Forged in the fire of a 12-hour singathon for charity, Here Come The Girls are a Hythe-based duo who bring up-tempo, high-energy performances to each of their sets, ranging from music from the 1950s to the present day.
We caught up with Jo (46) and Donna (38), who have both lived in Hythe for most of their lives and make up Here Come The Girls, to find out a little bit more about the talented duo.
By day Donna is a personal shopper, and Jo works alongside her husband running their business coaching company but the duo came together in November 2013 when they put on a 12-hour charity “singathon” in The White Hart in Hythe High Street in support of the Help for Heroes charity.
They both sang non-stop between 11am-11pm and not only was the event a huge success, they had such an enjoyable time that the next day they spoke about singing together on a more frequent basis, and from there Here Come the Girls was born.
What’s the meaning behind the name Here Come the Girls?
“We stumbled across the 1970s song Here Come the Girls when we were looking for inspiration for what to call ourselves and it leapt out as the obvious choice. We make it our aim to fill dancefloors each time we perform, so we focus on up-tempo, high-energy numbers that most people will recognise, and try to include something for everyone within our sets.
“Our repertoire incorporates well-loved songs from the 1950s to present day, and takes us from rock & roll, funk and soul through to disco, rock, pop and even a bit of jazz. We might throw in a smoochy one towards the end of an evening but only if the mood is right!”
Talking about some of their earliest experiences in music, Jo remembers playing her mum’s Beatles singles on an old Fidelity record player at a very young age – maybe six or seven – and picking out all the harmonies, even though she didn’t know that’s what she was doing at the time. Even to this day she finds nothing more satisfying than working out a good harmony, thanks to the Fab Four.
Donna has also always had a love of the stage and performing, studying singing and drama at college and her highlight was singing live on stage with Anastacia at Wembley Arena in 2005.
What are some of the joys about being in a duo compared to solo performances?
“It’s just so much more fun. We have the best time when we are singing together, which we are often told comes across in our performances. We don’t take ourselves seriously at all and make each other laugh all the time.
“Our voices are very different, but complement each other and we can create beautiful harmonies which isn’t an option for a soloist. If one of us forgets a cue or the words to a song, or has a sudden coughing fit – it all happens, the other one just steps in and it’s seamless – most of the time!
“The best bit is having someone to share it all with – from learning new songs, creating set lists, setting up the equipment, the performance itself and of course the car journey home after a gig – it’s much more enjoyable doing all of that with one of your best pals by your side.
What is the best advice you’ve been given and would pass on to young musicians?
“Get to know your voice and style, identify your skills and strengths and work to them. Be yourself, and always read your audience.”
What are your three Desert Island Discs?
Jo: 24K Magic by Bruno Mars; These Days by Bon Jovi; and B-sides, Seasides and Freerides by Ocean Colour Scene.
Donna: Hot Fuss by The Killers; Queen’s Greatest Hits; and Playing in the Shadows by Example.