FEATURE: Spotlight: Revisited: Twinnie

FEATURE:

Spotlight: Revisited

Twinnie

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IT is sort of a shame…

that Twinnie does not live in the U.K. anymore, as I would love to meet her and do an interview one day. However, the Internet exists, so an interview via email down the line might be a possibility. A proud artist now of the beautiful Nashville, Twinnie was born in York. An incredible actor and songwriter, her full/real name is Twinnie-Lee Moore. I really love her music and I see her Instagram posts and she is always so real, honest, engaging and funny. Hollywood Gypsy came out in 2021 and I think I wrote about it at the time. Something We Used to Say came out in 2024. What bonds the covers is Twinnie looking pretty glamorous and stylish. In a long dress and putting her hand to her chin, maybe that is the distinct or trademark look. However, last year’s Giddy Up E.P. sees her still looking quite cool and glamorous, but she is astride a horse and it is a different aesthetic. There was a time when Country music was quite off the radar and niche. Now, more and more huge artists are releasing Country albums. Included are Beyoncé, CMAT, and Ringo Starr. If these artists don’t seem on paper to be ‘genuine’ Country artists or fit our idea of a Country act, especially in the case of Beyoncé, she is an authentic and genuine Country artist. It is much in her blood as R&B, Pop or anything else. That is also the case of Twnnie. Many might think a northern-born actor and artist from a traveller background might be a latecomer to Country, though she sounds as passionate and pure as any U.S.-born artist. Twinnie became the first British Gypsy to debut at the Grand Ole Opry. You can see her putting roots down in the U.S. and maybe starting a family there. That might seem intrusive or assumptive, but you feel that’s she’s fallen in love with the land, music and language. However, there are tour dates ahead. Twinnie has some U.K. dates coming in March. I might try and see her at The Lexington in London, as that is going to be a great gig.

Because she has been very busy the past few years and put an incredible E.P. out last year, I want to get to some interviews. I spotlighted Twinnie back in 2022. I am sort of happy with what I wrote, though there have been changes to her sound and career, so there is a lot to bring in. I think Twinnie has developed and evolved as an artist. Her 2024 album and 2025 E.P. are the strongest works she has put out. However, I feel like she is still not at her absolute peak yet. You can sense her getting stronger and building upwards with every release. It is an exciting future ahead. Although she has acted previously, maybe music is taking a priority now. However, I can also imagine Twinnie appearing in film and T.V. Someone who you picture in certain roles, many big artists do balance music with acting. Maybe something she will consider this year. I hope I have got my facts straight! Though there is a brief U.K. tour, I feel Twinnie will spend more time here this year. Maybe some festivals will come up? There are a couple of 2024 interviews I want to come to before a couple from last year. As she put out Something We Used to Say in 2024, there was a new wave of interest around her music. I will start out with Listen to This and their 2024 interview with Twinnie. If you have not come across this incredible artist then you really do need to check her out. Her videos are always hugely watchable and she has an amazing voice. As an actor who has worked on stage, she brings this extra gravitas and physicality to her videos and live performances. A big reason why she is so loved and respected as an artist:

“Nashville-based British country crossover artist Twinnie is bringing the curtain down on her self-proclaimed “sad girl era” with her newest EP ‘Blue Hour (Before The Dawn)’ on 28th June 2024. She spoke to us about her latest single ‘Girl In Your Songs’ her hometown and more:

When did you begin songwriting and recording music?

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I began writing poetry as a child and that progressed to songwriting as I grew older. It’s therapy for me and something that I truly love to do.

What is your earliest musical memory?

As far back as I can remember, I’ve been surrounded by music. I’ve been on stage since I was 4 I think my earliest memory is me singing in the school choir as a butterfly. Looking back now it was very on trend because a lot of my friends call me the social butterfly.

Your new single ‘Girl In Your Songs’ is out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

I dated a Rockstar a many years ago. His song about our relationship got to number 1, so this song is in response to that and I’m hoping to match that success haha.

