Getting to Know You & Yourn

By: Chris Parish

I had the pleasure of speaking with Nic and Heather Dillon of You & Yourn recently. After hearing a song called Panama, under their former band name Casados, I was intrigued by their strong harmonies and subtle, peaceful sound so I decided to contact the group.

You & Yourn- Double Knots (Listen)

The two met in a writing class in college in 2001. Nic asked Heather out on the second day he saw her. He said he wasn’t that smooth though. Heather remembers his hand shaking when she was putting her number in his phone. Nic added, “I later found out that my shaking hand was endearing and cute.”

Starting in 2003, Nic and Heather have been touring the U.S. since Nic suggested Heather join him and play the piano by his side. Throughout my conversation with the couple there were constant laughs and giggles and I could tell these two care deeply about one another and are very happy with their life as musicians.

They have enjoyed the adventure on the road with their dog, a King Charles named Sadie. Heather explained, “Touring has felt better this fall than it has ever before.” Traveling in their caravan You & Yourn have played all over the country including shows with Duluth, Minnesota’s Low and the talented multi-instrumentalist Andrew Bird earlier this December.

Nic explained how the preparation and experience playing together has helped their live shows develop. Heather added that they have been seeking out alternative spaces more suitable for a duo like art galleries, universities, and bookstores. Nic told me that that people tend to get more excited about a performance in a place where they don’t typically see a show. When I asked what makes a good show, Heather responded, “When people come for the music, they tend to be more appreciative.”

On the road for sometimes twelve hours at a time, Nic enjoys seemingly more than Heather, listening to talk radio. Heather laughs and adds that it puts her to sleep. When at home, the two have been listening to the new Dawes record and Julie Doiran’s album I can wonder what you did with your day.

Life on the road has given You & Yourn many fun memories of playing with their friends which they document on their website (www.youandyourn.com) with stories and wonderful pictures using a Nikon D70. Nic described an ideal show as one that connects with the audience. Nic said, “I love it when strangers come up to me and quote our lyrics after hearing us for the first time that night. When they do that, I know we’ve connected with them.”

On their website, it is stated that when listening to their album, you will find a gentler, more deliberate dynamic that alludes not only to the more gleeful aspects of life and love, but also the darker.

You & Yourn-It would make things worse (Listen)

I feel It would make things worse as an album is a relaxing, intellectual piece of music that invokes deep feelings of life as a journey. Thanks to You & Yourn and Parasol Records for sharing these tracks and making double knots available for a free download. The album as well as their merchandise can be purchased here.

Download the song Double Knots for free by clicking here.