Two guys, two guitars and a webcam

There's something about two hot young guys singing a cover of Journey's "Open Arms" in front of a half-fallen blue sheet. But it gets even better: They walk alike and they talk alike. They're twins. Oh, and they're both gay.

Eric and Todd Dammann are about as primed for viral video fame as you can get. (That's Eric on the left and Todd on the right, or so they say.) Witness this cover of Britney Spears' "Gimme More," which has  been seen by over 360,000 people. But at 21, they're already asking, "Is there life after being a two-man, one-hit Internet wonder?" The Seattle natives are currently finishing up college and looking to move down the coast to California, gussy up their career and go pro.

Out.com spoke to them via -- how else? -- MySpace message to get the inside scoop.

Out.com: What's life been like since the "Gimme More" video?
Eric Dammann: For the most part life has been relatively normal. A lot more people have been paying attention to what we're doing musically though, which is definitely a plus. We're working hard at getting our original songs recorded now so we can give everyone a true picture of who we are as musicians.

You guys sure like to do covers. Why Journey?
Eric: Journey was just one of those bands we grew up hearing on the radio. There's definitely a nostalgic value to a lot of the cover songs we record.

What inspired you to start putting videos up on YouTube?
Eric: YouTube really has become one of the cultural artifacts of this technology dominated/cyber space century. We love to sing and perform, so we figured, why not put it up on a site that would allow all our family and friends see what we're up to? I love the idea of being able to have a digital platform where you can share your creative abilities with anyone who cares to watch.

Do you think you can reach success as musicians through YouTube? Or do you have some other plan?
Eric: There's definitely something to be said for all the fans we've made around the world who've contacted us with messages of support and admiration. That kind of global exposure is very much a product of what we can do through YouTube. We do plan, however, to move down to California soon and pursue some kind of record deal and performance opportunity.

One of the things that surprises me is that you two stick together. I love my brother and all, but when college time rolled around, I was eager to strike out on my own. What keeps you guys together?
Eric: You know, we really can't explain it. I guess it might have something to do with the fact that we literally started as one fertilized cell. That's got to mean something right? We are best friends and always have been, so it's hard to imagine life without each other.

Being gay twins, did one of you come out and realize they were gay first?
Eric: Not at all. It's just the same as recognizing your sibling has the same color hair as you. You don't remember the exact moment it happened, but it's something you've always known.

Do you think being a twin act will make you more successful?
Todd Dammann: For most of my life, I've dealt with the fact that, as a twin, I'm constantly a source for people's curiosity and interest. Any twin will tell you it's hard to escape people's double takes. A lot of success in music comes from having people interested in you. Having the advantage of being twins definitely seems like it would be a head start in that department.

Do you think part of the appeal is that a lot of people have twin fantasies?
Todd: I honestly laugh at the whole twin fantasy idea. I guess as a twin, it's hard for me to look past my own relationship with Eric when I think about it. But I guess if that makes people listen, then I'm cool with it! If they come into it with that fantasy, I hope they'll discover the talent underneath the fantasy!

Eric, you wrote on your MySpace page that you thought it was stupid that people pay attention to things like Britney Spears when there's a war on. How can you be an Internet celebrity on You Tube and still have substance?
Eric: I think the media exposure of Britney Spears is ridiculous because it's reporting that is based on shock value and gossip. There's plenty of shock to be had if we really looked at what's going on in this country. I don't believe what Todd and I do on You Tube is something that is based on any kind of distraction method to keep us from seeing the kinds of things that actually matter, as opposed to what I think the Britney coverage partly acts as. We want to entertain and play music. And the great thing about You Tube is that you can do that, and two minutes later, watch a story about Dubai, or the War in Iraq.

Are you dating anyone? What do you look for in a guy?
Todd: I'm currently single as single can be. It's actually been about two years since I've been in a serious relationship. Having the bond with Eric keeps me satisfied as far as companionship. I also spend so much time with music that it's hard to get serious when I expend so much of my energy on writing and performing. I'd love to find that someone one day though, and I'm not all that picky. I'm attracted to guys who are confident in themselves, without being cocky, and who have a free sense of humor. A nice smile doesn't hurt either.

Fill in this sentence: People describe me as the _______ one and my brother as the _______ one.
Eric: People describe me as the crazy one and Todd as the shy/sensitive one.
Todd: People describe me as the nice one and Eric as the other one. Ha Ha!

-- JAPHY GRANT

Comments

[Kevin]

I hope they make it big.

[Blake]

They are amazing!! I really dig their style! Someone should sign them NOW! lol

[Robert W. Taylor]

Ya these guys are the best. I love there music. And there really hott allso. Check them out on MySpace @ http://www.myspace.com/dammanntwins You will love there Music and Videos. And Yes Somone needs to Sign them NOW.....

Thank You

[Gary Holewinski]

I am a big myspace fan. I requested an autographed pic from them. Eric said I was their very first autograghed pic request. I'm their #1 Vegas fan.

[Anton]

they lokking greate in the pics but in the video they don't looking prettys XD..

[josh]

i think that they are good in the videos that i like them alot i'm they biggest fan. you should sign up NOW!!!!!. ya!!

[Allen]

I can hope they make it too. Not bad songs on their myspace page. Good luck guys!