Twinnies CDs!

I saw something on my Facebook newsfeed the other day that my blog audience might enjoy.  Franziska Pauli's Facebook page posted a photo with the caption "Look, what I've found! People told me, that the TWINNIES album isn't availabe at amazon anymore... Few days ago I discovered, that I still have some of them at home. So, does anybody want one or more of them with a personal message for each 15,00$/15,00€ + shipping? Just send me a message! Maybe you still need a christmas gift..."

Considering that my original post about Die Twinnies (from 3 and a half years ago!) is still my most popular post, I thought there might be interest in this sale.  I'm tempted to buy one if any are left!

I couldn't resist commenting on the photo when I saw it:

And to my surprise, Franzi liked my comment!

Lucky me!  So, go buy that album!  And, for a "where are they now" post about Die Twinnies, check out my post from last September.  I'm sure they've been up to a lot since then.

Musik Monday - Die Twinnies: Where are they now?

My most popular post by far is Musik Monday - Die Twinnies from over 2 years ago.  When I first posted the video, it was already 2 years old itself and what happened to the adorable rollerskating, accordion-playing, singing duo was a mystery.  Now, 4 years after the video was first posted, people are still writing comments about how much they love it and asking whatever happened to the girls.  I don't have all the answers, but I did some investigating and came up with something for all you Twinnies fans.

Franziska and Astrid in the Twinnies days (source: kidsmusic.info)

According to the birthdays listed on the duo's Wikipedia page, Astrid and Franziska are now both 18 years old (they were about 13 when the original video was made).  Unfortunately, it looks like the girls have chosen different paths and, at least as far as their music careers go, parted ways.  While Franziska (Franzi) is still in the public eye and pursuing music, Astrid seems to have stepped out of the limelight for a more private life.

Honestly, all I could find of Astrid is what I think is her Facebook page.  Please do *not* friend her or bother her using that link.  First of all, I can't be 100% sure it's her (only 99% sure), and secondly, it's private for a reason.  It looks like that's her personal Facebook for her personal life.  I'm not sure how she'd feel about fan mail, but if you do send messages or anything, please be kind and respectful.  It looks like she's happy and surrounded by some good friends.  Hopefully all is going well for her!

Astrid then and now (source: Facebook)

Franzi was a lot easier to find.  Her Facebook page is made for her fans, so please like it to keep up with what she's doing!  She's still performing music on stage, but it looks like she may have taken a small break for a couple of years.

Franzi then and now (source: Facebook)

Since June 2013, Franzi has been in Stefanie Hertel's DirndlRockBand.  Thanks to that, she's been touring with them in several countries and been with them on stage on on television.  Franzi's Facebook page also chronicles her adventures on the road and what she's doing outside of the band.  She writes in German, but there are plenty of pictures and videos...plus there's always the Google translate button.  I'm sure she'd love to not only have more likes on her page, but also to hear from her fans.  Hopefully her music career continues strong and her talent shines through!

DirndleRockBand (source: mdr.de)

Franzi performing with Stefanie Hertel at Musi Open Air 2014 (source: Facebook)

All is not lost Twinnies fans! Franzi also has a youtube account.  And there are some videos of her and Astrid hidden among the other great videos.  Here's the most recent one I could find.  Enjoy!

 Both girls have become beautiful young ladies and I wish them success in whatever they choose to pursue!  Hopefully this was helpful to everyone curious about where Die Twinnies are now!

Musik Monday - Die Twinnies

My friend sent me this the other day and it's just too great to not pass along:





In case you didn't catch that, here it is with English subtitles:




It's a music group made up of two German girls who sing, skate, and play accordions (and other instruments) simultaneously.  It's sort of corny music, but you have to give these girls credit for the show they put on; Most "musicians" can barely sing, let alone play instruments.  And doing both while on skates is insane!  They come close to giving Weird Al a run for his money.

I did a little research on their website (warning, there's sound) and found that Astrid and Franziska aren't actually twins, but they are best friends and "inseparable like twins".  They've been singing and making music since they were young children and did it because it was fun.  They did it more because it made other people happy.  They learned accordion from Franziska's father, who teaches people how to play the instrument.  They started off just playing and singing, but decided to incorporate another activity they love - roller skating.

Though they exemplify the traditional Bavarian music style of their home, they love current music as well and play many pop and rock songs on the electric guitar and electric bass guitar.  They hope to mix traditional and current music in their own style.  I encourage everyone to check out the website for these talented girls!  They may not be actively making or performing music now (I couldn't figure that out), but they're certainly entertaining!

One of the greatest things about the video is how it shows a pretty typical German audience.  Understandably, part of it has to do with the venue, but look at how they all sit and clap with a slight side to side swaying.  In almost all my experience (with the slight exception of some clubs in Germany - though many were also full of international students), that's what Germans do when they love music.

At least they had enough enthusiasm to make matching signs

I personally love it.  I'll be honest, I am not in my element when it comes to dancing, unless it's some sort of line dancing.  Give me Cotton Eyed Joe or Cha Cha Slide any day and I can dance the heck out of those.  But music where there's no specific dance to learn?  That's one of the most frightening things to me.  It must be the German in me that's terrified.