In today’s interview, the twins, Maddie and Gaby Capozza aka MG II are sharing with us the challenges and what daily life is like having a twin by your side. They’ll also uncover their singing career as a duo and explain to us what their twin bond is like, as well as share their experience participating in the Amazon Prime reality dating show, Twin Love.
Upon my research, I’ve seen that you were twins born and raised in Pittsburgh. What was it like growing up having a twin by your side?
Gaby: It’s the best, honestly – a built-in friend who serves as a combination of a therapist and a kindred spirit – someone you can always talk to about everything. It’s not just about someone having your best interest in mind, but also being on the same page with similar opinions and beliefs.
Maddie: You’re also going through the same things. Whether it’s parents or getting in trouble, we’re just kind of like always experiencing something with another person which is like really nice.
Did you go to the same high school?
Gaby: We attended the same high school, but we chose different colleges to explore life independently. It wasn’t that we wanted to be apart, but we recognized the importance of discovering our individuality, forming our own friendships, and pursuing personal interests. Interestingly, we reunited right after college.
And right now, you’re living in California, right?
Maddie and Gaby: Exactly, we’re living together.
I spotted that your grandfather was a professional musician. How did singing together come to be? Was it something that came naturally to you?
Maddie: Yes, absolutely. Singing has always been a natural inclination for us. Growing up, our parents weren’t professional singers, but our family was deeply connected to music. Our grandfather, a musician himself, played a pivotal role in introducing us to the art of music. Watching him perform sparked a profound desire in us to learn.
Gaby: Additionally, one of our babysitters, who was our cousin growing up, was also part of our musical family. From kindergarten to around third grade, she taught us various songs, organizing small concerts for special occasions like Fourth of July, Christmas, or Easter. This upbringing instilled in us a passion for singing and performing. We always had music in our ears, cultivating a musical ear that has stayed with us since.
When did you know that you wanted to become a singer and musician?
Maddie: I’ve always felt a deep desire to be part of the music world. When shows like American Idol became popular, they became our favorites, and we just yearned to be a part of that scene. It’s interesting how our journey unfolded because even though neither of us majored in music during college, we ended up working in the music industry. From performing and writing music to our roles in music tech, the path just naturally unfolded. The jobs seemed to find us, and it’s something we’ve consistently been immersed in.
What did you two study?
Gaby: I studied marketing and psychology.
Maddie: Yeah, And I studied journalism.
After watching your videos and listening to your songs, I could definitely see that there’s a pop, soul, and country influence, with an ethereal touch. Who are your biggest music inspirations and what is your favorite song to sing?
Gaby: People often ask about our musical style, and we have several influences that shaped it. Initially, we were inspired by artists like Ruben Studdard, whom we admired growing up watching American Idol. As we progressed, our musical tastes expanded to include Chris Brown, Neyo, and Usher. Our mom’s love for country music also left its mark, while our dad introduced us to the sounds of Queen and even bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers. With such diverse influences, we found ourselves drawn to soul, pop, and even incorporated elements of current-day music. It’s a blend that doesn’t limit us to a specific genre.
Maddie: We don’t necessarily base our music on a single person or genre; it’s challenging to confine our creativity to one particular style.
I agree, having a mix of styles is so nice. Now, if you had to pick, what would be your favorite song to sing all day long?
Gaby: I tend to lean towards our own tracks, especially ‘Same Old Ways.’ We’re absolutely obsessed with it, and it holds a special place as our favorite to perform. The passion in that song resonates with us. In terms of other songs, ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ stands out as a favorite too.
Amazing! Speaking of your EP, “Same Old Ways”, what was the writing process like for that EP?
Maddie: I Typically, we write best when each of us works on something separately. Then, when we come together, we build off each other. There were times, like ‘Same Old Ways,’ where we wrote together in the same room, back when we were living in a studio apartment. We didn’t really have a choice.
Gaby: It’s kinda hard to let thoughts flow naturally when we sit down and say, ‘Okay, let’s write a song together right now.’ It’s more like one of us is going through something or we have an instinct, like, ‘I have this melody I want to write really quick.’ And then that person will start it, and then we come together, like okay, what do I need to add to this? How can I make this have more movement or make it different? Writing can feel like hitting a wall, but then we turn to the other person. We have different melody styles and writing styles, so it’s always super helpful to have a new outlook or new perspective, especially on something we’ve been spending so much time on.
I also saw that you’re playing guitar, piano, ukulele, and bass. Are there any instruments you want to learn to play this year?
Maddie: I’m trying to like polish up the bass because I can play like two or three songs, but I can’t improv play. If someone were to give me a song to play on the spot, I could not play to it. So, I’d like to dedicate more time to focusing on the bass.
Gaby: Yeah, honestly, we’ve always kind of played instruments to accompany ourselves and to write. But recently, we’ve been focusing on our singing and our writing. Ideally, we’d love to eventually have a full band to accompany us, but until then, we’ll continue to accompany ourselves until we get there. It’s great to center our vocals, incorporating a couple of key instruments during performances.
