The Veronicas

The Veronicas
The Veronicas performing in 2005.
Background information
Origin	Brisbane, Australia
Genre(s)	Pop Rock[1] Dance pop
Years active	2005 – Present
Label(s)	Sire
Website	TheVeronicas.com
Members
Jessica Origliasso - Vocals, Guitar Lisa Origliasso - Vocals

The Veronicas are an award winning Australian pop singer/songwriter duo composed of identical twin sisters Lisa Marie Origliasso and Jessica Louise Origliasso (born December 25, 1984 in Brisbane)^[1] who are of Italian (Sicilian) descent.

Early Years

They grew up in Albany Creek, (suburb located to the northwest of Brisbane, Australia) where they went to Ferny Grove State High School and also moved to Wavell State High School. At an early age the girls expressed interest in performing, they participated with small local papers in shows on television.

Jessica and Lisa also performed in small parts on various television shows including a recurring role in the short-lived 2001 Australian children's series "Cybergirl", where they portrayed twin sisters: Lisa played the character 'Sapphire', while Jessica appeared as 'Emerald'.^[2] On Jessica's 18th birthday she received her first guitar, with this the girls began writing and singing songs. They became "Teal"^[2] and began to experiment with different sounds and genres, releasing a song "Baby It's Over", this only received very minor airplay in Brisbane.^[2]

In 2004, Lisa and Jessica were introduced to the Music Director of The Bell Hughes Music Group (BHMG), Hayden Bell. After producing some demo recordings with the twins, Hayden invited them to sign a publishing agreement with Excalibur Productions (a subsidiary of BHMG). In the process, Bell helped facilitate their progression in musical style from acoustic pop to the more rhythmic rock pop approach that is now their trademark. On the strength of these demos, Bell took them to meet the executives at Engine Room (a subsidiary of PBL (Packer) Group) and they were immediately signed to a production deal.

To further develop their song writing skills, Bell connected them with internationally acclaimed songwriters and producers including Cliff Magness (who has written for Avril Lavigne), Billy Steinberg (Madonna, Cyndi Lauper), Eric Nova, Dead Mono and Vince DeGiorgio, where they created a catalogue of over 50 songs.^[3]

Meetings were then arranged with Warner Bros. Records in the USA. Seymour Stein and senior executives recognized that Hayden Bell had indeed discovered and developed a unique musical talent, signing them quickly to a recording contract with Warner/Sire America, for a reported sum of 2 million dollars.^[1]

Hayden Bell then took one of The Veronicas songs titled "All About Us" and placed it with t.A.T.u, the Russian girl group, and it became a massive hit in Europe. In Australia, he placed their song “What’s Goin’ On” with Casey Donovan and the song “Faded” for Kate DeAraugo. Both of these artists were winners of the Australian Idol Competition.^[4] Another track was also placed by Bell on the Japanese pop singer MIz’s album.^[2]

The name

Issue (#167) of the Veronica comic book which featured The Veronicas

Their name came from Archie Comics character Veronica Lodge; when Archie Comics found out, they sued the duo for trademark infringement over their band name, but the two parties settled and have agreed on a cross-promotion deal.

The group was featured prominently in an issue of their namesake Veronica's comic book as a result of their cross-promotion deal with Archie Comics. The issue (#167) featured a card with a code allowing a free download of their single 4ever in MP3 form.

A few months later, Archie and Friends (#100) featured The Archies meeting The Veronicas. Then the next issue of Archie and Friends (#101) also featured The Veronicas, with Archie as their biggest fan.

They also appeared in the Free Comic Book Day Comic "Archie's 65th Anniversary Bash!"

2005-2007: The Secret Life of...

The Veronicas debut album, entitled The Secret Life of..., was released in Australia on October 17, 2005, entering the ARIA Album charts at the position of #7. Since then it has peaked at #2 and gone 4x Platinum - due to the success of the album, five singles have been released in Australia. 'The Secret Life of...' spent a year in the ARIA album charts without ever leaving the top 40. In September 2006, the album was nominated for 3 ARIA awards including; "Best Pop Release", "Highest Selling Album" and "Best Breakthrough Album". The Veronicas won "Best Pop Release" but lost the other two to other nominees, the girls also performed their 2nd single "Everything I'm Not" on the night.

The Veronicas at Kiss 106.1 on November 22, 2005.

The album was released in the U.S. on February 14, 2006, it debuted at #133 on Billboard 200 and #3 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart - only two singles have been released in the United States off the album. A special DVD was released with the US version as a limited edition exclusive. The limited edition included two extra songs and videos, and was only available online. However, copies have been found to have been shipped to several stores in Australia as well. Other releases in the U.S. include Sessions@AOL which features their songs Heavily Broken and Revolution live in the AOL studios, also released was The Veronicas: Mtv.com Live EP which also features live performances of their songs including a new song, entitled "Stay".

The Album has also had success in other countries such as New Zealand where it debuted at #5, in Switzerland a peak of #61 and it also reached the position of #75 on the Dutch Album Charts. In Belgium the album reached the peak of #11 and the girls won the award of Best International New Artist at the TMF Awards of 2006. "When It All Falls Apart" spent a record of 17 weeks of MTV Asia's Pop 10 Chart, in which 7 of then were at the number 1 spot. In early 2007, The Secret Life of... will be released worldwide to countries such as Asia and the UK.

