Archive for January, 2009

Cold War Kids | I’ve Seen Enough [Live on Conan]

// January 30th, 2009 // No Comments » // Video

Cold War Kids stopped by our favorite late night show, Conan, and performed their latest single, ‘I’ve Seen Enough.’  I know being on that tight stage was killing them, because they move around with so much energy.  However, it was still a stellar performance from one of the best live acts performing today.

Chrisette Michelle Returns With A New Sound & New Single

// January 30th, 2009 // No Comments » // Listening Section

1505 375x500 Chrisette Michelle Returns With A New Sound & New Single

Remember Chrisette Michelle? you know the Grammy nominated artist with the critically acclaimed debut album “I Am” as well as her key hooks for songs such as “Rising Up“ and “Can’t Forget About You.” Well, Chrisette is back with a new single and a sophomore effort hitting stores on March 31st. Title track “Epiphany” provides a different sound for the very talented Central Islip native. This tune may not be suitable for the male demographic! or should we say the soon-to-be males getting pink slips on Valentines Day.


Chrisette Michelle- Epiphany

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Jesse Boykins| Pantyhose (Video)

// January 30th, 2009 // No Comments » // Video

Jesse Boykins the III has quickly become one of the favorite male artists around here at the cafe, without question vocally he’s remarkable, and his passion for music is undeniable. Lately, I’ve been seeing him pop up everywhere! this guy is the real deal, expect to hear more news from him in the coming months. He just released a video for the song “Pantyhose” (no comment) off of the latest release “The Beauty Created” which is in stores now.

Cafe Spotlight | Interview with D. Julien

// January 29th, 2009 // 3 Comments » // Cafe Spotlight, Interviews

D. Julien

We introduced you to D. Julien way back in October.  Between that time and now he’s been featured on numerous blogs and websites.  To name a few, 2Dopeboyz (dope site), HiphopDX, and most recently he was artist of the week on MySpace.  We aren’t saying we helped him, we’re saying this kid grind is on a whole new level.  Late last year we got a chance to interview D. Julien.  Take a moment and learn more about the man known as D. Julien.

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Retro Throwback | The Blow – Hey Boy

// January 29th, 2009 // No Comments » // Cafe Spotlight

The Blow

The Blow is a Lo-fi/Electro duo made up of Khaela Maricich and Jona Bechtolt.  Way back in 2004 they released an EP entitled, Poor Aim: Love Songs.  I first heard about this group thanks to the glorious site known as Pandora.  Doing what any smitten listener would do, I download a couple of tracks (legally..of course) and listen to it.  Being a sucker for poppy songs, I fell in love with their track, Hey Boy.  It’s a track about a girl being left in the cold by a guy. For a better explanation I’ll let Khaela tell you how she came up with the song after the jump.

Props to Nick for tracking down this gem.

The Blow – Hey Boy

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Natalie Williams| Overlooked and Underrated

// January 29th, 2009 // No Comments » // Listening Section

natalie williams Natalie Williams| Overlooked and Underrated

In our latest edition of Overlooked and Underrated, we feature Natalie Williams, the Nu-Jazz/Soul songbird who has seemed to be lost in the shuffle of talented vocalist from that place we love to call United Kingdom. Before there was Adele, Duffy, Florence A.T.M. & Clare Maguire (next in line) Natalie was always on our radar here at the cafe. Overshadowed or maybe just wrongly promoted, this little treasure never really got the notice it should have. Call it bad timing or “The Joss Stone Era” for the reasoning. You remember the time when everyone went ape sh– for Joss conjuring up a new style and sound (insert side-eye) yeah, we’re all guilty of that moment.

Unlike others mentioned previously, Natalie is not controlled by the machinery that pumps out and cashes in on these commercialized artists. As we continue to focus on this “Northern Soul Revolution” take a second and give a listen to one of the better voices (underground) who should be a part of that movement. Here’s “Butterfly” a selection from her highly slept on “Secret Garden” album.


Natalie Williams- Butterfly

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Lisa Hannigan | Lille [Video]

// January 28th, 2009 // No Comments » // Video

We first heard Lillie around this time last year. Actually, it was one of Lisa Hannigan’s first couple of songs, sans Damien Rice. Well the video has finally been made (been out for a month, but you didn’t know that). Lisa Hannigan’s Lillie is a beautiful song, that has an equally beautiful video. Just when you think you seen it all, someone creates something incredible.

RollingOutTV | Kenna Interview [Video]

// January 28th, 2009 // No Comments » // Video

To the naked eye this might seem like another post  on Kenna (looking at you Hollywood Q), but this is more of a post about Kenna Zemedkun.  Not to say this isn’t about music, because 95% of it is.  RollingOutTV sits with Kenna while he talks about why he makes music, what inspires him, his relationship with the Neptunes, why he is so private, and info on his next album.  He even gave use words of wisdom  I been following this guy since 2001 and found out more about him in this five minutes and thirty-three second clip, then I knew in the past couple of years.  Oh yeah De-Limit your self!