By: Garfene Grandison
Observer TEENage writer Campion College

The world has been taken by storm by the hot and sexy sibling duo of Brick and Lace (B&L). Based in Fort Lauderdale, which they call their second home (Jamaica being the first), they come to Jamaica on a regular basis to take a break from all the stresses of international stardom. On their recent visit to Jamaica they took the time out to talk to TEENage and here was what they had to say:

TEENage: What are your full names?

B&L: (Giggles) Nyanda and Nailah Thorbourne.

TEENage: Where did you grow up and what schools did you attend?

B&L: We grew up in Kingston in a complex across from Blue Cross. Nailah attended St Andrew High School for Girls and Nyanda went to Campion College.

TEENage: Some people have been reluctant to call you Brick & Lace because they say that your physical and facial attributes adds a softness so they prefer to call you ‘Satin and Silk’ instead. What do you have to say about that? What is the inspiration for your name?

B&L: (Gasps).
We are very touched by the comments of the people about ‘Satin and Silk’, but it’s the first time we have ever heard that, but nonetheless we are flattered. However, the name Brick and Lace derives from the different sounds that can be heard in our music. The brick side represents the gritty edge in our music, which is born in us because we are Jamaicans while the lace side represents our smooth harmony.

TEENage: Initially it was a trio, what happened to the other member who used to be a part of Brick and Lace?

B&L: That’s our sister Tash. She has moved to Toronto, Canada, but she is still apart of the everyday activities of Brick and Lace, that is, the movements and the songwriting especially. She was recently on the set of our new single Love Is Wicked issuing directions and advice. All in all, she just wanted a more behind-the-scenes approach. To us though and to the people of Jamaica she will always and forever be a member of Brick & Lace.

TEENage: What events did you partake in prior to your international success/debut?

B&L: From a very young age, we used to sing in church at the Hope Gospel Assembly as well as at church barbeques. We also did a bit of background singing for Beres Hammond and Diana King at Reggae Sunsplash. When we were about 13 or 14, we opened for Robertha Flack at her concert. We participated in all these ventures simply because it was fun and we loved it. We didn’t mind the negative things that people said, we were just grateful for the opportunities granted to us.

TEENage: How has the international success been for you?

B&L: We have been taking it in strides, but it has been a gradual process. We always saw the light at the end of the tunnel so right about now we feel blessed and deserving. Not to sound too over the top but we didn’t realise the impact that we have on the people with our music and we are grateful and loving it. It’s a surreal feeling, but it’s been a good journey. All we are going to continue to do is to keep on making music because that’s what it’s all about. We have reached the peole with our music and gotten their positive feedback so that in itself is ’success’.

TEENage: Tell us, what do you like to do in your spare time?

B&L: Working out, reading, going to the beach, movies and of course playing Scrabble (laughs). We are Scrabble nerds. As a matter of fact, during Dean we were playing Scrabble in the candlelight.

TEENage: How was the transition between your first video and your latest success, Never Never? Were there any inspirations?

B&L: There was a lot more funding, but Ras Kassa showed his creativity and what he could do on a low budget.

Our sister was in Done It To Me so it means a lot to us, plus, it was our first video as Brick & Lace so that makes it extra special. Never Never had a lot more opinions as well as more people on the set. We had more say in Done It To Me. On the bright side we got to work with Tamesha Scott, who has choreographed international celebrities such as Beyoncé Knowles and Sean Paul. She incorporated the Caribbean flavour in most international videos. What we would love to do though is work with more upcoming Jamaican choreographers.

TEENage: How did it feel to be finally signed to a major record label after your first introduction into the music industry?

B&L: Well, we were signed to Jive first, but it didn’t work out so we were used to the feeling. Jive didn’t understand our vision, they admitted that we were talented, but they just didnt know how to market us. We were glad that they were honest with us from the start. We loved the way Geffen embraced us and our vision. There were lots of obstacles, this journey was definitely not without its challenges. What people need to know though, is that there are pros and cons to being signed to a major record label. However, what we do need here in Jamaica are more companies to ensure that the artistes are treated fairly.

TEENage: How do you handle the negative criticisms from the Jamaican public about your American citizenship as well as your crossover shown in your music video?

B&L: Well, our mom was born and raised in New York City and our dad is Jamaican so we have been travelling to and from New York ever since we were little. That’s who we are and we can’t change that. In terms of our video, our production crew was trying to showcase places that possess a large Jamaican presence and we all know that New York City has a Jamaican feel to it.

TEENage: Are any of you in a relationship? If so, how do you balance the time when you are always away on tours, concerts, etc?

B&L: (Laughs). We have close friends. Yeah, close friends, but we will see if it will mature. However, you have to make time for the love aspect of your life.

TEENage: What’s the next step for Brick & Lace?

B&L: We have our new single that debuted on Entertainment Report last week entitled, Love Is Wicked. Our soon-to-be released album is also entitled Love Is Wicked. We feel like it’s a classic album, one that we are extremely proud of. It is, however, geared towards the female gender.Nailah and Nyanda grew up in a musical family because their mother is a soloist in the church choir and their father was in a gospel group called Branches of Divine.Both parents play an avid role in their careers because they like to edit their songs and offer their opinions on certain matters. They both looked up to their father as an artiste and as a songwriter. When asked if they will be pursuing solo careers, they said it would have to be in a situation like Outkast, where they had two CDs with different sounds in the same compilation. They went on to further state that they are two different individuals and it is when these two individuals come together you get Brick & Lace.

When asked to give their views on the politics here in Jamaica they replied, “Portia Simpson Miller no doubt inspires the women of Jamaica. People voice their opinions but at the end of the day it should be non-violent. However, whatever the outcome of the elections, PNP or JLP, we hope that they can rule with integrity and goodwill.”

To find out more about Brick & Lace and to buy ringtones visit their website at www.brickandlace.net and check out itunes for their new single Love Is Wicked.