The BEST New Indie Country Artist CD of 2003 by Jim Moulton!

TOP RADIO CHART RANKINGS for 2003
European Independent Country Chart for "Old Kentucky Wind" - #1
European Independent Country Chart for "Smoke & Mirrors" - #5
Americana Chart - #27
Folk - #3
Progressive Country - #12

"Old Kentucky Wind" is the #12 E.M.S European Most Popular Independent Track of 2003!

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INTERVIEW with Christian Lamitschka
(German Interview), (French Interview)
TwangTownUSA News - Germany

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Reviews

HighwayFM.com
The Mickeys, Finding Our Way

It's not easy to give an identity to the music of the two twin sisters, even after having met them in the suburbs of Nashville, in publicist Martha Moore's house. There is a hint of Ireland with a mix of folk and Celtic, tasted in a fluid and light environment. An air of bluegrass, yes, and two singers with the vocal stamp of a purity and an admirable softness. Their secret is perhaps their a capella singing, a technique which does not leave any place to the least failure. The two twin sisters, Amy and Julie, created their own record label - RiverBeat Music - and are graduates of Belmont University in administration of the businesses and music business.

Talking with Mickeys was a real pleasure, and to learn that they began at four years old reflects a life filled already well on the boards of the theaters since their birth in 75. In Europe, Enya offers a somewhat similar, but more sophisticated music. Amy and Julie Mickey are angels, and the image is not overlooked. They did not come to Nashville for the music but their administrative studies led them to found their company of edition, and the continuation is on "Finding our way".

~ Jean Agostini, Highwayfm.com

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Green Man Review
The Mickeys, Finding Our Way

"Americana" acoustic country folk music always sounds refreshing, but strangely the same to me. It's always easily identifiable from the minute you drop the CD in the player. I had never heard The Mickeys sing before this CD arrived in my letterbox. To be fair, I have heard their name bandied about somewhere, but any artist has to win his/her spurs with me before I make any judgment. Well, have the Mickeys won their spurs? Yes, you'd better believe it! This album is blisteringly good; the spur marks are all down my back to prove it.

The Mickeys are 28-year-old twin sisters Amy and Julie, originally from the Great Lakes on Northern Michigan, but now living in Nashville, Tennessee. It is immediately evident that these two young ladies are sisters, because they harmonise as only siblings can do. They are absolutely magic, reminding me of the Everley Brothers back in the '60s.

The tracks are acoustic based, with percussion at exactly the right level on the softer songs, but as steady as a rock when needed. I don't know who the drummer is, because the backing musicians are not credited on the album sleeve notes, but all of them should take an extra bow, because they do a super fine job here.

The vocals are obviously The Mickeys' strong point, but it's the construction of these eleven songs (five of which are written by the sisters), all of which flirt with roots, acoustic country and bluegrass, that makes the album so good. It is hard to pick a favourite song. I understand two of the tracks were released as singles -- "Smoke & Mirrors" and "Old Kentucky Wind," the latter of which made No. 1 on the European EMS Independent Top 30 Chart. But my personal favourite is "Before You're Home," which has a short but haunting riff on fiddle, before the guitar and fiddle share the superb instrumental break. "My Way Again" follows, and again the instrumental breaks make the song. Both of these songs are co-written by Amy and Julie with Tom Rogers.

It is clear in my mind we will be hearing a lot more from The Mickeys as they find their way, if only because they are both clever girls and have Bachelor's degrees in Business Administration with Music Business minors, obtained at Belmont University. They formed their own record label (Riverbeat Music) and are masters at promotion.

But even with all this, you still need to be able to sing. Make no mistake about it: these ladies have a singing talent with a capital "T." This album is a masterpiece.

