Elizabeth Harper went from coffeehouse singer-songwriter to melodramatic and heavy electronic influenced she-popper overnight. Well not literally a 24 hour transformation but the Brooklyn native who now uses the Class Actress moniker has reinvented herself with a radiant bravado which is eminent on her 80′s glam effort debut ‘Rapprocher.’

H.Q. Before Class Actress you did a lot of great solo work do you feel that you’ve found your sound?

Class Actress: I think so, It seems to suit me more than the guitar but then again I’m in a different phase in myself. I’m not as shy, not as introverted, or maybe I am more burrowed in class actress.. only time will tell.

H.Q. How does a drama major in school always have a fascination for making Electronic music?

Class Actress: Dance music has always been a saving grace in my life, I always escaped going dancing,
and if you think about it – acting is all about timing.. so is dance music.

H.Q.  I’ve read that Madonna’a eponymous debut is a favorite of yours, what track would Class Actress cover if given the chance?

Class Actress: “Burning up” or “Think of Me,” I think I could still put my own spin on those tracks, anything else I couldn’t touch. I mean who else can do Holiday except a wedding band.  I mean can you really cover an early Madonna track if everyone says you already sound like an early Madonna cover band?  I guess if I was playing a wedding.

H.Q. You’ve classified your life after one of my favorite films ‘Less Than Zero’ do you feel that the culture now is living the same way?

Class Actress: Well, American narcissism is what its about.  Greed privilege etc.. So yes I think the new mind control via the Internet iPhone tracking marketing blah blah is helping that post empire along.   We’re so obsessed with ourselves, maybe i should do the spotify facebook connect, and just so it says “Elizabeth Harper is listening to – Hello by Lionel Richie” .. will someone hear my cries? I doubt it.

H.Q. What song from ‘Rapprocher’ would you select to add to a remake version of the film?

Class Actress: Definitely not weekend because no one in that film works..
I think “need to know” because its about secrets and what we give up / lose, in order to stay in denial of the truth.

H.Q. Bret Easton Ellis ask you to title his next novel what would that be?

Class Actress: “Beyond Belief” or “Man out of Time.” (I mean i would have to use a Costello title right?)
Or “Everything Counts” (the depeche mode song)  I’d have to read the book of course, depends on the subject matter.  ”American psycho” although my least fav of his…  is a pretty good title.

H.Q.  How did the deal with Carpark happen?

Class Actress: Todd heard the EP and got in touch with us and he came and saw us open for the band The XX in Baltimore and then kept coming to shows!  He’s a really funny, smart, chill guy and we just vibed and I think he has exceptional taste.  I mean between Beach House, Toro y Moi,  Animal Collective, etc.. Todd has a good ear for the indie pop.

H.Q. What is it about Brooklyn that inspires such creativity musically?

Class Actress:  I think it’s the access we all have to each other and shows etc.. I was living in Brooklyn with all these amazing bands around me doing such cool things I was so inspired to make it happen.  My friendships and admiration for/with other bands helped me see a path.  Just so happened it was with a producer who lived in Philly.

H.Q.   Are you content as an artist where the music industry is at this point?

Class Actress: Well, if this were the 90′s and I was touring as much as we do etc.,  I think we might have a different level of success but I’m not complaining,  it is what it is.. I’m grateful people are connecting with the music. Its all I’ve ever wanted.. was to connect with others.  In the same way I connected to bands I’ve loved.  There is a truth in music that no other medium can deliver.  It goes straight to the spine.

H.Q. Lastly, as a person what would Class Actress like to work more on in 2012?

Class Actress: Love, intimacy, courage and a new record I can’t wait for you to hear..
What will it be called ? “The Starlet’s Conceit” ? who knows… stay tuned. “Rapprocher” is out!  and that should hold the lions over,  for now.

Class Actress debut album Rapprocher is available now via Carpark Records.

While a fresh crop of talented female artists continue to surface, Sarah Macintosh A.K.A. The Good Natured carries a certain uniqueness that puts her above them all. Although yet to see the age of 21, there’s a certain likability about the brilliant electro pop tracks she’s put out so far. Aside from more favorable acts (La Roux, Marina, & Ellie) Sarah is looking to put herself in that same class, but adding a darker mixture which makes her sound even more appealing.

H.Q. Your single “Your Body Is A Machine” is quite dark, describe how that song came to be?

TGN: Well I was really angry at my ex-boyfriend so I vented it through this song. It’s about him treating his body as a machine with drugs, alcohol etc and how upset it made me.

H.Q. I ‘ve read that your music history is quite eclectic, can you share some artists you grew up listening to?

TGN: I’d love to share. Siouxsie and the Banshees, Tears for Fears, Japan, Elvis, Depeche Mode, Culture Club, Talking Heads, The Small Faces, thats just a few. I listen to loads of mainstream pop as well, and folk.

H.Q. How did you find the balance between schooling and music?

TGN: Well, when I did my A-levels I didnt write music as much, it was really important to me to get good grades. I went to Uni last year and found trying to study and write all the time to be too much, so I dropped out and now I am going for it.

H.Q. The Good Natured…………… where did the idea of that name come from?

TGN: I like to consider myself a good natured human being.

H.Q. You’re being compared to some well known artists, what’s Sarah’s take on comparisons?

TGN: I think comparisons are good, even though I dont agree with all of them, they draw attention to you because someone will like the artist you have been compared to so will therefore listen to you!

H.Q. There has been a huge crop of new female artists emerging as of late, do you have any favorites?

TGN:  I like Marina. She’s got guts.

H.Q. What’s your opinion on Social media networking sites?