Speaking of having a band, I saw that you’ve done many concerts in different places. What is it like to perform out on the scene? Is it stressful?
Maddie: Honestly, we felt a bit nervous before our first performance, but given that we’d been singing in front of people for many years individually before forming the duo, the nerves weren’t as overwhelming. We both sang acapella in college and had occasional performances in high school. Our first LA show was more of a showcase situation, which made it somewhat easier, as the other artists who were also a part of it were like very new. Having others in the same boat helped ease our nerves.
Gaby: It’s also very nice having someone on stage with you. Because in college, we would do an acapella or play little shows by ourselves. That was always more nerve-wracking. Now that we’re together, it feels reassuring to know you’re not up there alone. With more practice, and considering our introverted tendencies, the experience has been quite enjoyable.
Yes, I totally get that you can feel nervous, with all the people’s gazes on you, and being maybe afraid of making a wrong note…
Gaby: Yeah, especially when we’re playing and accompanying ourselves, there’s a lot more to consider—whether it’s the guitar or staying in sync with the other person.
And I feel like it’s really challenging to play and sing at the same time.
Maddie: It can be challenging. We often find ourselves figuring out who plays which part, like deciding, ‘You have to play this one,’ and so on.
Gaby: However, playing together makes it a bit easier, providing some backup in case one of us messes up.
I see that your next show is at Los Globos on January 17th? How are you preparing for it and are you excited about the opportunity?
Maddie: We’re really excited! It’s our first headline show; all the previous ones were more of a showcase situation. We have a rehearsal scheduled for tonight, and it’ll be our first time performing with drums. Our friend Kaylee is going to be playing.
Gaby: It should be a lot of fun. Plus, a bunch of our friends is opening for us since we have a ton of musical friends It’s shaping up to be a full night of music, and we’re really looking forward to it.
Are there any artists, or festivals out there you’re keen on collaborating with?
Maddie and Gabby: It’s more of a lineup, like an arts event.
Maddie: Not a full-fledged music festival, but more of an underground scene.
Gaby: We don’t have any specific artists in mind, but we’re definitely open to collaborating with more artists. In the past, we’ve collaborated with a few, and it’s been a lot of fun, especially when working with a male vocalist, whether it’s a rapper or a soul-ish singer. Adding that dynamic has brought a lot of movement to our music, and we’re looking forward to more collaborations in the future.
Among your various projects, which one holds a special place and why?
Maddie and Gaby: ‘Same Old Ways’.
Maddie: At that time, we were both in pretty toxic relationships and hadn’t really talked to our significant others about that toxicness. So, we both wrote this song reflecting on that toxicity. When we performed it, our boyfriends at the time had no idea it was about them; they just thought it sounded good.
Gaby: It was also a song that started and finished this song together, unlike the others where one of us initiated it, and the other joined later. It was our first collaborative piece, and despite the sadness behind it, the experience was meaningful.
I saw that you two were cast in Twin Love on Prime Video, how did it feel to be a part of a TV show, and how did you guys get cast for this show?
Maddie: Yeah, a couple of things. We actually came across the casting call when they were looking for participants. It was the first time in our adult lives that we were both single at the same time. We were both done with our previous relationships.
Gaby: We felt it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. To make sure it was a good fit, we actually created a pros and cons list. After reviewing it, we decided, ‘Yeah, let’s do it!’ It turned out to be a lot of fun, even though it was quite intense.
Maddie: We are introverted, so the whole show was exhausting, but also fun though. Meeting everyone was just like…constant.
Gaby: And we also didn’t know that we would be split up. I was in one location, but yeah, overall, it was a lot of fun.
If you knew you would be split up, would you still like to participate?
Maddie and Gaby: Yes, we would have.
Gaby: Of course, going into it, we knew that anything could happen because we didn’t have much information about the show’s plan.
Maddie: All we were aware of was that it was a twin social dating experiment. The details were quite minimal. Even though we were told by The Bella Twins… that part wasn’t in it it but it was the same as everyone else’s. Plus we were also going in on the second day, so knowing we were getting split up, but also going into a full house of people alone, was mortifying.
Gaby: We didn’t have much alone time, but honestly, it was worth it.
Being separated from each other must have been very difficult, can you explain twin separation anxiety for our audience?
Maddie: Separation was tough for various reasons. Personally, not having my twin there to talk about my feelings was a significant aspect. When I go through something or have internal conflicts, I usually discuss it with her, and she helps me figure things out and choose a path.
Gaby: Reflecting on this, it was interesting because we were all in a similar position. This aspect, I believe, made our experience on the show different from other reality shows that often focus on drama or conflicts. Instead, we were in a situation where we didn’t have our twin to talk to, leading us to form close friendships and even relationships with others in the house as a way to fill that void. This, I believe, contributed to the show being less drama-filled, as we genuinely connected closely with those around us. It was strange not having any form of communication because even when we were in different colleges, we always stayed in touch through texts or calls. The lack of any communication was a significant adjustment.”