~ Peter Massey, Green Man Review

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Country Music Roundup
The Mickeys, Finding Our Way

Not to be missed, the blending of the new-and-old flavours with the harmony-artistry of these twin sisters give these eleven new favourite tunes a touch of 'unpolluted inspiration'. Tender-on-the-ear, one is engaged by the warmth-and-love coming from these twin gals. Placid, mellow sessioners share the recording studio with them on this memorable session taped amidst Dixie romance. One senses that the twin-duo's nostalgic musical memories reflect back to days when life was simple and less complicated-and-stressed, when even popular songs really had memorable tunes.
~ Paul Davis, Country Music Roundup

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Country Weekly
Scene & Heard

New county/roots artists the Mickeys - gorgeous indentical twin sisters Amy and Julie Mickey, who deliver incredible harmonies - are on a roll. Their new single, "Smoke and Mirrors", which was just released to Country radio, is already a hit on the Americana Charts and is zipping up the European Independent Chart.
~ Larry Holden

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Nashville Music Guide
The Mickeys, Finding Our Way

Siblings often sing good harmonies, but identical twins Amy and Julie Mickey have been giving identical vocals in sweet harmony since they were four-year-olds. It's difficult to pigeon-hole these beauties' debut album, as they run the gambit of Country, Celtic, Bluegrass, and Americana. And yep, they do have a fiddle in the band! Five of the eleven cuts on the album were co-written by the twins. I also had a problem picking a stand-out track, but I was impressed by the harmonies and fiddle licks on the "Before You're Home" cut. Released on their own independent RiverBeat Music label, you can get your copy of this CD at www.themickeys.net or catch the girls at Fan Fair this month. Rating: 6 out of 7 stars
~ Brad Fischer, Music City CD Corner, Nashville Music Guide June 2003

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WQBR, Bear Country Radio
The Mickeys, Finding Our Way

Take two twenty-something twin sisters - attractive identical twin sisters - with the ability to harmonize in tune without help from any studio trickery, who write their own songs and sing like angels...it sounds like a recipe for everything corporate Nashville desires in 2003.

But...these twins won't be swayed from their own musical vision, their own look, their own ideas. Goodbye, corporate America - hello finding our way, the strong first effort from Amy and Julie Mickey.

Raised in northern Michigan, Amy and Julie came to Nashville to attend Belmont University, not primarily for music, but as business majors. And that knowlege helped them set up their own publishing company and record label (RiverBeat Music).

But none of that would matter if finding our way wasn't any good. It is. Hopscotching between folk, traditional country, celtic and alt-country (whatever that is), the disc contains eleven tracks, five of which were co-written by one or both of the sisters.

The first track ("All I Ever Wanted Was You") shows off the twins' ability to harmonize, honed in church since childhood. "Still Haunts Me" and "Smoke and Mirrors" talk of love lost and love dissuaded.

"Dixie Wire" is a standout, showcasing the sisters' vocal interplay over a beautiful melody. "Before You're Home" sounds like an old English folk song, with a call-and-response chorus. "My Way Again" and "I Want To Talk To You" are pleasant but undistinguished, while "Old Kentucky Wind" makes you think of home and familial warmth.

In a different (read: less corporate-oriented) radio world, "My Train" and "Dry Eyes" would be hit singles - both songs feature strong lyrics and hummable melodies. And the final track, "Rainman" is magnificent - with an orchestral background emphasizing mandolin and cello, Amy and Julie sing their hearts out.

Getting started in the music business is supposed to be the hardest part. The Mickeys have cleared all of the hurdles, and with finding our way have established themselves as artists to watch.
~ Dave Stratton, WQBR/Bear Country Radio

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Amazon.com
The Mickeys, Finding Our Way

A tradition continues!
I grew up listening to what was commonly called "chicken rock". It was an amalgam of rock 'n' roll, country, rockabilly, and folk, some of it with more pop influences. The Everly Brothers were probably the best exponent of that type of music, and with all that, they brought the "blood harmonies" of family church singing with it.

This new release, the debut recording of The Mickeys, is a refreshing return to that style of singing. Identical twins Julie and Amy Mickey, educated in the business side of the music industry as well as the production side, have put together one of the finest releases so far in 2003. Five of the eleven songs were either written or co-written by at least one of them, and they have adeptly chosen songs by other writers that show off their best asset...their voices. "Smoke And Mirrors" could easily be done by Martina McBride with much more substantial instrumentation, but the spare, acoustic arrangements of most of the album allows the lyrics not only to be understood, but absorbed. "Before You're Home", written by both Amy and Julie with Tom Rogers, reminds you of older Holly Dunn arrangements, and "My Train" could have easily ended up on an Alan Jackson album.

