In the hushed, dimly lit backstage of a bustling venue, amidst the faint scent of anticipation and the electric hum of pre-performance nerves, Say Lou Lou finds themselves in familiar territory. For the twin sisters behind the artist name, Miranda and Elektra Kilbey, music isn’t just a passion—it’s a way of life, a shared journey woven into the very fabric of their existence.

Growing up under the sway of musician parents, the sisters found themselves navigating the peculiar blend of embarrassment and inspiration that comes with being raised in a musical household. “You find yourself sitting backstage waiting to play a show in a smelly, tiny venue in the middle of nowhere and you’re like ‘SHIT’!” Miranda chuckles. “We don’t have anything to compare to, but having our parents and other family members in music and theatre made us feel like expressing ourselves through music, visuals, films, etc. was a natural and essential part of life.”

Their journey as collaborators has mirrored their personal growth, evolving alongside the ebb and flow of their relationship. “Learning to have more patience and gratitude and acceptance for our individual selves has made it easier to have it for each other,” Elektra reflects. “But with that said, a part of our dynamic is really close and intense (both in a fantastic and sometimes chaotic way) and it’s a part of what gives our project energy and life but also makes it hard to handle and frustrating for others to be around.”

Their latest EP, “Dust, Pt.1,” serves as a poignant exploration of the emotional terrain of heartbreak. Through their music, the sisters have found catharsis and growth, gaining new perspectives on love and loss. “The only way through is through, and when you’re in it, you’re in it but it’s so temporary,” Elektra reflects. “You’ll always come out on the other side with more wisdom and clearer perspectives.”

The unique bond of twinship infuses every chord and lyric, shaping both their personal lives and their artistic endeavors. “Having an unbreakable closeness, synchronicity and understanding makes us secure and confident,” Miranda explains. “There’s always someone to give you a reality check, an honest answer, someone who can tell what you’re thinking without you having to say a word.”

Yet, with closeness comes challenge, as the sisters navigate the pitfalls of shared insecurities and inner criticisms. “Our shared inner criticisms can get in our way a lot,” Elektra admits. “We’ve gotten better at seeing studio time as a fun way of bonding and deepening our love and respect for each other’s differences rather than fixating on each other’s flaws and insecurities.”

Relocating to Los Angeles, a city steeped in dreams and creativity has added a new dimension to their musical odyssey. “LA is such a strange and interesting place,” Miranda muses. “There’s no center, it’s so spread out and everyone is tucked away in secret hiding places that you don’t find unless someone introduces you to them.”

As they look to the future, Say Lou Lou is poised on the brink of new horizons, with plans to release singles and EPs leading up to their album ‘Dust Pt.2.’ Yet amidst the whirlwind of their musical journey, the sisters remain grounded, cherishing the simple pleasures of life’s quieter moments. “Finding time for doing nothing, swimming in the ocean, going on long walks with our dogs,” Elektra smiles. “These are the things that keep us inspired and alive.

Team Credits:
Words by Hannah Magnusson
Photography by Ellen Nykvist at MINK MGMT
Styling by Sandra Ekenstam
Makeup by Jasmine Ärnström at Mikas Looks
Hair by Amanda Lund at Lund Lund
Photo assistant: Lisa Larsson

Fashion Credits:
1) Miranda wears top by Hildur Evenlind. Skirt by Korlekie. Tights by Alisa Cayoo. Boots by Rombaut. Rings by Sara Robertsson and Laôma Atelier.
2) On the left: Elektra wears a Bolero and skirt by Linda Dekhla. Sleeves by Hildur Evenlind. Stockings by No Dress. Mules by & Other Stories. Rings by Laôma Atelier.
On the right: Miranda wears a top and skirt by Anna Lastro. Knee-high boots by ATP Atelier. Elektra wears two different tops by Albin Granaas. Trousers by Christian Dior. Earrings by Freya Douglas Ferguson.
3) Miranda wears a top by Keta Gutmane. Skirt by Hildur Evenlind. Tights by Alisa Cayoo. Mules by Tiger of Sweden. Rings by Sara Robertsson and Laôma Atelier.
4) Miranda wears a top and skirt by Anna Lastro. Knee-high boots by ATP Atelier.
5,6) Miranda wears top by Hildur Evenlind. Trousers by Lowe Lind- blad. Elektra wears top by Hildur Evenlind and skirt by Wera. Rings by Sara Robertsson and Laôma Atelier.
7) Miranda wears dress by Albin Gra- naas. Elektra wears two different tops by Albin Granaas.
Trousers by Christian Dior.
8) Elektra wears a leather jacket by Keta Gutmane. Flaming bra by Perlensau. Skirt by Albin Granaas. Boots by Tiger of Sweden.
9&10) Elektra wears Earrings by SYDORIA.
11) Elektra wears blazer sleeves and a corset by STHLM MISC. Earrings by SYDORIA.
12) Miranda wears top and skirt by Anna Lastro.
13) Miranda wears top by Hildur Evenlind. Trousers by Lowe Lind- blad. Elektra wears top by Hildur Evenlind and skirt by Wera. Rings by Sara Robertsson and Laôma Atelier.
15&16) Miranda wears top by Hildur Evenlind. Trousers by Lowe Lind- blad. Elektra wears top by Hildur Evenlind and skirt by Wera. Rings by Sara Robertsson and Laôma Atelier.
17) Elektra wears top and skirt by Linda Dekhla. Sleeves by Hildur Evenlind. Stockings by No Dress. Rings by Laôma Atelier.
18) Miranda wears coat by Keta Gutmane. Rings by Sara Robertsson. Boots by Rombaut.