The Wreckers: Jessica Harp (left) & Michelle Branch.
Michelle Branch is renowned for her success as a solo artist in the pop/rock field, having released two platinum albums (Spirit Room and Hotel Paper) which spawned such hits as “Everywhere,” “All You Wanted,” “Goodbye To You” and “Are You Happy Now?” In addition, she is known for her hit duets with Carlos Santana, particularly “The Game Of Love,” for which she won a Grammy award for Best Collaboration With Vocals.
However, Branch has now decided to pursue a new musical direction, teaming up with singer & songwriter Jessica Harp to form the country duo, the Wreckers. This spring, Branch & Harp are already on the country charts with their hit single “Leave The Pieces,” and they have just released their debut album, Stand Still, Look Pretty.
Interestingly, Branch plans on devoting her full energies to the Wreckers from now on. This is not just a brief foray into country music, but her long-term, career path. Branch & Harp will be touring extensively for the remainder of 2006, first with Rascal Flatts, and then with Brad Paisley. Also, the duo are already writing songs for the next Wreckers album.
Branch’s decision to form the Wreckers actually came about three years ago. She and Harp started to plan the Wreckers album, after developing a close, musical friendship. “I met Jessica six years ago when I was in Kansas City on a promo tour, and we really hit it off,” recalled Branch. “We started sending each other music ideas and exchanging contacts. We hung out and started writing together. We also noticed how well our harmonies and phrasing really clicked. And musically, we like a lot of the same people – we’re both huge fans of Patty Griffin.”
“Writing and singing country music is actually a natural progression for me,” she added. I grew up listening to all kinds of music at my parent’s house. We would listen to everything from Led Zeppelin and the Beatles, to Marty Robbins and Patsy Cline. And as a songwriter, I’ve always been influenced by country and folk music.”
Branch & Harp wrote 10 of the 12 songs on Stand Still, Look Pretty, six which they wrote together, and four which they wrote separately. “Jessica writes more of the lyrics, and I write more of the melodies. When we write together, it can be in different ways. There were songs that we wrote in the back of the bus, and some which were written in the studio. Most of the time one of us will have a song started, and then we would work on it together.”
The Wreckers
Although the Wreckers album was just released (in May 2006), it was recorded and completed in 2004. “The album was done two years ago,” explained Branch. “But then I got pregnant, so the project was put on hold. I didn’t want to promote the album while being pregnant, so I took time off. And fortunately as it turned out, it was during this period that Warner Nashville (the country division of Warner Bros. Records) heard our record and became excited about it.”
“[My pop label] Maverick Records was initially nervous about my country thing,” she said. “But once Warner Nashville stepped in and got behind the album, Maverick also became supportive. So things have worked out well.”
It seems to be smooth sailing now for the Wreckers, with their debut single “Leave The Pieces” (written by Billy Austin & Jennifer Hanson) moving steadily up the Billboard country singles chart. Country radio has quickly embraced Branch & Harp as a credible, country duo.
“We’re pleased that we have been accepted by country radio,” said Branch. “What made it easier, was that we went on a six-week, promotional tour of country radio stations. We put in a lot of time networking and meeting people.”
It’s clear that Branch and Harp are viewing the Wreckers as a long-term, career vehicle, and they are willing to work extensively, via promotion and touring, to establish the Wreckers as a viable, acclaimed duo which has longevity.
“The Wreckers is what I’m doing from now on,” she said. “Jessica and I will be continuing to work together. It was actually an easy decision to do the Wreckers. Jessica and I just followed our guts and asked questions later. It was the best decision we could have made.”
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