I've had a copy of this disc on my car stereo for the last week. I don't intend to stop listening to it for a good long while. Buy this disc. I think you're going to like it...a lot!!!
~ Len Jaffe, Amazon.com, June 13, 2003

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Nashville City Paper
The Mickeys, Finding Our Way
Identical twins make music that's
definitely quite unusual
July 01, 2003

If singer/songwriters Amy and Julie Mickey were working the pop circuit, it's a sure bet that image makers would create an entire campaign around the fact they're identical twins and have been singing together since they were four-year-olds. But the Mickeys, who'll be appearing tonight on Billy Block's Western Beat show, aren't interested in gimmicks, visual or otherwise. Their debut release Finding Our Way, which is also formally launching today thanks to a national distribution deal with Select-O-Hits in Memphis, features soaring harmonies, thoughtful lyrics and eclectic production and performances.

"We weren't trying to mimic anyone or anything," said Julie Mickey. "These songs came from our heart, they're about things that we care about and represent ideas that came to us or situations that we're interested in and care about." The twins smartly weave elements and aspects of bluegrass, Celtic, folk and country through the 11-tracks on the disc.

The sisters co-wrote five of the tunes, and divided production chores with John Albani. The single "Smoke and Mirrors," which frames a beautifully voiced number about deception into a downhome tinged setting punctuated by fiddles, is already scoring in Europe, while the overall album has cracked the Americana charts.

The Mickeys were born in 1975 and grew up in northern Michigan. Their background as gospel singers is particularly critical, because instruments weren't used during their church services. They became highly proficient a capella vocalists, and their harmonies are both extremely haunting and pinpoint precise. Interestingly, the Mickeys didn't have any problems with their family when they opted for a secular music career. "Our parents were very supportive from the beginning," said Amy Mickey. "They've always backed everything we've done, come to all our plays, recitals, everything. They were quite happy about our choice." This lack of parental opposition is also reflected in their wide musical universe that includes everything from Led Zeppelin to Alison Krauss.

The Mickeys are also quite refreshing in their approach to the business aspects. They each earned degrees in Business Administration with minors in Music Business from Belmont before becoming a duo in 2000. They've also issued the disc on their own RiverBeat label, not wanting to waste time waiting for someone to pick them up. "I'm not saying that we wouldn't be willing to discuss it if a major label offered us a deal, but we didn't think it made much sense to sit around and wait until that happened before we started recording," said Julie. "Nashville is full of very talented people who are hoping to get noticed. It is very hard work doing your own promotion, but if there are any rewards you enjoy them immediately."

Though they'd eventually like to write and produce other artists on their label, for now the Mickeys, who also have day jobs at American United Funding in Franklin, are concentrating on their own record and expanding their audience. Fans can get their album either via the Web site at www.TheMickeys.net or soon in various record stores.
~ Ron Wynn, Nashville City Paper

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Country France.com
The Mickeys, Finding Our Way

Amy et Julie sont soeurs jumelles. Leur album est un mélange d'Américana, de Country, avec des influences Celtiques et Bluegrass. "Notre musique est simple, tranquille, et mélodique" explique Julie. Effectivement, cet album sorti en 2003 reflète la sérénité grâce à de belles harmonies exprimées par des voix superbes.
~ Alain Mangenot / Muriel Genty

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Audiogrid.com
The Mickeys, Finding Our Way

The Mickeys, Amy and Julie Mickey, are identical twin sisters who perform a unique brand of music fusing folk music, Celtic, bluegrass, a smidge of pop, topped off with a touch of country. Ok, the concept of identical twin sisters brings to mind a couple of questions… Since they are identical twins, does one sister sound different from the other? For that  matter, who is singing on which song? Frankly, I have no idea and can't tell. Their publicist, Martha Moore, informed me that they trade off on lead vocals throughout their performances. I certainly could not track the changes - they sound identical. What I can tell you is that The Mickeys will double your musical enjoyment with their first release, "Finding Our Way".

The Mickeys have been singing together for years. Their early years were spent singing acapella in church choirs and in theatrical productions which nurtured their ability to sing flawless harmonies. They both have earned degrees in Business Administration and Music Business and have used these added skills to create their own label and their first CD. At twenty something, they are heading to the top of our industry.

