Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Why Nova Twins Thrive on the Live Pedal Challenge

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Challenging Stereotypes in the Music Industry

British alt-rock duo Nova Twins have opened up about the sexism they encounter as female musicians who are passionate about using pedals to create unique sounds. Despite their ability to produce all their music live, many people still accuse them of miming. This issue highlights a broader problem within the music industry, where women often face unnecessary scrutiny and doubt.

Amy Love and Georgia South, the dynamic guitar and bass duo behind Nova Twins, have become one of the most innovative rock acts to emerge from the underground scene in recent years. Their creative approach involves combining the sounds of their instruments with unconventional stompboxes, which has captivated many listeners. However, their success hasn't come without challenges, as they also face detractors who question their authenticity.

As Love shared in an interview, being a woman in the music industry means constantly proving oneself. "You have to be exceptional to meet a man's average," she said. South echoed this sentiment, adding that it's "crazy" how much effort is required just to be recognized for one's talent.

The duo keeps their pedalboards a closely guarded secret, but their live performances are known for their complexity and creativity. They take pride in playing everything live without relying on synths or pre-recorded tracks. "Men love to come along to our shows and say, 'They're miming! They're not playing live!' but the sounds we make are all live," Love explained.

South mentioned that they often have to win over audiences who aren't sure what to expect from their sets. This challenge extends beyond the stage, as even backstage interactions can be difficult. She recounted a time when a person asked their guitar tech, "What guitars do you have?" The tech responded, "Oh, no, those are the girls' guitars..." but the person didn't believe him, assuming the tech was joking. The idea that the guitars could genuinely belong to the band completely escaped the person's understanding.

In 2025, such attitudes are troubling, especially considering the number of inventive non-male musicians who are making waves across various genres. Artists like Yvette Young, Grace Bowers, Lari Basilio, The Warning, and Molly Tuttle are proof that women are breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be a musician.

Nova Twins, set to release their third album, Parasites & Butterflies, later this year, are challenging sexist stereotypes through their music. South has cited her love for heavy electronic music and dubstep as inspiration for her unique guitar sound. The balance of their instruments leans more toward electronic textures than traditional rock n' roll, which has helped them gain a wide audience.

Their innovative approach has led to performances at major festivals across Europe and the U.S., as well as collaborations with notable artists like Bring Me The Horizon and Ho99o9. Through their music, Nova Twins continue to push boundaries and inspire others to embrace creativity without limits.

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