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Alexa is a blonde, and Natalee is a brunette. That's where many of the differences end for the Falk sisters, who celebrate their similarities in perfect harmony.
Alexa, 22, is a singer-songwriter who is joined by 21-year-old Natalee in the Logan-based folk duo Falk. Both trade lead singing duties, and each sings harmonies and plays guitar and piano.
Within the past year, the recent Utah State University grads were named national ambassadors for the National Eating Disorders Awarenesss (NEDA) organization. They have traveled all over the country peforming at NEDA events, with their award-winning song "Deadly Beauty" becoming an anthem for families with children struggling with eating disorders.
Now, the duo is recording an album with award-winning record producer Jason Deere, who has produced albums for the Nashville Tribute Band and Katherine Nelson.
Each sister answered Tribune questions about sisterhood, songwriting and things you can't say on a nude beach.
Sisters can have a love-hate relationship. How do you describe your relationship?
Alexa: Natalee and I are definitely each other's best friend. I would say that we experienced the "love-hate" kind of relationship when we were much younger, but now we get along for the most part. We have experienced life in a way that only each other can relate to because of our upbringing in the entertainment business.
Natalee: We've learned that if there's one person we want in our corner at the end of the day, it's each other.
What inspires you or rather, what doesn't inspire you?
Alexa: I'm most inspired when I'm connected with myself on all levels. When I am [connected], I find it any and everywhere. It's in an honest conversation, a first kiss, good movie scene that gives you chills, a beautiful piece of art, a kitten. Life is inspiring. You just can't overlook all of its small moments.
Natalee: The things that inspire us are an endless list.
What is the best song you have ever written?
Alexa: The one I'm currently writing. I always like to grow as an artist and try to outdo myself. Picking the best is like asking a mother which one of her children is her favorite.
Natalee: Two that we are proud of are songs called "Deadly Beauty" and "Fall Into Me." "Deadly Beauty" was written by Alexa when she was 16 years old. It's the story of her personal struggle with an eating disorder. We're now ambassadors for NEDA, and this is an example of something so painful that turned into a big blessing.
What are your most memorable musical experiences?
Alexa: My sister Natalee and I were invited to perform our song "Deadly Beauty" at the 2011 NEDA walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Watching as the song's lyrics resonated with the audience was so overwhelming. People weren't just crying, but sobbing. They were hugging each other, singing along, and almost everyone had their camera out filming us sing. It was in that moment I realized that I created something much bigger than me.
What fan-made signs would you like to see held up at one of your shows?
Alexa: F.M.L. (Falk. My. Life). Let's get Falked. I want to Meet The Falkers. Falk Me! Best Falking of my life! Basically, our fans have a lot of "Falking" fun with our last name.
Natalee: I don't think it would be a bad thing to get a few marriage proposals.
How did you start making and performing music together?
Alexa: Our mom was the first person to realize that we were musically inclined. She put us in singing classes, and it just went on from there.
Natalee: We met and started working with Nashville producer Jason Deere. We created an album of original songs with him, and the next thing we know, we have five platinum hits, three of which went No. 1 in Brazil. That's when we really became a part of the music business, and [that's] what kind of catapulted us into this career.
Can you still say "Put it where the sun don't shine " on a nude beach?
Alexa: If you could. I'm not sure I'd want to.
Natalee: Freedom of speech.
Why do British people never sound British when they sing?
Alexa: I have no idea.
Natalee: We've been wondering that ourselves about Australians, too.
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