Do you feel that your separation anxiety prevented you from fully committing to finding love on the show?
Maddie: I felt that the anxiety was present, but personally, I’m very selective when it comes to dating. Even though it was a show and a competition, I didn’t want to settle on live TV. There wasn’t anyone for me that I could see a potential future with, and I felt uncomfortable trying to force a connection if I wasn’t genuinely into it. So, for me, it was mostly about not having any genuine interest in anyone there.
Gaby: In my position, entering a day later, it was challenging since we were all trying to be respectful. I’m also very picky, and we have similar types. While I was getting to know people, I wasn’t fully head over heels over anyone yet. When my she {Maddie} came to get me and leave first, I was shocked and wondered what was happening. I was sad that she was feeling that way, and overall, I believe leaving was the best option for both of us. We didn’t want anyone feeling uncomfortable, and my relationship on the show at the time wasn’t super strong. I think it was a good experience, and we would do it again, but we’re picky enough in real life, making it hard to connect.
Maddie: The pool of identical males around our age is already limited.
Gaby: And finding someone similar to your twin is even more challenging.
I’ve heard that for you, Maddie, it’s really important to first establish a sentimental connection. Are you also referring to a spiritual connection to some extent?
Maddie: Yeah, we definitely value a person’s spirituality, and sharing the same beliefs in that realm is crucial for us to connect.
Gaby: We often discuss spirituality, whether it’s about manifesting, synchronicities, or various other aspects we’re passionate about. It’s hard to be with someone who doesn’t share those beliefs or even dismisses them, thinking we’re crazy.
Are you still in contact with anybody from the Twin Love cast?
Maddie: We hang out with Samir and Samer quite frequently now since they’re the only ones in LA. We also keep in touch with everyone through a group message.
Gaby: And whenever anyone comes to LA, we’ll hang out. If we ever go to Nashville, we definitely want to visit Luke and Seth in Nashville.
Watching it back, was there anything that didn’t make it on screen that you wish made it on air to better highlight who you are as individuals?
Gaby: They honestly did a really good job capturing everyone’s feelings, emotions, and everything that happened. Whether it was a specific day or a conversation, they were able to capture everything quite well.
Maddie: I think the only thing for me is that I genuinely didn’t know she had a connection. Although they did touch on that in the Twinformations, the way it was presented to a regular viewer made it seem like they could see both sides. I didn’t see her perspective, which made the aspect of leaving a bit different in how it was portrayed. So, if anything, it would be that I was always uncertain if she found love, as I didn’t know she was vibing with anyone. Aside from that, I do think they did a good job including everything that was necessary.
Gaby: The Twinformation that they showed did capture the fact that I wasn’t feeling a huge connection. Technically, they didn’t leave anything out; it was more about the back-and-forth that might have been confusing for viewers to understand that she didn’t know what was happening in my house. What I did see made me think she didn’t look interested at all.
Maddie: I felt awful. I genuinely felt so bad when I found out that she actually liked him because I had no idea. I felt terrible about not being aware of her feelings.
Would you two ever try reality TV again, whether it is a singing competition or a dating show?
Maddie: We’re not actors, so I think we would stick to reality TV. However, I would love for them to produce another ‘Twin Love’ or another reality show. It was so much fun, being around different people, and the fact that no one has a phone or books makes it really unique.
Gaby: Everyone is fully present, and that’s really cool.
Maddie: You have no distractions.
Gaby: You really lose track of time, and there’s no connection to the outside world. It’s pretty magical, honestly.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Maddie: The dream is to travel the world on a world tour, experience different venues in every popular country, and visit every city. Hopefully, by then, we’ll be in serious relationships because I aim to be married by my early 30s. I’m currently 25.
Gaby: So, five years from now, we’ll be in those serious relationships, writing songs about healthy and fulfilling connections instead of toxic ones.
So do you also see yourself performing like in a world tour, but also in festivals?
Gaby: We would love to have that opportunity! Being on the other side, experiencing festivals as performers, would be so cool. We enjoy attending them ourselves. It’s incredible to be part of a collective of people, fans of different artists, who may share similar tastes but haven’t heard of you yet. Festivals are great for artists to develop and expand their audience.
What does True Urban Culture mean to you?
Gaby: I believe being true to yourself is crucial. In the current world, many people try to project an image for the cameras, whether it’s posting content on TikTok just because it’s popular, even if it’s not something you genuinely like, or conforming to certain expectations. I think the more natural and true you are, the easier it is for people to connect with you, fostering a genuine virtual relationship.
Maddie: So, I would echo the same sentiment, prioritizing authenticity for a real connection.
MG II has a show at Los Globos on January 17th. After that, they’re part of ‘California Love and Trip’ in Venice on February 1, which is a showcase featuring some artists and a creative mixer. And they’re excited to release a new song in late February. The song talks about embracing introversion and being okay with being single, exploring those crucial themes.
To keep up with all things MG II follow them on Instagram
