors, however all the breathy "Hheart, heart, heart, heart" (with the emphasis on the HHHhh) proves a bit much" - Inpress, Melbourne


"Oct 2011 - The War in Me Single Review"

Blanche DuBois is a Perth-based band made up of sisters Nadija and Adriana Begovich, and their new single is a catchy, dramatic little slice of acoustic pop, along the lines of Sarah Blasko. The track is ornamented with the sisters' harmonies, alongside a few nifty instrumental touches like strings and what I think might be castanets?… - Rave Magazine, Brisbane


"April 05 - Love Only Hurts"

It's probably a sad sign that I automatically think of A Streetcar Named Marge, before A Streetcar Named Desire.The insidiousness of popular culture inevitably pushes traditional forms of expression further and further toward the periphery. With this in mind, let's talk about Blanche Dubois. They're the sisters Begovich, they're from Western Australia, and they're sublime. Sweet, melodic folk, brimming with heart, pop which sounds spontaneous rather than calculated - this is the sort of thing the
powers-that-be should be quietly championing. So let's hope they don't remain on the periphery, cos if I'm gonna be told by someone that love only hurts, I'd rather it be Blanche Dubois rather than Rachel from Friends. - Beat Magazine - Melbourne


"April 05 - Love Only Hurts"

Much like their previous Slow Motion EP, Love Only Hurts is simply the most gorgeous, Sunday morning, ‘Yes, I will have honey in my tea thanks’ lush-pop to rear its head in many a moon. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your weekly Cave-Man day. I tried to explain this to someone last night, but they remained unconvinced. Once a week you just have to turn off your mobile, put your iBook under a cushion and leave that DVD remote down the side of the couch. The interweb will still be there tomorrow, I promise. Actually, a cave-man probably wouldn’t have a stereo either. Okay, so there are some holes in my theory, but the premise is solid.
(RL). - Time off Magazine - Brisbane


"April 05 - Love Only Hurts"

It's probably a sad sign that I automatically think of A Streetcar Named Marge, before A Streetcar Named Desire.The insidiousness of popular culture inevitably pushes traditional forms of expression further and further toward the periphery. With this in mind, let's talk about Blanche Dubois. They're the sisters Begovich, they're from Western Australia, and they're sublime. Sweet, melodic folk, brimming with heart, pop which sounds spontaneous rather than calculated - this is the sort of thing the
powers-that-be should be quietly championing. So let's hope they don't remain on the periphery, cos if I'm gonna be told by someone that love only hurts, I'd rather it be Blanche Dubois rather than Rachel from Friends. - Beat Magazine - Melbourne


"April 05 - Love Only Hurts"

Never a truer title, part 2. It’s scary that the power of popular culture now puts the vision of Marge Simpson in most heads with mention of Blanche DuBois rather than the genuinely tragic literary heroine she was. And while there’s some sadness and melancholy in what this Perth duo do, the music has more of a wistful sweetness to it – a touch of the Sundays in the Begovich sisters’ lilts maybe. And while it appears to be well-wrought folkie acoustica, there are the occasional little flourishes that suggest there could be a bit more than Waifs-like simplicity to them if given the chance. Gentle, thoughtful, feeling and all those other words you’d expect. - Drum Media - Sydney


"April 05 - Love Only Hurts"

Never a truer title, part 2. It’s scary that the power of popular culture now puts the vision of Marge Simpson in most heads with mention of Blanche DuBois rather than the genuinely tragic literary heroine she was. And while there’s some sadness and melancholy in what this Perth duo do, the music has more of a wistful sweetness to it – a touch of the Sundays in the Begovich sisters’ lilts maybe. And while it appears to be well-wrought folkie acoustica, there are the occasional little flourishes that suggest there could be a bit more than Waifs-like simplicity to them if given the chance. Gentle, thoughtful, feeling and all those other words you’d expect. - Drum Media - Sydney


"April 05 - Love Only Hurts"

Blanche Dubois is the work of two sisters, Nadija and Adriana Begovich who have made use of their acoustic guitars to create music full of feeling and presence without being overly loud or complicated. This release is dedicated to the hopeless romantics and serial heartbreakers in society as the catchy lyrics serenade you and fill the room with a compelling atmosphere that is both sweet and impressible. Blanche Dubois also put to use the theory less is more by not over crowding this EP with unnecessary produced extras - making Love Only Hurts an exceptional release free of the extra clutter a lot of bands fall into. Love Only Hurts is for listeners who enjoy subtly, simply guitar and luscious vocals as well as an ability to chill and take it all in. Definitely worth the buy for those who wish to support local music.

4/5 Stars - Tsunami Magazine


"April 05 - Love Only Hurts"

Blanche Dubois is the work of two sisters, Nadija and Adriana Begovich who have made use of their acoustic guitars to create music full of feeling and presence without being overly loud or complicated. This release is dedicated to the hopeless romantics and serial heartbreakers in society as the catchy lyrics serenade you and fill the room with a compelling atmosphere that is both sweet and impressible. Blanche Dubois also put to use the theory less is more by not over crowding this EP with unnecessary produced extras - making Love Only Hurts an exceptional release free of the extra clutter a lot of bands fall into. Love Only Hurts is for listeners who enjoy subtly, simply guitar and luscious vocals as well as an ability to chill and take it all in. Definitely worth the buy for those who wish to support local music.