Lisa and Jessica are the faces of Choice Calvin Klein^[5] and Australian hair product company nu:u.^[4] Blender named included them in their list of hottest women in rock in 2006.^[6] The sisters sung the title song on the short-lived television show Related which had featured songs from their debut album. They appeared as The Veronicas in an episode that aired 6 February 2006. In March 2006, their debut single "4ever" was featured in the Amanda Bynes comedy She's the Man. It was featured in the promotional television spots, the film itself and the soundtrack.

The girls have also appeared on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody episode "The Suite Life Goes Hollywood" as guest stars. The twins also have a fashion line in the making to expand their empire and because of their interest in fashion, which is to be released at Target (Australia) stores on August 25, 2007 in Australia. The range will be called The Veronicas for Target.^{[7] [8]}

On December 2, 2006, The Veronicas released a CD/DVD, entitled Exposed... The Secret Life of The Veronicas in Australia. This release features live performances from their Australian 2006 Revolution tour and a DVD featuring parts of the sisters' lives throughout 2005-2006, including footage that had previously not been seen, and their music videos. The album debuted at #6 on the ARIA DVD Charts accrediting platinum in its first week. The second week it rose to its peak of #3 and was accredited Double Platinum. There is no word on whether or not this album will be released overseas.

Recent

On March 2007, a cover version of the 1984 Twisted Sister single "We're Not Gonna Take It" was released on their official MySpace page for free download. The twins are currently writing/recording for their next album. On their Myspace, they announced that they would be performing at Bindi Irwin's birthday party at the Australia Zoo on July 24, 2007.

On August 8, The Veronicas fashion line was unveiled on the Target website and will go on sale from the 25th, shortly followed by the release of the duo's brand new single "Hook Me Up" from their second album being added to Australian radio on August 27. "Hook Me Up" was produced by Greg Wells, who has produced Mika, Timbaland, and many others. The Veronicas informed fans via Myspace that shooting for the video would take place in early August and the album is due for release on November 3, 2007.[9] The Veronicas co-hosted Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards 2007 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on October 10 with Zac Efron.[10]

On September 26, the Veronicas appeared on an Australian improvisational comedy television show "Thank God You're Here", performing during a mock Christmas Special skit. Several jokes were made making fun of the twins' short height.

Discography

Albums

1. The Secret Life of... (October 17 2005)
2. Hook Me Up (November 3 2007)

Singles

• The Dutch positions are for the Mega Single Sales chart.

Year end positions

2005

• "4ever" #15 (Top 100 Singles), #2 (Top Australian Singles).

• The Secret Life of... #46 (Top 100 Australian Albums), #18 (Top Australasian Albums).

2006

• "When It All Falls Apart" #11 (Top Australian Singles), #28 (Digital Tracks), #32 (Top 100 Physical Singles), #42 (Top 100 Singles).
• "Everything I'm Not" #13 (Top Australian Singles), #38 (Digital Tracks), #39 (Top 100 Physical Singles), #48 (Top 100 Singles).
• "Revolution" #30 (Top Australian Singles).

2007

• The Secret Life of... #7 (Top Australian Albums), #10 (Top 100 Australian Albums).
• Exposed... The Secret Life of The Veronicas #15 (Top Music DVDs)

Awards

Main article: The Veronicas awards and nominations

Tours

• In late 2005, The Veronicas supported American musician Ryan Cabrera on a tour through the U.S. along with The Click Five.^[5]
• In early 2006, The Veronicas had their first headlining tour in the U.S. supported by October Fall and Jonas Brothers. This tour was sponsored by shoe company Keds who The Veronicas are also campaigners of.
• In April 2006, The Veronicas had their first Australian tour, in which all their shows were sold out.
• In June 2006, The Veronicas performed at a showcase in London in front of only 200 fans, which was their first UK show.
• In June 2006 The Veronicas were an opening act (along with Ashley Parker Angel) for the Ashlee Simpson U.S. summer tour, but after the first few shows Lisa and Jess had to pull out after Lisa became ill with throat nodules and needed surgery.
• In August 2006, The Veronicas returned to Australia for a line of Promotional appearances and a new tour, Revolution Tour, in bigger arenas, celebrating 1 year of being in the Music Industry since the release of 4ever.

"#wp-_note-The_year_of_the_Veronicas">[1]

• In October 2006, The Veronicas were part of the Coke Live Tour in Australia with Evermore, End Of Fashion, After The Fall and The Hot Lies.

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• In November and December 2007, The Veronicas will be touring across Australia. It will be called "The Hook Me Up Tour".

Personal Lives

Lisa

In 2006 Lisa began dating American pop-rock star Ryan Cabrera^[10] and subsequently appeared in his music video for Photo,^[11] however the pair split that same year. Currently, Lisa is dating Australian Idol runner-up 2006 Dean Geyer, who won 2007 hottie of the year at the Nickelodien Kid's Chioce Awards.

Jessica

In 2007, Jessica and her boyfriend of 3 years broke up. Currently she is dating Azaria, frontman of Sydney-based rock band The Follow.

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

The Veronicas

• Official Site
• Official Myspace
• Take 40 Artist Profile

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