The duo -- sisters Tal & Acacia -- grew up in Portland, Maine, in a decidedly Christian household and attended an inner-city school their mom and dad ran for underprivileged youth. Tal & Acacia first began songwriting and playing guitar in their teen years, while the family spent an insightful year in Russia aiding a humanitarian orphan ministry.

After returning from Russia, the sisters developed a stronger sense of the world during separate collegiate pursuits in opposite regions of North America. After touring throughout New England, they signed with Sony/BMG/Provident Records in 2008.

Tal & Acacia aim to create songs that wake listeners and refresh the soul “like a cold splash of water for those who hear it.” Especially in desert times, the songwriting duo’s music ministers and inspires. Realizing that sometimes we slumber in our walk with God and take a hiatus from His presence, Tal & Acacia desire to stir listeners to become alive again. Musically, Tal & Acacia bear resemblance to such acts as Feist, Norah Jones, Imogen Heap, and Sixpence None The Richer, and credit songwriting inspiration from artists like Keith Green and Stevie Wonder.

Produced by Monroe Jones (Ginny Owens, Chris Rice, Third Day, Caedmon’s Call), Tal & Acacia’s 2009 debut album, Wake Me, intuitively embraced the clash between the principled, spiritual inner self and a confusing, glittery outer culture. Songs from Wake Me were featured on the TV show Private Practice, in a Microsoft Windows 7 commercial, and as an iTunes Discovery Download.

In 2013, Tal & Acacia followed up Wake Me by going the indie route and releasing their album Black And White with the help of Kickstarter supporters. They also independently released the singles "Reason" in 2014 and "Come And See" in 2015.