Where did you record the single and who produced it?

It was produced by the brilliant Barnabas Shaw, and Chris Rafetto. I love them both and they’re both incredibly talented. I recorded vocals IN Nashville and London.

Was it a difficult song to write?

Not difficult really, I love the story arc and it comes from a real experience. I had fun writing this one.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I love my Gibson j45, my mini taylor and I love my upright piano at home that I write on a lot. I love my trusty sm7b mic made by sure that comes everywhere with me in case I need to play a vocal down while travelling.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

I’m originally from York. I’d probably say, rural, quaint, safe, home, real, down to earth, historic and THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN THE UK LOL

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

This is something I’ve actually been been working on recently although the screen play is something that I wrote in the pandemic and wrote the music with some amazingly talented writers and actors like Alan Menken, Anna Rose, Lucie Silvas, Mary Steenburgen, Dave Stewart and Andy Garcia. Honestly I love musicals old MGM films or gangsters films once upon time in America starring Robert De Niro is one of my all time favourite scores by Ennio Morricone is perfection. Id love to do something like that.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

I love Dolly, Shania, Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, Tupac, Ella Fitzgerald, Beatles like so many and my musical taste is everything lol.

You should definitely check out my friends from Nashville Bonner Black, Abigail Virginia, Lucie Silvas, Brothers Osbourne, Fancy Hagood, Maggie Rogers all amazing artists.

Do you have any further music releases planned for 2024?

Yes, I have a few singles and a new EP releasing in June. I can’t wait to share it all with my fans. I’m so excited about this next chapter.

What makes Twinnie happy and what makes you unhappy?

Sleep and carbs lol, hiking, reading, hanging out with friends, spending time with the people I love and my dog! My dog sunny is my best pal”.

After releasing the phenomenal E.P., Blue Hour (Before the Dawn), in 2024, EUPHORIA. spoke with Twinnie. Each of her E.P.s and albums is its own thing. They have a different sound and narrative. I do think that she has grown in stature and confidence over the past few years. How long until she is collaborating with huge artists and playing the biggest stages of her career? That possibility cannot be too far away one suspects:

“You have released your new EP, Blue Hour (Before The Dawn), which you’ve said is going to close your “sad girl era.” Why is this a chapter you want to close?

As an artist, I love creating worlds, a lot of my work has been concept-based. This era of Blue Hour was born out of a real-life experience of a ten-year relationship ending and it’s been nearly two years. I wrote a lot of songs and healed a lot from it with this music. I’m in a much happier place now and with summer just starting it feels like the perfect time to close out the sad girl era and bring in some happy, empowering anthems.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jack Alexander

Does that mean you’ve been in the zone of writing happier songs? How has that been going? Many artists find it easier to write more emotionally driven songs.

I always pull from real-life experiences, but I love upbeat music and dancing and all of that so it’s very natural for me to write positive songs. But these sad songs were needed. It was very much therapy for me.

You just released your latest single, “Girl in Your Songs.” What inspired the song?

This is about a real relationship I had years ago with a famous rock star. He wrote a track about me first and he got to number one, so I did what any songwriter would do and wrote him one back.

With country music being such a huge genre in the US, have you found that the US has been more accepting of your music than the UK?

Country music fans are the best all around the world. It is the fastest-growing genre across Europe right now and I feel really lucky to be a part of the songwriter community in Nashville. We’ve seen so many pop stars come into the genre. It’s a really exciting time and it’s a genre that’s so diverse so I feel like everyone has been supportive. I guess playing the Opry was a huge milestone for me and a nod from the community and fans I’m doing something right.

You made your Grand Ole Opry debut last year. How was that experience?

That was the best experience ever. It was a moment I’ll cherish forever. It was everything I ever dreamed of and so much more”.