4/5 Stars - Tsunami Magazine


"August 05 - Love Only Hurts"

The Begovich sisters' latest four-track ep is so damn fine it is worthy of a mention. The Perth-based duo has toured consistently over the past couple of years and suported such acts as Jewel, Sarah McLachlan and Ben Folds and have built up a steady following. Nadija and Adriana's vocals are sweet, innocent and emotive, the harmonies inspiring and the production impeccable. This long-awaited third offering consists of four perfectly crafted acoustic-pop ballads, which should launch Blanche DuBois onto the next level. - Perth Woman Magazine


"August 05 - Love Only Hurts"

The Begovich sisters' latest four-track ep is so damn fine it is worthy of a mention. The Perth-based duo has toured consistently over the past couple of years and suported such acts as Jewel, Sarah McLachlan and Ben Folds and have built up a steady following. Nadija and Adriana's vocals are sweet, innocent and emotive, the harmonies inspiring and the production impeccable. This long-awaited third offering consists of four perfectly crafted acoustic-pop ballads, which should launch Blanche DuBois onto the next level. - Perth Woman Magazine


Discography

Blanche DuBois have independently released:

* November 2002: Raging Favourites (debut album)
* April 2004: Slow Motion (EP)
* April 2005: Love Only Hurts (EP)
* August 2007: All The Things We Never Say (album)
* October 2011: The War in Me (single)
* January 2012: Young Heart (album)

Photos

Bio

Blanche DuBois are sisters Nadija and Adriana Begovich.

They’ve been making music together since 2002; forming their own label, Streetcar Productions, in that same year and releasing their debut album, Raging Favourites, to positive reviews in magazines across the country including Rolling Stone Magazine who said: “Despite obvious nods towards touchstones The Waifs, there’s flashes of dark, distinctive beauty on the debut from this Perth outfit. They make acoustic mood music for rainy days and Mondays.”

Two EPs later – Slow Motion (2004) and Love Only Hurts (2005) – the band landed a deal with Australia’s largest independent publisher, Mushroom Music Publishing, and a series of licensing and sync deals followed, which continues to see Blanche DuBois garner airplay across hit-Australian and international television shows including Home and Away, Neighbours and Ugly Betty.

2007 saw the release of their second full-length album, All The Things We Never Say, with ARIA Award winning producer Richard Pleasance at the helm. The album scored positive reviews via the Australian music press – with the Sydney Morning Herald remarking “Unlike their doomed namesake, there could be a rosy future ahead for Perth sisters Nadija and Adriana Begovich (aka Blanche DuBois)” and Drum Media labeling it as “a beautifully imperfect album rather than an overproduced piece of forgettable pop. Nadija and Adriana’s catchy melodies and reputable lyrics will have you singing the songs – particularly Slow Motion, Always in Doubt and a remix version of the well known Love Only Hurts – to your self long after the album’s finished playing.”

All The Things We Never Say was also well-received by radio, with tracks Dance Away the Day and Slow Motion being added to national rotation across the Nova FM network.

In between, Blanche DuBois toured Europe and have played festivals in Australia such as A Day on the Green, alongside artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Jewel, Ben Folds, Paul Kelly, Pete Murray, Missy Higgins, Kasey Chambers, Crosby Stills and Nash, Joe Cocker, The Whitlams and even The Bangles – performing as either an acoustic duo or with their full-band lineup.

Four years later came Young Heart - the sisters' third full-length album, produced by Matt Fell at his Love Hz Studios in Sydney and released January 20, 2012.

Speaking about the album, singer Nadija Begovich said, “The songs on this record are about your head and your heart, about life and love and loss and the feelings both unique and universal to us all.

“We’re writing a lot more about personal experiences and the past four years has seen a lot of changes for my sister and I – good changes though; the kind which make you grow because you’re forced to learn from them.”

This record also marked the first time Blanche DuBois has explored co-writing – working with fellow Australian artists Angie Hart and Mick Thomas to pen three songs.

“We’d always admired Angie as a singer/songwriter,” Nadija said. “We sat down with her in a freezing cold house in Melbourne and wrote two tunes, Hell and The Wires, which ended up making it onto our record. It was a great experience and something we’ll definitely look at doing more of in the future. We wrote Run for Miles with Mick Thomas, also in frosty Melbourne.”

Like many, this record was the result of blood, sweat and tears. It’s the end of a relationship, the breaking of a heart, the building of a bridge, the bond of two sisters, the dreams that keep you alive and the tales you spin to make the world seem that little bit brighter.

2012 was a heady year for Blanche DuBois; with the release of YOUNG HEART welcomed by spectacular reviews, national radio airplay, live shows through out Australia, securing a licensing deal with US based company 'Music Alternatives' and a nomination as a finalist in Music Oz (Australia's independent and unsigned music awards).

"...there's plenty to like in the airy orchestral sighs of Perth's Blanche DuBois... Their Young Heart is a deeply melodic and ever-so-haunting album" - VOGUE MAGAZINE, AUSTRALIA

"Young Heart is an exploration of love, loss and life and, as cliche as these themes are, personal experiences often make the best songs. Pleasantly, nothing is overproduced, resulting in an array of honest and unblemished, yet imperfect pop songs..." - DRUM MEDIA, PERTH

YOUNG HEART is available on iTunes
http://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/blanche-dubois/id211081005

2013 sees the band take their music to the world stage; with showcase performances at North by NorthEast (NXNE) Toronto as well as shows in Los Angeles (Hotel Cafe) and New York (Piano's).

The sisters are also set to commence work with producer Mike Timmins (guitarist from the Cowboy Junkies) on their fourth album which is due for release in 2014.

Thank you for supporting independent music.