They're young, super-nice, totally unpretentious and in love (or are they?). Jencey Hirunrusme and Ryan Hamilton of Smile Smile are attached at the hip and create the kind of moving music that could only be made by soul mates.
The stripped-down nuances of Jencey's keyboard and Ryan's guitar, combined with their soulful harmonizing, are so in sync and near-perfect that it's hard to believe they've only been playing together about a year.
The native Texans (he's from Fort Worth, she's from Plano) have drastically different interests and personal styles – but when they come together, it's like it was ... meant to be.
"We actually both hate each others' clothes," says Jencey. "But then when we come out it's like we totally match!"
But aside from their talents, the duo is just like the rest of us. They were in band (or show choir in Ryan's case), wear jeans as often as possible, act silly and give each other a hard time, and love to shop at Target.
Describe your typical onstage outfit: Two things factor into what I'll wear to a show.
1. What kind of mood I'm in. 2. What Jencey is wearing.
What's the first thing you do when you get out of bed? Say good morning to my dog Mazzy Star and make coffee.
What are three things you can't live without? Music, music and music
. What's your favorite wardrobe piece? My boots. (How Texan is that?)
What's on your style wish list? I've always wanted a really nice suit. An old school '60s-looking Bob Dylan-ish slim-fitting four-button suit.
Something you would absolutely never be caught dead wearing: Shorts, EVER. I hate them. Men should wear shorts on one occasion and one occasion ONLY – if they're going swimming.
Hair philosophy: I have really curly hair. I used to try and "tame" it. But I've grown to enjoy it. My advice to anyone with curly hair is this: Just let the 'fro go.
Where do you shop most in Dallas? Clothes: thrift stores, Levi's and Target. Food: Whole Foods and Target. (I spend a lot of time at Target).
Musical style icon and why: Bob Dylan: NO ONE else has ever, or will ever, make big, Afro curly hair look that cool.
How important is style to your music? The way you present yourself on the outside is usually an integral part of how your music sounds. We've tried to strip down our music so you can really hear all of the beautiful elements in Smile Smile, so I like to wear pieces that are a bit nostalgic.
Describe your typical onstage outfit: Vintage '50s or '60s cocktail dresses. I'm partial to the empire waists and baby doll fits in taffeta or silk.
Your favorite thing to do when you get home: I'm a neat freak so I pretty much ransack the house and throw everything away that doesn't belong. Yes, cleaning = fun to me ... I'm sick.
What are three things you can't live without? Well if we're talking about purely fashion ... my list is: Chi Ceramic Straightener (yes, I have curly hair ); MAC Studio Fix; LAMB for LeSportSac Backstage Bag by Gwen Stefani (since these are discontinued, they have skyrocketed on eBay!); Fender Rhodes Suitcase Piano – I'd give it all up to keep this, though.
What's your favorite wardrobe piece? I have a jacket obsession ... Lately, I've been leaning toward the military-looking jackets, but you can't go wrong with a black peacoat in the wintertime.
OFFSTAGE: Their offstage look is more relaxed and almost always includes jeans. Jencey wears a ruffled shirt from Ahab Bowen, and Ryan wears a turtleneck for fall.
What's on your style wish list? A Betsey Johnson original or Bolero Bag by Dooney and Bourke.
Something you would absolutely never be caught dead wearing: A Wonder Bra. It's like prison for your boobs. Can I say that?
Hair philosophy: Hair should look like it has a distinct style. There's nothing worse than hair that just sits there. Cruz at Style Labb on Lower Greenville cuts my hair.
Musical style icon and why: Steven Tyler. I like how he always looks like there are a million strings and ribbons coming off of him. I think a lot of the male musicians out there are as pretty as the women.
