Gaitway Brothers – an inspiring true story

Gaitway-Brothers-before-and-afterLife is full of tragic and touching stories. Peter and Steven Gait – the Scottish twin singers better known as the Gaitway Brothers – have just turned 15-years-old. At this time of year, we often find ourselves looking back with amazement at how much we have achieved and with nostalgia at how much has changed.

It has been my privilege to work with the boys since they were 10-years-old and to share, not only in their musical journey, but also in that dangerous adventure that every adolescent boy must take: their journey to manhood.  

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Though every boy must rise to this challenge, it cannot be overstated how difficult if can be. The Gaitway Brothers are no stranger to tragedy and perhaps this gives some of their music it’s unique pathos which fans often describe. I asked Steven and Peter to share personally a little about themselves:

Steven

Gaitway-Brothers-StevenI was born in Scotland and I live Helensburgh. A lot of our songs are old traditional music and it’s written by Matthew or people we work with. 

A big struggle for me was my Dad passed away when I was 9. My Papa and Nana give me the strength to persevere because they are really supportive of me. 


My advice to other young people trying to succeed in music is try hard, don’t give up don’t listen to all the people that make fun of you or say you can’t do it. 

Please keep supporting us b sharing our videos and tell people to ‘like’ us, follow us etc. Thank you so much for all you do. I want to give special thanks to Matthew Todd, Phil Todd, Nathan my Papa, Mum and Nana”

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Peter

Gaitway-Brothers-Peter-ninja

I was born in the Vale of Leven in Alexandria which is in in Scotland and I live in Helensburgh. My biggest musical inspiration is Matthew Todd, our manager and our friend.

We sing lots of traditional Scottish music and have other songs about God. Some of the songs we have sung are written by Matthew Todd and we do covers of other songs like ‘Human’ by the Killers.

Our Dad passed away when we were 9. It was hard and was a dark time for me. My Nana and Papa help me carry on because they encourage me and are very supportive, and my Mum as well.

My ambition is to learn Japanese and to achieve higher in all the subjects I choose at school and advance higher in some too.  I want to go to university and go to Japan and go to the Pokémon store and theme park.

My advice to other young people would be to try as hard as possible, believe in yourself and stick to it and practice.

Please keep on watching our music videos on youtube and subscribe to us and go to our website www.gaitwaybrothers.com

A special thank you to Matthew Todd, Phillip Todd, Nathan Todd, Mum, Nana, Papa and all our fans and the people who have helped in our music videos.

Keep following us :)”

 

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Esteban and Diego – French Flamenco cousins!

Every now and then there comes a musical act that slowly draws you in until you find yourself hooked. Even more rarely, comes an act like the French duo “Esteban and Diego” that grabs you by both hands and starts dancing the passo doblo with you! 

“It feels like we were designed to play together so it explodes on stage!” – Esteban

 I first encountered Esteban and Diego when looking for musical contributions to the International Christmas Child charity album. If I were to summarise these boys in one word it would have to be ‘energy’. All the exuberant, cheeky, humour so characteristic of young boys, but also the energy apparent in their dedication to their music and in their commitment to each other.

The Story Begins 

Esteban and Diego’s mothers are sisters and as close as sisters can be, so it was natural that the young cousins began playing together from an early age.

Esteban y Diego - friendsDuring a New Year celebration, the family discovered with amazement that Esteban had an incredible talent for singing. Diego was already a gifted guitarist and, since they were inseparable, the duo was born! 

“I started taking lessons at age 9, and a year later, Esteban started learning. Because our mothers are so close, we are always together. So it is natural that we started playing together.” Diego

They take guitar lessons from Manu who is a guitar teacher of the association “El Hogar de los Españoles” in La Plaine Saint Denis, near Paris. Hence, you will hear a distinctly Spanish, Flamenco flavour to their music and may see them referred to either as “Esteban y Diego” (Spanish) or “Esteban et Diego” (French) or indeed, since I am writing in English, I will refer to them as “Esteban and Diego” to avoid confusion!

2011-10-12 Ils font l'ouverture d'un festival en direct sur une grande radio françaiseA Duo is Born

In December 2009, they played for the first time as “Esteban and Diego” to an association for the mayor of the 19th in Paris. Soon after, they were performing various concerts in Paris and its suburbs.

October 12, 2011, they opened the French live music festival “Cities of World Music.” On 09 November 2011, they performed on the show “France has got Talent”. Performance requests began pouring in from all over France and the young musicians continued to grow their fan base at home and abroad. 

The Journey continues…

Following their TV appearances, they were noticed by Marie Jo Audouard of the production company “Be my sound: Hope records.” Soon Esteban and Diego had released their first single “Cuando Bailas” which was composed and performed by the boys. The track is available for download on several internet platforms (Deezer, Amazon etc …). 

Cuando BailasRémi Castillo – radio host, journalist and producer – also has a heart for this little duo. After hearing their single “Cuando Bailas” he decided to delight the boys by helping them make a music video for their song. Today, Rémi Castillo guides them and helps them grow. In May 2013, he released a book “The Epic of Young Talents” in which he speaks of them. 

Esteban and Diego have since had numerous TV appearances including “The Voice kids” in September 2014 and a program called “Gulli” in October 2014.

An incredible story of loyalty

“We know each other so well. We share everything together, in private as well as on stage. We cannot imagine our music without each other.” – Diego

You Raise Me UpAs well as being incredibly talented and entertaining, Esteban and Diego have a special quality which sets them apart from many other groups of their age: they are completely committed to each other. This is not difficult while success remains limited and neither party has much to lose, but for the friendship to survive at the dizzying heights that Esteban and Diego have reached proves that the bond they share is very powerful. 

“Diego is like my big brother. Sometimes we fight a bit, but in the music we are always united.” – Esteban

I know the boys and their families will not mind me sharing a fairly personal story of when this loyalty was truly put to the test. 

2012-01-00 Britain's got talentEsteban and Diego travelled to England to audition for “Britain’s Got Talent” a few years ago. This was before their numerous television appearances so, no doubt, it was a big deal for them. The producers liked what they saw and heard. A lot. But there was one condition: Esteban and Diego would have to separate as the producers were not interested in promoting a duo.

The boys made their decision quickly and unanimously. They picked up their guitars and went home to France! They were “Esteban and Diego” not “Esteban or Diego”!

It is such a delight to see the success the boys are enjoying now. Not only in France but, increasingly, all over the world. It is an honour to be able to feature them here and wish them every success for an exciting future, fuelled by the energy that only Esteban and Diego can give!

“When we began to see that people liked what we were doing, we were amazed. Even today we are surprised every time people take notice of us.” – Esteban

Happy Cousins

“We do not know where this will lead us – we thought it would stop after our first TV appearance – but it’s been more than 3 years and the adventure continues! Thank you to all those who make it possible.” – Diego

Stay up to date with all their news and find links to all their social media on their website: 

www.esteban-diego.com