Tasseomancy

Tasseomancy is a Canadian indie folk duo from Halifax, Nova Scotia, centred on twin sisters Sari and Romy Lightman. The project begins as Ghost Bees before adopting the name Tasseomancy in 2010, as the duo develops a broader sound and new influences.

Origins and early work

The Lightman twins are born and raised in Toronto before moving to Halifax to attend university, where they begin performing. Their debut EP, Tasseomancy, appears in 2008 on Youth Club Records. The EP cover features a photograph of their great-great grandmother, Clara Chernos, a Russian Jewish tea-leaf reader who moves to Canada in the 19th century during the Russian pogroms. The pair tours extensively in support of the release, including dates in the UK and Europe.

Releases and collaborators

After the name change, Tasseomancy records its debut full-length in 2010 with production by Taylor Kirk and Simon Trottier of Timber Timbre. The duo also releases a 7-inch single on Diamond Rings’ Hype Lighter label and performs as touring backing singers in Katie Stelmanis’ electronic project Austra. Their debut album, Ulalume, is released in 2011 on Out of this Spark and Turf Records.