The Dutchess & The Duke's music is that self-examining 3am conversation you had with your best friend after one too many glasses of wine. You know, the one where you dished all your fears and second guesses about your choices in life, confessed your deepest desires, and made a pact to strive for something more meaningful. And it's beautiful, because those rambling reflective conversations birth change and self discovery. Those humbling realizations keep us hungry and hopeful. The Dutchess & The Duke's sophomore album Sunrise/Sunset is dead on with it's innate ability to show you the darkness of night and guide you towards the morning light.

Kimberly Morrison and Jesse Lortze organically build an endearing, minimalistic orchestration around their bluesy acoustic strumming and harmonious duets. The Dutchess & The Duke balance one another out vocally: his scratchy grit to her sweet vulnerability. With the occasional addition of soft percussion, organ, strings, tambourine and xylophone, the production remains undeniably simplistic. Their sound is intimate and earthy, honest and heartfelt.

Whether your existential crises are a weekly or yearly occurrence, The Dutchess & The Duke remind you that we all hit bumps in the road, but tomorrow's another day full of hope and possibility. We're happy to have this Seattle-duo perform at SXSW 2010. Be sure to register before the Feb. 12 deadline before badge prices increase to see The Dutchess & The Duke along with many other acts at this year's festival.

Photo of 2010 Showcasing Act: The Dutchess & The Duke