Not unlike generations of children before them, Gabriela and Bianca LeDuc were sucked into the Disney universe from a young age. In their case, they were enthralled with a young Miley Cyrus playing the part of Hannah Montana, a teenage girl living a double life as a pop singer.
She proved to be the initial inspiration for a lifelong love affair with music, one that spawned a sister duo named Diamond Dixie.
A country act originally from Orlando, they’re known for high energy sets, rhinestone laden guitars and flying tassels. A family move to Nashville in 2015 helped lay the foundation for future success, resulting in the band opening for Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker while playing VIP sets for Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line.
Along with Hannah Montana, their love of music came from their dad, who they both described as a proud member of several “garage bands” over the years. Having long ago graduated out of the garage, he would teach the girls how to play guitar at a young age while putting them to sleep at night with a song.
Their fathers love of classic rock would serve as further inspiration for the music they would eventually create, fusing country and rock into their songwriting. “Music felt like it was something we always wanted to do,” says Bianca.
When they were kids, they described wanting to be like Taylor Swift, selling out arenas all over the world. As they’ve gotten older, their aspirations have shifted to simply performing and having the ability to play music full time.
So far, the duo has played a majority of their shows in America with a few sprinkled in up north in Canada. One such Canadian show will see them opening for Twisted Sister, allowing them to tap into their classic rock influences in order to win over the crowd before their 80s counterpart takes the stage.
Asked about whether they compare themselves to other artists, they were gracious in offering compliments to their peers, “Someone like Ella Langley, it’s really cool to see all the success she’s gotten. It’s almost a pride thing, you feel happy for her and all the other women in country music.” said Gabriela.
Bianca went on to add, “It’s so easy to fall into comparisons. Gabriela and I learned very early on that we can’t compare ourselves to other people. I would say Gabriela and I don’t fall into being jealous, it’s just more motivation to continue to do what we’re doing. It’s a good role model to look up to as we’re chasing our own dreams.”
Those dreams someday include marriage and kids, with Gabriela getting a bit of a head start due to her recent engagement to her fiancee Sam. “Music and settling down are at the same level. Music is just as important as starting a family,” says Gabriela. “There’s a misconception that when you settle down and have kids that you have to put everything else aside. There’s definitely a world in which you can do both,” adds Bianca.
For now, their dreams are taking them to Tega Cay, where they’ll play Catawba Fest this weekend. With additional influences from Steven Tyler, Axl Rose and Robert Plant, along with a potential banjo solo of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” be ready to expect the unexpected.
Asked about a favorite memory, Gabriela and Bianca recalled how great it was to open for Darius Rucker. They described him as “super cool” and “amazing,” noting how he captivated the crowd.
Words many of you may use to describe Diamond Dixie after this weekend.
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.
