Branching Out

Branch and Harper at the VMAs in Miami

Question: What do you do as a talented pop singer when your career is fading and your record company keeps pushing back your new album release (which is usually not a very good sign)? Answer: You team up with your best friend to create a brand new duo that is just familiar enough to please your existing fans, but just new enough to potentially regain chart momentum.

That's likely what singer Michelle Branch was thinking when she teamed up with long-time pal and country singer Jessica Harp for a "side project." Branch and Harp have put together an album under the name The Wreckers, which is scheduled to drop in the early part of 2005.

Branch took the charts by storm in 2001 with "The Spirit Room" and its lead single "Everywhere."  The singer's career stalled after she released the well-crafted "Hotel Paper, which did not get the media attention it deserved.

Branch has continually been challenged to create a reputation as a devoted singer/songwriter in a music scene that seems to favor lip-syncing, navel-baring pop gnomes.

Born in Kansas City, Harp is also an aspiring songwriter (she names Patty Griffin as her inspiration) and country singer (Download Harp's  full-length "Memphis" [MP3] - Please don't stream, but use "Save As"). She has been working with John Carter Cash (Johnny Cashs son) on a forthcoming solo effort.

But first the Wreckers will take centerstage. Their act will be nothing like a bunch of wild chicks wrecking some guitars and drum sets (too bad!). Branch and Harp will keep the peace with a sound that will likely be based on acoustic pop-folk balladry with lots of sweet harmonies and catchy melodies.