Mimicking Birds the first solo effort now three piece set of Nate Lacy, Tom Skellenger & Aaron Hanson have been taking me to places musically that I’ve never thought could be reached. Founded by Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock, the Portland Oregon natives who are a week away from releasing there self titled Brock produced debut on Glacial Pace, have been a staple here at the cafe since last year. Although most of the music leaked have been home recordings, recordings that remind you of cold afternoons & foggy atmospheres, it’s a reassuring sound that gets more mysterious after each listen. In one of the most personal interviews, Nate stopped by to discuss the origins of his band, there upcoming ventures and a particular moment where my faith in life was restored.

Read the rest of this entry »

VV Brown is the electic new rising star to hit the music scene. Already helmed as England’s new “It girl,” Northampton born Vanessa Brown has heated up the charts worldwide and is now ready to capture our hearts here in the U.S. with the release of her debut album “Traveling Like The Light.” A mixture of all genres wrapped up into one, this songbird is definitely what the industry needs. VV stopped by the cafe to discuss life lessons learned, and how her journey has been since being named BBC sound of 2009.

Read the rest of this entry »

Early today I was going to post this as one song, but when I realize the entire album is available, I thought why not give you guys a heads up. An all star cast of musicians (Linkin Park, Dave Matthews Band, Peter Gabriel, Alanis Morissette, Slash, The All-American Rejects, Hoobastank, Kenna, Enrique Iglesias and Lupe Fiasco) have gotten together to send aid to Haiti. Check out the press release and album below. We ask for one thing, you head to their site and donate.

In partnership with the United Nations Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and Dave Matthews Band BAMA Works Haitian relief effort, Music for Relief is working to provide immediate aid with food, water, and emergency medical supplies, and long-term sustainable housing solutions for the people affected by this catastrophic natural disaster

Kenna – Never Let Me Down [Produced by M. Shinoda and Chad Hugo] Download

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Read the rest of this entry »

Dark and mysteriousness attracts many and when it fuses with music then you definitely have to pay attention. I got tipped off on Emika a few weeks back thanks to my compadre extraordinaire London D, needless to say an investigation pursued. The now Berlin native is causing quite a stir with her sound and early eerily comparisons similar to Aaliyah. While the year of ‘10 is filled with contender after contender and if her recent single “Drop The Other” is what we can expect more of, then you just may have to add another entry to that list. In one of our more personal interviews Emika sat down with me to discuss her sound, her distinction from female singers of today and an event that nearly took her life.

Read the rest of this entry »

Three quarters in to closing out the year we’ve seen a fair share of rising female artists who have provided plenty of bright moments. MPHO (pronounced Mmm-poh) shot across our radar a few months back with her glorious Martha and the Muffins sampled “Box N Locks.” Already creating a huge buzz across the pond, this Brixton native is geared to be the next breakout artist with her anticipated upcoming debut album “Pop Art.”  MPHO recently took a break from touring and stopped by the Cafe to discuss her origins, experience at Glastonbury and her fascination for Joni Mitchell.

Read the rest of this entry »

Diane Birch is one of those rare artist who comes along every so often.  Blessed with a  retro throwback sound, this vocal chanteuse is creating quite a buzz since her stellar debut album “Bible Belt” was released a few months back.  Diane recently took the time out from her extremely busy schedule to stop by the Cafe for a very upfront and personal interview. 

Read the rest of this entry »

Magistrates are currently filling our voids for the latest slice in British soul music.  This four piece set has been on our radar since late last year and they’re primed to be one of the top bands come years end.  Frontman and lead vocalist Paul Usher took a break from working on there anticipated debut album to stop by the cafe for one of the more memorable interviews to date.

Read the rest of this entry »

Marina and The Diamonds is without a doubt having one buzzworthy year, from her infectious hit single “Obsessions” to her latest breakout “Seventeen” the Wales via Ancient Greece  native is on a path to being one of the most talked about artist by years end.  As it stands now, 2009 will be noted as one of the best when it comes to music, and Marina (along with her Diamonds) should reign supreme.  Marina was kind enough to stop by the cafe and discuss her distinctive name choice, Annie Lennox, Kate Bush, Oasis and a whole  lot more……….

Read the rest of this entry »

Swedens most popular girl group Those Dancing Days, will be in New York City tonight at the legendary Mercury Lounge, this marks there first ever gig here in the states. A mixture of Northern Soul & Pop would be the perfect fusion to describe there sound. When I first got a chance to hear there music, I knew they would be a pretty big deal, there everything you could want from a girl group at there age (all under 20) in case your wondering. While in town Bassist Mimi decided to stop through for a quick interview to discuss the orgins of TDD, traveling to the Big Apple & the definition of a popular foot game in Stockholm.

Read the rest of this entry »

If your not familiar with the name then we guarantee by years end, you will be.  Jesse Boykins III is without a doubt one of the most interesting artists to hit the music scene in a very long time.  He’s single handedly (music wise) restored my faith in the soul genre.  A fresh face indeed to carry on the future of a genre that has birthed the likes of Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke & Donnie Hathaway.  Jesse recently stopped by the cafe for an interview that included a very weird moment with a comedic legend.

Read the rest of this entry »