Raised initially by their grandparents, these two young Dominican girls along with their cousin lived under the same roof while their mother served in the Navy. They made the most of their situation. They also found that they had a talent for singing and it served as an outlet. From as early as age nine to their teenage years they studied their craft.

Gangsta Twin: “They were strict. We never went out. It was our cousin who first saw that we had talent, that we should be singers. My grandfather used to play old music form the 40’s while we were more Britney spears and boy band fans but together we combined all the styles we heard.”

J Harmony: “We were very focused. When you’re young and you like something you will be there. We were like, we can go out and do this. By the time we were fourteen we knew the words and could harmonize.”

Managed in their early days by Dwight Lane and their aunt Sonia Vasquez, the girls were approached by a Disney executive during an open mike. This set the stage for future gigs and a chance to work on their skills.

J Harmony: “Our aunt took us to the South Street seaport. We were really shy. Growing up we fed off each other so we tended to stay from outside influences. They were calling people to sing on the open mike but we passed. This guy who worked with the Disney Channel, gave us his card and he helped in keeping us aware of gigs around the city.”

Gangsta Twin: “Dwight knew a lot about the business. He even gave Sonia and us a large book to read up on the business. It was our bible.”

To be independent artists has its positives as well as drawbacks. However it has become more popular for artists to keep their options open. This assures them of reaping whatever rewards they earn through their hard work.

Gangsta Twin: “The difference is when you are independent you can do what you want. You are more opinionated. If we were on a label we would have less freedom.”

J Harmony: “We want to avoid that. Major labels throw money at you but you are at their mercy when it comes to promotion. The tradeoff is that you can end up lost among their deep rosters.”

The support artists get abroad are a great contrast to the reactions in the United States. Mirror Image has counted a recent trip to Canada as a major example of how well treated artists are that travel abroad.  J

Gangster:  “We went to Canada and loved it. It’s a big place and they treated us like stars. They made a big deal about us coming from the U.S. Back home people are like, we are just regular people.”
Mirror Image are often told they sound alike, but the fact that they look alike one will find is the only thing they have in common.

Gangster Twin: “It’s funny because we are very different people. We like different clothes, different music, but we are open to listening to each other and we put our ideas together. That is where the chemistry comes in. We also have different voices. My voice is Alto while my sister is like a second soprano. I can tell the difference.”

J Harmony: “I do the harmonies, that s why I call myself J Harmony. We have chemistry but we fight often. But on stage we pull it up.”

Having had the means to only make mix tapes, Mirror Image is starting work on their first album. The introduction of Dave DeKutz has improved their look. As a result they have matured into better professionals and armed with good people the sky is the limit. J Harmony: “Dave has helped us grow because before we were very shy. We were stuck on one genre R&B. He felt we should try different things. We’ve grown from that and now our music is more versatile.”

Mirror Image pay attention to image. They have seen other artists who carry themselves differently when they get record deals. This is a route they prefer to avoid. Gangsta Twin: “The most important thing for us is to stay humble. We have met artists who think that they are all that. They walk around saying we have a deal from a large company, but when have you heard them?”

J Harmony: “We have performed the National anthem at Shea Stadium. We have done shows in Canada but I am the same. Even if we got more money, that isn’t what drives me.”
Mirror Image has gotten support from unexpected sources. They are hoping for the best with their first original project. They have been able to acquire services from people who have seen how talented this duo is and want to help move them along. J Harmony: “We want to show people that we can do this. Many doubt us, but we love this and we can do it and we work hard for it.”

Gangsta Twin: “I don’t care what anyone says, after our first album is complete, I’ll be happy no matter what.”
Mirror Image is working on their first non- mix tape album. Under “The Ave Records” and Dave DeKutz this Dominican duo will be heard from before the year is out. They are the epitome of grinders, and this is what grinders in the music industry do.

 http://www.myspace.com/mirrorimagenyc