"Finding Our Way" is an 11 song CD featuring their tight crystal clear vocals. Their choice of backup musicians and recording/production techniques allows their amazing voices to shine through. They have chosen a simpler studio approach and made a decision to get closer to their actual performance style by limiting the production gimmicks and placed a focus on quality of recording and musicianship. The recordings have a lifelike quality and their voices, solo and harmony, are revealed with a natural purity.

Standout tracks include "Smoke and Mirrors" with a accompaniment styling similar to the Wilson sister's in the early days of Heart. The twin's pristine lead vocal and harmony ride on top of a pop sound with beautiful instrumentation and tasty fills. Their voices track harmonies with awesome and beautiful precision. The ballad, "Dixie Wire", features the close harmonies of the twins. They maintain their harmonies while singing very difficult stylized returns. "Before You Are Home" features a bouncing Celtic backing with beautiful fiddle accents. Amy and Julie tell the story of a woman who's love has left her to travel with an unfulfilled promise to return. "My Train" has a pop feel with a country flair. The superb recording featuring piano and harmonica on top of a tight rhythm with tracking harmonies and answering voices of Amy and Julie. "I Want To Talk To You" is a beautiful tune about a lover wishing that they hadn't told their love to leave in the heat of an argument. Answering responses and harmonies create a beautiful song. After the last song, "Rainman", the CD ends with a surprise--a very authentic sounding cowboy cry of "Yee Haw" and the crack of a whip.

 You can read more about "The Mickeys" and listen to samples of each song on their new release at their web site. Their new CD is a wonderful performance and I look forward to hearing more from them and hopefully hearing them perform at a live venue. Pick up a copy and enjoy!
~ Steve Ekblad, audiogrid.com

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Country Standard Time
The Mickeys, Finding Our Way
July 2003

Hailing originally from northern Michigan, identical twin sisters Amy and Julie Mickey make their recording debut with this set of 11 tunes, several co-written by one or both of them, displaying not only some writing talent, but also a good understanding and feel for the long history of sibling harmony and duets in American music.

Although the arrangements carry hints of bluegrass and Celtic, their vocals - solo and duet - are more out of the classic "folkie" tradition, and the tendency in this label-happy radio format environment would be to tag them as "Americana" rather than "Country."

Still, the fact is that the vocals are the strength of the album, and even though they're not doing the sort of harmonic swoops and whirls that the Louvins used to do, they're not exactly whispering little waifs, either. They've got some vocal power, and they know how to use it, as they show on tunes like "Smoke And Mirrors," "My Train" and "Dry Eyes." As is more and more the case these days, it's hard to slap a label on The Mickeys, but it's not hard at all to like them, either.
~ John Lupton

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French Association of Country Music
The Mickeys, Finding Our Way

Pas très enthousiasmé par la pochette un peu tristounette, je me suis tout de même plongé dans l'univers des MICKEYS. Sans une grande originalité lorsque l'on connaît des artistes telles Karen Matheson ou Mary Black, " finding our way " est un peu déroutant. Effectivement, le mélange très bien fait de bluegrass, avec du folk irlandais, le tout très acoustique ne nous permet pas de classifier vraiment ce groupe. Bien que de toute manière country par l'inteprétation, il faut avouer la présence de deux superbes voix d'une pureté déroutante , accompagner par une musique très belle, très cool, très " relaxante". Les deux soeurs ont mêmes coécrits des morceaux. On pourrait comparer cet album à " little sparrow " de Dolly Parton. ( accompagnée par le groupe irlandais ALTAN). Pour ceux qui aiment la country folk, voici un album frais et merveilleusement produit.
~ Florent Dufour

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The Mickeys, Finding Our Way

What do you get when you put together 27 year old twin gals with acoustic music that's the quality of a major label? You get the original sounding Mickeys, vocals that ring with bell like clarity and breathtaking harmonies. They have been singing together since the age of 4.

They formed the Mickeys in 2000 and have been living and playing the Nashville Clubs ever since. Their sound is nothing short of refreshing. Honestly, I have never been so impressed by a new album as this one. It's an acoustic sparsely recorded album that sounds very full, reminding me of an Alison Krauss and Union Station Recording. The guitars (John Albani and Kent Unruh) shimmer, the fiddles( Wanda Vick) and banjos (Wanda Vick) never sounded better. The acoustic guitar picking is great and sounds great. You can hear Country, Celtic and Bluegrass influences, but to me, it's just great acoustic country music. They have a national distribution deal set up, their own label, Riverbeat Music. It will be released on July 1, 2003.