A couple of interviews from last year before I wrap things up. I love Nashville Voyager’s interview with Twinnie. As I say, I might try and catch her play in London in March, as I hear only great things about her live sets. She is a tremendous artist that seems to have fitted naturally into the Nashville set. The next few years are going to be immense for her! Personally, professionally and beyond. You can see her doing things that she will remember for the rest of her life:

“Hi Twinnie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started performing when I was about four years old, growing up in the Romani Gypsy Traveling community in England. Music and storytelling were always a huge part of my life – it’s just in my bones. I went on to perform in West End musicals like Chicago and Rock of Ages, and had the chance to work alongside legends like Glenn Close, Christian Slater, and Alan Menken, which was such a surreal and inspiring experience.

Before launching my own music career, I spent time as a backing singer and dancer for artists like Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams, which really helped shape my stage presence and performance style. But deep down, I always knew I wanted to tell my own stories – ones that reflect my truth, my roots, and the things I’ve been through.

In 2020, I released my debut album and have been lucky enough to travel the world sharing my music ever since. My sound blends country storytelling with a British twist and a bit of pop energy, and I’ve always tried to use my platform to uplift other women and be a voice for mental health awareness. I co-founded a movement called I Know A Woman to create space for those conversations.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road, but I think the bumps along the way have shaped me into the artist and woman I am today.

Coming from a marginalized background, people had their assumptions about who I was before I even opened my mouth. I sometimes felt like I had to work twice as hard just to feel like I belonged. Then, transitioning into country music as a British artist came with its own set of challenges. Let’s just say, Americans sometimes have a hard time understanding me when I talk. I’m not sure why…I don’t have an accent or anything. Ha!

But, I’ve always believed that music transcends borders and I just kept showing up, writing my truth, and staying authentic to my story.

Mental health has also been a huge part of my journey. There’ve been times where the pressure of the industry – the expectations, the comparisons, the burnout – all took a toll. That’s actually what led me to co-create I Know A Woman during the Covid-19 pandemic. I wanted to create a safe space where women, especially in music, could feel seen and supported.

So no, it hasn’t been smooth. But every “no,” every door that shut, every moment of doubt – it’s all fueled my fire. And I’m proud of how far I’ve come, especially because I’ve done it on my own terms.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?

I think we’re already starting to see a real shift in the music industry, especially when it comes to genre lines blurring and artists being able to carve their own paths without needing to fit into a specific mold. Over the next 5 to 10 years, I believe that’s only going to grow. The gatekeepers don’t hold the same kind of power they once did – fans do. I love that. It means authenticity wins.

Country music, in particular, is evolving. We’re seeing more diversity, more global influence, and more women standing at the forefront, which is long overdue. I think the industry is finally being forced to reckon with its blind spots…and that includes opening the door for voices that have historically been left out. I hope to be part of that change.

From a creative standpoint, I think storytelling will always be the heartbeat of country, but the way we deliver it is changing. Social media, short-form content, AI, even virtual concerts – they’re all shifting the way people discover and experience music. It’s both exciting and a bit mental trying to keep up, but I genuinely believe the artists who stay rooted in who they are while being open to new ways of connecting will thrive”.

The final interview I will bring in is from Star Shine Magazine from November. Coming towards the end of a successful year, this one is going to be another happy and fulfilling one for Twinnie. What you also get from the interviews is incredible photoshoots. So much of Twinnie’s personality and shine comes through! Someone who the camera loves, she has this star quality that explains why her fanbase is rising and she has such a passionate core of fans who are behind her every step of the way:

“What inspired “Don’t Need A Cowboy”?

“Don’t Need A Cowboy” came from a place of self-discovery and empowerment. I wanted to flip the traditional country trope on its head. I like to joke that I’m a hopeless romantic, but the song’s really about knowing your worth and realizing you don’t need to be “saved” by anyone to feel whole.

What was the experience of making the music video like?

It was so fun! I wanted this one to feel glamorous yet grounded, with a nod to classic Western aesthetics and a dash of disco-pop sparkle. I love storytelling through visuals, so filming it felt like an extension of the song itself. I also direct my own music videos!

