Yellow Rooms
Yellow Rooms is the project of sister duo Grace and Sarah Lawrence — two multi-instrumentalists turning their shared stories into something raw and real. From classical violin lessons in Ōtautahi Christchurch to playing indie-folk sets around Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, they’ve found their stride blending heartfelt lyrics with a bit of playful charm. It’s music that feels lived-in, shaped by years of growing up, moving cities, and making sense of it all together.
School Days and Early Performances
Both Grace (21) and Sarah (23) grew up in Christchurch, where music was a big part of their lives from day one. “We grew up classical,” Grace says. “We started violin when we were like three or four, piano at five. It was sort of the main thing we did.”
The sisters were heavily involved in music throughout school — from orchestra and marimba band to rock groups and jazz ensembles. “I think it’s a really good idea to challenge classical musicians to dip their toes in different fields,” Grace says.
They both recall their earliest performances fondly, even if they were a bit awkward. “We used to busk on the street as kids with our violins,” Grace says. “Once someone came up and asked if we even went to school. They thought our parents were forcing us out here to make money!”
Building Yellow Rooms
The idea for their current project came together after Grace moved to Wellington in 2023. “We’d both been writing separately for a long time,” she explains, “but when we were in the same city again, it was like, yeah, it’s time to pursue this.”
Their manager, Rodney Hewson, encouraged them to make music together. “He’d liked both our stuff individually, and when he found out we were sisters, he was like, you have to do this,” Grace says. “The sister duo thing is really marketable; but we also just love working together! We respect each other so much as musicians and creators.”
The name Yellow Rooms comes from their childhood bedroom in Christchurch. “Mum said we could paint it whatever colour we wanted,” Grace says. “We couldn’t pick a shade, so it ended up with this hodgepodge of yellow tones. That house was destroyed in the earthquake, but the room stuck with us. Then we moved into our Wellington flat and it has a yellow kitchen. So the name just works.”
Creating their Sound
Trying to define Yellow Rooms’ sound isn’t straightforward. “I’d say it’s folk, but also indie rock,” Grace says. “We sing with our New Zealand accents, so that will always give it that Kiwi vibe no matter the genre.”
Lyrics are at the heart of what they do. “We really care about the lyrics,” Grace explains. “Sometimes they’re weird or humorous, sometimes really earnest, but they always have purpose.”
Grace calls herself an autobiographical writer. “I just walk around and write what I see down,” she says. “Or I’ll be mad about something, or really grateful, and that turns into a song.”
Sarah adds that Wellington often finds its way into their writing. “Whether it’s the people or the places, it’s really inspiring,” she says.
Their songwriting process is relaxed and collaborative. “We send each other little voice memos of ideas,” Grace says. “Sometimes it’s just one or two lines that suck,” Sarah laughs, “but sometimes it’s something great, and we’ll build on it together.”
Life on Stage
When it comes to performing live, Yellow Rooms like to keep things heartfelt. “I want people to be giggling, then sobbing, then giggling again,” Grace laughs. “Someone told us after a show that it felt like they had experienced the full spectrum of girlhood. That was the best compliment ever!”
Their pre-show ritual is simple but chaotic. “A tequila shot,” Sarah says, without hesitation. Grace grins. “Yeah… and maybe putting all our hands together and yelling Yellow Rooms! before going on. The rest of the band always look at us strange but I really think it works!”
What’s Next?
The duo’s next single, Cool, is on the way, complete with a music video that features a horse! “So that’s when you know it’s going to be really cool,” Grace jokes. “We’ll probably do a release gig for that soon.”
Grace says that she would love to open for The Beths, “Or Boygenius. Maybe in ten years,” Sarah adds. “But I’d love to play a big folk festival, somewhere in that Julia Jacklin kind of world.”
Whether they’re busking on the street as kids or crafting folk-pop anthems in Wellington flats, Yellow Rooms have always found a way to turn shared space into shared sound. Their songs feel like little snapshots of Kiwi life, full of wit, emotion, and an unmistakable Wellington energy.
You can find Yellow Rooms on Instagram @yellowroomsmusic