The gals wrote 5 of the 11 songs. Their vocals have an original quality to them, that is indescribable. The gals produced the album with John Albani.

Although their beautiful vocals and harmonies are the centerpiece of this album, I can't say enough about the recording quality, musicians, real big label sound, mastered to perfection.

Every song is very good, I will mention my favorites of the 11 tracks. "Dixie Wire" (personal favorite) is a slow intense ballad, full of emotion. Other standouts include "Old Kentucky Wind" (great dobro by Wanda Vick), a mid-tempo bluegrass tune, "All I Ever Wanted Was You", an upbeat tune with great harmonies, "Smoke And Mirrors", an upbeat tune about being deceived, "Before You're Home", upbeat bluegrass tune( great fiddle-Wanda Vick, great acoustic guitar) and "My Way Again", an awesome mid-tempo tune with some banjo and great fiddle.
~ Jim Moulton

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Press Releases

Country Music Planet
The MICKEYS Have Found Their Way -
Kicking Off The New Year With A Bang

Nashville, TN (January 5, 2004) — After enjoying a "Cinderella" year in 2003, the New Year is already shaping up to be even bigger and better for the talented Acoustic/Roots duo The MICKEYS.

Features in Country Weekly, CMA Close Up, Country Music Switzerland and numerous other syndicated radio and Web shows propelled The MICKEYS to the forefront of the country music scene in 2003. Their debut CD, finding our way, enjoyed enormous success as did their single releases "Smoke & Mirrors" and "Old Kentucky Wind" (which hit the #1 spot on the European Independent Country Chart in November 2003). The song held the top spot for two consecutive weeks and remained high on the chart more than three months. The twins enjoyed additional chart success on the Americana Music Chart and the Progressive Country Chart, and the duo's Website (www.themickeys.net) receives an astonishing average of 50,000 hits per month. The MICKEYS have indeed found their way.

• On Thursday, Jan 22 (3 p.m. CST), BBC Radio 2 will broadcast host Bob Harris' interview with The MICKEYS. Taped in Nashville during last year's CMA Week, the segment features performances of The MICKEYS "Old Kentucky Wind," as well as "Before You're Home." The program streams on the Web at www.bbc.co.uk/radio2.

• China's SOUND OF COUNTRY National TV show will rebroadcast a special feature with The MICKEYS on January 17-18. This airing includes never-before-seen footage from the duo's Dixie Wire "un-video," shot by Nashville cinematographer Ed Fussell.

• MAVERICK magazine (UK) will feature an exclusive interview with The MICKEYS in the February issue.

• TED CLARK COUNTRY Syndicated radio show will air a MICKEYS' special during month of January in 13 countries.

• The biggest news for the twins' Euro fans is the announcement of a February "mini-tour" of Germany. The tour kicks off with a performance at the Ninth International Country Music Messe in Berlin, Saturday, February 7. A complete itinerary will be released soon.

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The MICKEYS Sail To The Top Of The Chart With Their Smash Single "Old Kentucky Wind"

Nashville, TN (October 30, 2003) — The MICKEYS sail to the top of the Euro chart with their smash single "Old Kentucky Wind." After four weeks the record hits the #1 spot, taking the acoustic/roots musical twins on their first trip to the top.

"We are overwhelmed with the success of "Old Kentucky Wind," says Julie Mickey. "Amy and I want to thank everyone - the DJs, fans, the songwriters, media and our support staff - for making this happen. We look forward to meeting all of our new international friends and fans in 2004, when we plan to tour Germany, Switzerland and Canada."

This year's CMA week will be a busy one for the duo, who will be conducting interviews and can be seen on the upcoming pre-CMA Awards Special "Countdown To Country." The show will air in various markets in Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Texas and Georgia on November 5.

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The MICKEYS Release "Old Kentucky Wind" to International Radio October 1

Nashville, TN (September 29, 2003) — The MICKEYS’ second international release, "Old Kentucky Wind," opens with the gentle touch of acoustic guitar and mandolin. Says Amy Mickey, "This is a bittersweet tale of young love won and lost. We love the traditional country and bluegrass sound."