How would you say growing up in the Romani Travelling community influenced your music?

It influenced my music massively. My upbringing taught me to value freedom, resilience, and self-expression, all of which show up in my music. The Romani culture is deeply musical and emotional. We tell stories through song, and I think that’s why I’ve always been drawn to country music.

Do you tend to write from personal experience, or do you also pull from stories you observe around you?

Mostly personal experience, but I’m a big observer of people. I’m fascinated by human behavior, relationships, and emotions, so sometimes I’ll mix my own stories with things I’ve seen or conversations I’ve had.

When you’re not writing, recording, or performing, how do you spend your downtime?

I love being outdoors…long walks, hikes, anything that gets me into nature. I’m also an avid reader and really value my alone time. Sometimes all I need is a good Netflix binge and a cup of tea to feel recharged!

Anything else we should look out for?

Yes! I’ve got new music coming soon that I’ve worked really hard on. (Here’s a little hint for the vibe: a bit of Cher, a touch of ABBA, and a whole lot of Shania!) I’m also heading out on my “Dirt Road Disco” tour in 2026, and tickets are already nearly sold out! I’m so excited to see everyone.

What message do you have for your fans and future fans out there?

Always stay true to yourself and never dim your light for anyone. Life is about connection, not perfection. I’m so grateful for everyone who listens to my music and finds a piece of themselves in it”.

There is so much love out there for her. I do want to finish with a review for her latest single, I Don’t Need a Cowboy, as it brings things up to date. I think fun, openness, humour and realness are defining qualities with Twinnie. There is no ego or disguise. Even if she adopts various looks for shoots or videos, she is very much herself. Someone who you can connect with and feel a bond with.

“Twinnie – Lee Moore, aka Twinnie, is a boundary-breaking singer/songwriter originally from York, England, but now resides in Nashville, Tennessee. Twinnie has just performed at Glastonbury and has earned critical acclaim from BBC Radio, People, Forbes, Billboard & NPR. Twinnie was raised in the Romani Travelling Community and brings a fierce sense of authenticity & inclusivity to every lyric and song. Her 2020 debut album Hollywood Gipsy was named BBC Radio 2’s Album Of The Week. Since relocating to Nashville, Twinnie has made her Grand Ole Opry debut, appeared on US Radio, and shared the stage with the likes of Sheryl Crow, Lainey Wilson & Chase Rice. In 2024 she made history as the first British artist to sing the US national anthem at GEODIS Park in Nashville. Twinnie is a gifted singer/songwriter with credits for stars such as Kylie Minogue, Bryan Adams, The Shires & Lyndscape. Twinnie is a passionate philanthropist & mental health advocate and founder of the I Know A Woman foundation. Twinnie released her album Something We Used To Say in November last year and released her debut US EP Welcome To The Club. From the album came singles Back To Jack, Giddy Up, and today she unleashes her thigh-slapping ditty Don’t Need A Cowboy, which I will be bringing you today.

Don’t Need A Cowboy – A sweet, cool lap steel intro brings a punchy rhythm beat that lets the track come at us with the usual mellow beats that we have come to know and love Twinnie for. The soulful vocals are really letting us feel the swagger oozing from this charismatic British Country Music Association nominee, which lets us see why she has been nominated. The soothing, melodic, lyrical piece is a real good-feeling track that just lets us see the fun side of this multi-talented musician as she continues her domination to the top of the country music world. We get a Sabrina Carpenter/Dolly Parton groove running through this track, and it just puts a smile on your face. Twinnie is gearing up for her Dirt Road Disco Tour in 2026, so be sure to grab your tickets because it will surely be a laugh-a-minute show”.

Go and follow Twinnie on social media and listen to her music. She is an artist I have been a fan of for years now and I have watched her progress and shine. The U.K. dates coming up will be hotly received. I have never been to Nashville myself, though I can imagine it is a wonderful community when it comes to music. Even if she is a proud daughter of York, her new base in Tennessee is…