Artist description Vice Versa's music ranges from high-energy acoustic rock to folk with plenty of edge and heart. The original songwriting and arrangements by bandmates Rupa Marya and Katie Isenberg emphasize thoughtful lyrics, complex harmonies, and dynamic instrumentation. Last year, they released their much-anticipated debut CD, entitled "Album."

Music Style folk/acoustic

Musical Influences Indigo Girls, Simon & Garfunkel, Ani DiFranco, Dave Matthews, Dire Straits, the Police

Similar Artists Indigo Girls, Simon & Garfunkel

Artist History Friends and fellow performers since they began acting and singing together in their seventh-grade class play more than ten years ago, Rupa and Katie formed Vice Versa in 1997 for the sheer enjoyment of creating different styles of music together. With a playful attitude toward format, they bring their unique views of life and relations to their lyrics and to the stage.

Group Members Rupa Marya and Katie Isenberg

Instruments guitar, mandolin, violin, percussion

Albums Album

Press Reviews [From MTV.com]-- VICE VERSA Rocks IOTA: Jaw droppin', foot stompin', nouveau folk/rock is the only way to categorize the music of VICE VERSA, DC's hot new acoustic duo. Now don't yawn. I know how you people can get when the words "folk" and "acoustic" are both presented in the same sentence. Trust me, these two San Francisco natives new to the DC scene will wow you with their words and rock you with their rhythms. I caught VICE VERSA's show Sunday, October 10 at IOTA in Arlington, and although I have seen them before, this show was downright impressive. Songwriter-musicians Rupa Marya (vocals, guitar, mandolin, and percussion) and Katie Isenberg (vocals, guitar, mandolin, and violin), have a funky flavor that brings a much needed breath of fresh air to DC. Their set at IOTA consisted of eight songs, which varied enough in style and arrangement to keep the audience interested, while at the same time unifying the set with their distinct sound. One particularly unique number, entitled "You," is a sort of spoken word jam accompanied by the guitar and tambourine. The percussive guitar playing, chock full o' harmonics and backed up by Katie's vocals, really made this number stand out from the rest of their set. The song has a frenzied quality that keeps building manically throughout, demanding the audience's attention. I'm only sad to say that this song is not on their debut CD, entitled "Album," which is available at their shows. The subject matter of their other material ranges from love to political commentary, but is always sealed with their personal signature. Many of their songs, specifically "My Land," include instrumental sections where Rupa and Katie can really show off their musical skills. Emoting intensely, Rupa holds the mood of this song with her heartfelt lyrics and haunting guitar work, which is somewhat reminiscent of SIMON & GARFUNKEL. At the same time, however, the audience didn't dare take their attention off of Katie, who was literally wailing on the violin. The one cover that VICE VERSA performed was a great rendition of KENNY ROGERS' "The Gambler," which no one should miss. Perhaps what comes across most is the complementary and symbiotic quality of Katie and Rupa's musical relationship. Even from the audience perspective, one can really sense the intricate cooperation that goes on between them while on stage, especially in their vocal harmonies, which will get stuck in your head for days afterward. -- Nicole Legum, MTV Local Stringer (October 11, 1999) www.local.mtv.com

Location Washington, DC - USA

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