Poignant vocal performances are the MICKEYS’ forte, and nowhere are they more evident than in this track laden with lush harmonies filled with longing, interwoven with sparse instrumentation. "Old Kentucky Wind" is the follow-up to their hit single, "Smoke & Mirrors," from the debut CD finding our way.

The past four months have been magical for twins Julie and Amy. The buzz at international radio and with the press has attracted the attention of not one but two European promoters. Look for an international tour announcement soon.

Stateside, the MICKEYS’ "Cinderella story" continues. Already they have been featured in Country Weekly and are spotlighted in the current issue of CMA’s Close Up magazine. They have been going non-stop, visiting radio stations and performing in front of bigger and bigger audiences. These talented sisters will be the only Country/Roots/Americana artists to perform at the upcoming Second Annual Texas Twin Roundup in Houston this October.

Other News:
• www.themickeys.net is averaging 50,000 "hits" per month
• finding our way spent eight weeks on the Americana Music Chart
• finding our way hit the Top 10 on the Progressive Country Chart
• "Smoke & Mirrors" hit the Top 5 on the EMS Chart

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Country/Americana Twins -- THE MICKEYS
Perform At The 2003 Texas Twin Round-Up

Nashville, TN (September 4, 2003)
All eyes -- and ears -- in Texas will be on RiverBeat Music recording artists The MICKEYS as they join an expected 500-plus sets of twins from all over North America for the one-day celebration. The Country/Americana musical duo will perform at the 2003 Texas Twin Round-Up, now in its second year, held at Sienna Plantation in Missouri City (Houston area), TX on October 4.

Identical twin sisters Amy and Julie will take to the stage from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. and fans can expect to hear songs from their critically-acclaimed debut CD, finding our way, which has graced the Americana Chart for the past eight weeks.

The most recent appearances for the "in-demand" duo include: CMA'S Fan Fair 2003, China's "Sound Of Country" television show, WQBR Radio's "10th Annual Bear Bash" in Pennsylvania, Tower Records Store in Memphis and Britain's "Hot And Gold" Internet Show. They also entertained at the Select-O-Hits Distribution annual conference in Memphis and will be performing at the Riding For Miracles Benefit Concert in Nashville on September 13th. The twosome has garnered a Top 10 on the Progressive Country Chart and a Top 5 European Chart single. Julie and Amy are currently featured in Country Weekly magazine and spotlighted in the September/October issue of the CMA's Close Up magazine. Additionally, their website has received nearly 100,000 hits in the last 60 days. Fast becoming known for their original songs and unique, acoustic sound, The MICKEYS' incredible harmonies are what set them apart.

Round-Up festivities offer a great chance for mistaken identities and will include contests and entertainment for all attendees. Admission to the festival grounds is free, although twins must register at $10 per set (or $15 per set of triplets) in order to participate in special contests. More information and a complete list of events are available online at www.twinstuff.com/roundup/.

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It’s Not All "Smoke & Mirrors" –
Roots/Country Twins the Mickeys
Pull A Triple Play

Nashville, TN (June 25, 2003) - Country/roots artists, the MICKEYS pull a triple play July 1. On that day, their debut single, "Smoke & Mirrors," ships to American country radio, hits European airwaves via the Country HotDisc Compilation, and their CD, finding our way, becomes available in stores across the U.S.

Written by Julie Mickey, Tom Rogers and Kent Unruh, "Smoke & Mirrors" is a tale of anger, disillusionment and betrayal. Julie says, "It’s a song about waking up and realizing that the person you love is not really the one you’ve been led to believe. It’s a roller coaster of emotions." With the MICKEYS’ otherworldly harmonies in the forefront, the track features a haunting melody, astute production and, of course, the sisters’ unbeatable vocal sound.

With their album debut this week on the Americana Music Chart at #36, the MICKEYS’ career is soaring. The duo’s hard work at Fan Fair Week 2003 has paid off, with Amy and Julie recently featured on British radio presenter Tim Rogers’ syndicated show, "Classic Gold." Meanwhile, a live, July 1 performance on Billy Block’s Western Beat Roots Revival at the legendary Exit/In (Nashville) celebrates the CD’s release. The national airdate for WBRR’s syndicated radio program will be announced soon.