Chart-topping twins make their voices heard
Twin brothers from Hamilton have topped country music charts after the release of their latest song.
Mick and Phil Muir say they never imagined getting the amazing reaction they did for new track Who You Really Are.
The twins, now 30, have watched their success grow by writing about real struggles and hardship including issues with mental health and tough personal experiences.
Their song has been streamed over 10,000 times and hit the top of the Amazon music chart under the country genre.
Performing as Mick N Phil, the duo open up about losing their mother to suicide when they were babies and how mental health has always been a topic close to their hearts and a driving force in their music.
The duo believe in making a positive impact through music which can help people in their own battles with mental health.
They volunteer in various mental health networks including Fool On, a charity that helps teach music and singing as a way to deal with mental health.
With the success of the band’s new release growing every day, the brothers are focused on an exciting and busy year ahead which will see a new song released every month.
Mick said: “We felt releasing a single per month was a good way to stay visible, keeps us moving all year before shows can get back.
“We’ve written tons of tunes and set ourselves goals last year and we’re seeing ourselves living it.
“Everything’s had to be done in separate places. Us two are the only ones who can get together at a given time and do anything so it’s been a challenge. But this time it’s opened stuff up for us.”
Speaking on the song, Mick added: “It took seven months to just complete this song.
“It’s about being your true self and who you really are in a relationship – about a relationship that’s broken down, two people that are no longer in love but split and wish each other the best, which a lot of people probably don’t really do.
“With the fact we have been locked down and people can’t live the life they normally would, relationships are breaking down and it’s a hard thing to endure. What we’ve seen lately is the climate is causing relationships to break down through financial struggles and things like that.”
The pandemic has brought the twins even closer, as they formed an extended household to ensure their music could be produced at its best.
Phil said: “We used to write separately and show each other, so through that and the lockdown there was no rush. Usually there’s too much going so you end up settling for things, so with a bit more time we’ve been able to get on each other’s wavelength better and take our time.
“It took us back to our roots and the early days and enjoyed it more.
“There’s going to be a lot of good new songs coming out which we think will surprise a lot of people.”
Phil reflected on Who You Really Are as a song about the struggles of his own relationship breaking down last year.
“We were together a very long time and in the end there was no need for animosity or hatred and the two of us wished each other the best”, added Phil.
“We really feel the work we’re doing now is our best yet, and the time we’ve had has brought us closer.”
Mick N Phil were lined up for a number of festivals last year, including TRNSMT, before mass gatherings were brought to a halt. However, the band have used the time to work on their material and face the live scene in a stronger position.
Mick said: “Everything we write is always inspired by current times.
“One thing for us is writing about mental health, mainly for personal reasons. We are small but anybody that has a voice of any sort should use it as a platform, we feel. We always want the listener to connect with the music.
“Mental health has pretty much taken over our life. Even now I’m volunteering online with Fool On because I think it matters.
“Right now we’re happy and working hard and we’re driven like never before.”
Phil added: “There’s been a lot of positives this year despite the pandemic and for us as brothers we’ve been able to connect more and through that we’ve got a new sound.”
The song is available on all streaming platforms and more information can be found at https://www. facebook.com/micknphil