Meet Dane & Stephanie, Twins Who Make an Unbeatable Duo

Dane and Stephanie, twin siblings who harmonize together angelically, might be familiar to you from this season of NBC’s “The Voice.” Recently, I got to ask them questions about themselves, their careers, and their love for what they do. Dane and Stephanie are twins from Bloomfield, New Jersey. They are cousins of mine, and I can remember participating alongside them in sports, talent shows, and musicals. Both Dane and Stephanie have always shown passion in what they do, and is clear to see when watching them sing together. You can watch them sing on their YouTube channel or Instagram (@daneandstephanie). If you haven’t started watching this season, you can tune in NBC on Monday and Tuesday nights to watch!

I started off by asking Dane and Stephanie to give some information that the general public and even some of their fans might not be aware of. Stephanie shared that aside from singing and being a duo, she also acts! “Although I would love to make music a career, I aspire to to make acting a full time career as well. I just really love performing and art in general.” Dane also expressed his interests in photography and cinematography in addition to music. “ I would love to make music/singing my full time career,” he said. Dane also shared that he is a trans man, which he also bravely shared during their audition on “The Voice.” When asked how they got into music, both admitted to using a karaoke machine when they were little. Stephanie would hold her own concerts with her karaoke machine and Dane would sing along in his own as well. “I always loved to sing but when I was younger it never really occurred to me that I was any good,” Stephanie said. While in sixth grade, Stephanie participated in what would be the first musical she’d be in, “Oliver!” She was given a one line solo during the production which “was the coolest thing to me.” She says this gave her such a confidence boost that she continued doing musical theater in the years to follow and everything took off for her from there. Dane mentions really enjoying Elvis while growing up, but didn’t involve himself so much into music or performing until middle school. Dane taught himself how to play both the piano and guitar, which soon led to Stephanie and him singing together. Once Dane reached high school, he became heavily involved in music, arts, and theater programs through their high school.

They both agreed that seeing people who go after what they want in their lives and follow their dreams is what inspires them in their careers and personally. “It inspires me too as well and makes me feel like I can accomplish anything,” Stephanie remarked. “I get inspired by others who work to go after their dreams and make them a reality,” Dane added. As for their goals, Dane hopes to continue growing and learning as an artist. Ultimately, he hopes to one day be able to make a living off of music and any other artistic endevours he takes on. Stephanie wants to grow as artist and duo, taking what she learns with her throughout her career. “I love singing so much and I hope that we put out music sometime in the near future that is really genuine to us.”  

When speaking on what sets them a part from other contestants this season, the obvious is that they are only one of two duos this season. Both agree that having two voices together is different in itself, but having family and twin harmonies is not only special to them but also sets them a part from other artists.      

Dane and Stephanie both expressed finding older artists in the industry inspiring to them. Stephanie named Nat King Cole as her inspiration, due to the heart and soul in his songs and lyrics. “It’s just so genuine to me, and that’s the kind of art/music I’d like to create.” Not surprisingly, Dane mentioned Elvis as the artist who inspires him, due to the success he created for himself and the fact that his music will never be forgotten. Dane also remarked that any artist who is genuine and successful is inspiring to him as well.

The duo decided to go on The Voice when the opportunity presented itself and they realized this would be a prime opportunity for them both to grow as artists and to grow their platform. I had to ask what it was like to share their lives on television and to now be in the public eye. Dane and Stephanie both agreed that being in the public eye can be pretty vulnerable, and understand that they’re putting themselves out there for people to either love them or those who might not. They believe focusing on putting themselves out there for the people who do love them is not only what is best, but most rewarding as well. “The love and support has been amazing,” both agreed. It was important to Dane that he share his story and who he is on national television, despite the hate the transgender community may face. “. I hope to educate more people and be just one example of what transgender looks like. It is also super important to me that putting my story out there can help so many others who are going through things that I went through/go through.”

Dane and Stephanie also remarked that having the opportunity to work with John Legend is “so surreal.”

“We feel so grateful that John gave us this chance and felt like we were good enough. He is so talented and intelligent and working with him is the best learning experience when it comes to singing and performing.”

Make sure to support Dane and Stephanie by following along with their journey on The Voice, every Monday and Tuesday on NBC as well as following their social media!

Instagram: @dane&stephanie

Twitter: @danestephanie_

YouTube: m.youtube.com/c/danestephanie