Growing up is a funny thing. Jackie and Mark Andrade make emotional, reflective music from their home studio with a DIY sound and aesthetic. The name, Jackie and her brother, is a simple way to describe their dynamic and their shared love for catchy, pop-inspired bands that they listened to across different decades as they grew up.

Jackie and her brother‘s new song, “Just the Rain,” is about a blissful moment in time. You can remember the smell, the sounds, the sights. You took the risk, you lived the adventure and now it’s time to drive home. And during that drive, there’s nothing left to do but to be. Your heart, head and spirit are in the same place…all at once. With that you can let your senses play with that simple moment that will soon become a beautiful memory. A memory you only get to revisit properly if you were fully present in it.

“Some of the lyrics are from a memory I have of my drive across Canada last year,” says songwriter Jackie Andrade. “We were driving along the Icefields Parkway in the shadow of these giant beautiful mountains and we could see sunshine all day, but behind us there were dark clouds following and finally when we stopped to rest, the rain took over and we knew it was time to go home. We were content with all the amazing sights and it was time to just reflect back on all the awesome moments we’d had.”

What can you share with readers about your new project?

We’ve been making music together for five years and are siblings for life. Collaborating on music has been a joyful experience, blending our unique sounds and ideas. My brother has always influenced my musical tastes, and now I’m excited to contribute my creativity to our work.

The name “Jackie and Her Brother” came about after my brother expressed a preference to stay in the background, much like Finneas with Billie Eilish. It felt essential to honor him in our name, as he plays a significant role in producing and creating our music. He’s the reason I fell in love with music and wanted to pursue it.

How does this release compare with your previous projects?

This release tells a more personal and heartfelt story, inspired by a long road trip I took last year. Writing the lyrics and collaborating with my brother to structure and arrange the music brought back those memories and made the process incredibly enjoyable. We wrote and recorded the song in Muskoka, which added a special touch to the project.

What about this single makes you most proud?

I’m proud of how we crafted a full song from scratch in just three days. Although we made some edits and fixes afterward, we completed the main elements—ideas, instrumentals, and vocals—in a weekend by the lake. The lyric “spend time in the countryside” reflects the magic we felt being in nature while creating the music.

Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

Our primary goal is always to create music that we enjoy. If others find joy in it and engage with our content, that’s a wonderful bonus.

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

We can’t stop creating music—it’s too much fun! We constantly share ideas, voice notes, and inspiration. My brother, who also produces for other artists, and I find immense joy in this process. I began with classical piano but was amazed by the sounds we could create once I transitioned to synths.

If you could collaborate with anyone—dead or alive, famous or unknown—who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

It would be a dream to collaborate with Mount Kimbie. Their music is unique and constantly evolving, with every release being exceptional.

A few other dream collaborators include:

• Brian Eno
• John McEntire of Tortoise
• Chilly Gonzales
• Daft Punk

What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

The last song I listened to was “Cruel Summer” by Black Marble.

As for favorite all-time bands and artists, here are some top picks:

• Pavement
• Tortoise
• The Smiths
• A Tribe Called Quest

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

Instagram is a great way to connect with us: @jackieandherbrother.

I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?

Being in a band with my sibling is fantastic, and we look forward to writing more music on a variety of subjects. While we don’t shy away from love stories, there are plenty of other themes we’re excited to explore.