BEC + BRIDGE is a brand founded by two creatives, Bec Cooper and Bridge Yorston, who came together fortuitously and quickly realised their harmonious duality to create contemporary wear for women. Celebrating other Creative Duos, we chat with Amy Dowdle, one half of the Japanese electronic music duo, Lastlings, on harnessing creativity in partnership.

Together with her brother Josh, the duo harbour a powerful, slow-burning energy and a deep dedication to their craft that has set them far and apart across today’s musical landscape. Amy is the enchanting vocalist, while Josh is the producer. Their latest album 'First Contact' evokes emotions of nostalgia.

Read on to discover more on their creative duality and shop Amy’s looks.

The way we work has evolved quite a lot over time. Our creative process is very collaborative. I am the vocalist and write the lyrics, and Josh is the producer. Usually, we start off with ideas on our own and come together to finish the tracks.

We are pretty lucky to be brother and sister, as we can be brutally honest with each other when it comes to feedback. We both have quite similar artistic visions which is really convenient for this project. There are some things that we do not agree on from time to time - but we are usually pretty into each other's ideas and choices.

I try to write every day. I definitely have days where I get writer's block. When that happens I will watch a film, read a book, see a friend or go for a walk. Doing those things usually spark inspiration and I then go back to my laptop, piano or notes and try to write something.

When Josh and I write together we usually have a movie playing on a screen in front of us. When we were writing our album ‘First Contact’ we would put films like Blade Runner 2049, Akira, Cloud Atlas and documentaries like Planet Earth on in the background.

Our mum is Japanese and our dad is Australian. We grew up watching a lot of anime and were lucky enough to go on trips to Japan to visit family whilst growing up. My favourite films to watch are all the Studio Ghibli films.

The worlds that the characters live in are so otherworldly and inspiring. I have also always been so fascinated by the beautiful landscapes and architecture that Japan has to offer. There are a lot of locations over there that you just can’t find here in Australia. Snow has also had a huge influence on my songwriting too.

A lot of the lyrics were written in Japan when I went on a trip there with my mum in 2018. I spent a lot of time looking out the window at my grandparents home watching the snowfall. It was so peaceful - the perfect environment to write in.

I think my personal style is kind of all over the place and usually depends on what mood I am in. I normally go for items that are minimal and comfortable.

My wardrobe is mostly black and grey with a lot of items that have interesting cuts. I also have lots of items that are more daring and colourful for when I’m in the mood.

My favourite piece from the collection would have to be the ‘Magenta Magic Bodice’. The colour is magic and the cut is so fun! I am going to wear it to every festival and rave when everything opens back up.

The music industry has been affected so much by the pandemic, so it is super hard to know.

However, we are trying to write as much music as possible during these difficult times. We have a few festivals in Australia lined up for the end of this year and we are hoping to go to the states in 2022 to play some shows.

Acting is a collaborative art form which is generally performed in the company of other actors. However preparing for a role involves a lot of homework and private reflection.

Beyond that, I think it’s really important to engage with the world at large. Acting requires you to immerse yourself in situations and characters that are often removed from your individual experiences.

Being able to widen your worldview is essential in creating and delivering a truthful performance. That’s why having someone like Millie in my life is so important. We’re constantly exposing each other to new art forms and experiences.

It’s an act of empathetic imagination to put yourself in the shoes of another person and express their truth. So much of acting is about playing and discovering in the moment whether that be on the stage/set or in rehearsals.

Being able to harness your creativity during those times is such an important part of being able to create a multi faceted and ‘real’ person. You need to have a certain level of child-like curiosity to really interrogate what motivates a person or particular situation.

I think to be able to be a part of the rich and diverse history of storytelling in this country is such a privilege.

We are a part of an incredibly multicultural country and to be able to represent a part of that is hopefully something people can resonate with and see themselves in.

As someone who was always slightly introverted and shy, it's been so empowering to come out of my shell and embrace my unique qualities.

I think this job has really facilitated an environment in which growth can happen. When I came back from Eden I met up with Millie and she turned to me and said, “Sophie look at you taking up space.” That was a really important moment for me.

Eclectic and colourful!

The Anya pant and blazer combo! I’m a total sucker for a suit. I think it’s such a versatile look and I always feel super confident when I’m wearing one.

I just wrapped up a film I’ve been shooting over the last couple of months in Queensland called The Portable Door, which I’m super excited about.

I think It’s going to be a really fun and special one. And I’m heading off next week to the UK to start another project.

FOLLOW SOPHIE ON INSTAGRAM