TGN: They’re great, a good way to interact with fans which is really important. However I do get annoyed when artists constantly tweet. Its like you can give to much away. We dont need to know what you had for dinner. You can lose you air of mystery!

H.Q. Can we expect a full length or a new single soon? Yes! New single ‘Be My Animal’ out on KIDS Nov 1st.

H.Q. This will be your first time at the CMJ music festival , how did that come about?

TGN: Through our booking agent, we are playing a Windish Agency Showcase and also a show for label Neon Gold

H.Q. NME recently put out there top 50 new bands of 2010 listing, any artist that you admire this year?

TGN: The XX

H.Q. Lastly, aside from music, what do you want to work more on as a person?

TGN:  Being less negative. I am such a pessimist, I would love to be more optimistic about things.

For more on this artist you can visit her official site

South Carolina native Chaz Bundwick who uses the moniker Toro Y Moi is among one of the brightest acts of 2010. There’s really no genre to classify his lo-fi high tech sounds that have been tearing up the blogosphere since late ’09. He’s being considered one of the leading acts of the new “Chillwave” movement, but to us Toro is just making good Pop music.

H.Q. Things are going at a rapid pace for you right now, is this what you expected so fast so soon?

TYM: This has been a goal of mine for as long as I can remember, I didnt expect this to snowball as fast as it has been, but I’m trying to keep up with the pace the best way that I can.

H.Q. Toro Y Moi sounds like a beautiful foreign film, explain the concept behind the name?

TYM: There really isn’t much meaning behind the name. I made it up when I was 15, but in retrospect that name is one of the only things I don’t dislike about my lifestyle during that point in time. I still like the name after 8 years which is pretty cool to me.

H.Q. You have a BFA in Graphic Design, any plans on pursuing something in that field in the near future?

TYM: Fortunately, I can do design at the same time. I do all of my album and music related design. I don’t think I would really stray too far from music based design even if I wasn’t doing music, so I just kind of like doing both. Only downside is that its more work on myself, but its fun work.

H.Q. Staying on the design aspect, Causers Of This Artwork is incredible! was that your idea?

TYM: Thanks! yeah it was. I was going for a 90s vibe. i was thinking of the title track ’causers of this’ when I had the idea. I wanted to have a more modern spin though, not too ironic… I thought the dark-layered look fit the sound of the album…

H.Q. Do you consider yourself part of the ‘Chillwave’ class entering the music scene?

TYM: Ha ha to be honest, if you do, then I do. I can see how i’ve been lumped in with the other bands in that genre.
it’s not a bad thing, I think it makes it easier for people to describe your sound. But I guess I’d call it pop music.

H.Q. Let’s get off topic for a bit…….

Being from South Carolina, explain a typical Summer day in your area?

TYM: Well if Iwasn’t planning on doing music stuff and being a hermit… I’d most likely ride my bike to my friend’s house and then we’d ride to the river, have a few drinks, hang out on the roof and then hang out on the porch… haha endless things really, lazy activities.

TYM: College football

What films are you looking forward to this year?

TYM: Not to be weird or anything, but i’ve heard so much about Harmony Korine’s ‘Trash Humpers’. I know that’s out
but I’m hoping our indie film theater picks it up this year. But block buster hit-wise… I’d say ‘Tron’ and ‘Toy Story 3′

H.Q. Was that an actual house party in the Blessa video?

TYM: Yes, It was a house show with tickely feather.

H.Q. My favorite off the album would have to be ‘Fax Shadow’ how did that idea come about?

TYM: Oh thanks! it started mainly with a synth line and then I added samples and stuff on top.
it’s about telling a previous girlfriend that you don’t wanna hear her talk about ‘the new dude’ haha.

H.Q. Most memorable record listened to growing up?

TYM: There are a few, but one may be the Clash’s ‘London Calling’ I remember I was like 11 when my dad
showed it to me in the car when he picked me up from school.

H.Q. Lastly, if you could give me one word that sums up your last decade, what would that be?

TYM: Educational

For more on this artist, visit his official site

We got word of Solver Vermeer late last year and have been eagerly awaiting new material from the Norwegian artist. Vermeer is fairly new to the solo game after spending sometime with Bob Haley. Being a new artist is always an exciting and frustrating process. Exciting because you are on the verge of creating something new and your own…and frustrating because making an album is never an easy process. Well we are along with Vermeer for the ride, and after listening to her music, it safe to say she is on to big things in the near future. We got to sit down with Solver and find out a bit more about this talented musician.

Your a fairly unknown artist, how would you describe your sound to a new listener?

well im a singer songwriter with a piano… er… i suppose its kind of like running after someone in the forest whos talking and you never quite catch up with them so its kind of dreamlike and snatches of sound…

At what moment did you know you wanted to be a musician?

i can remember the exact moment… i always loved to sing but i never knew you could be a musician all the time… i remember walking down the back steps to my house when i was a child – about seven – and saying to my friend “when i grow up i want to make a cassette” and my friend was like well your mother would never let you do that but my mother said it was ok and so I started making these really weird tapes of songs about the trees and things id love to find those tapes

How has being a backup singer for Bob Haley help you in your solo career

well we sing now in different scenes, Bob is a lot in the country and folk scene so we dont really play the same kinds of places any more but I learnt a lot – a lot about how the industry works and how to go about certain things…also how to survive long bus journeys to the south of Norway with smelly guys…!

Who are some of your influences?

Joni Mitchell inspired me certainly I don’t know about influenced me Carole King as well with those guys its all about the songs and how everything works together and they made me look at songs – lyrics, melodies, chords and how it all fits together. But I also really like atmosphere – people like Sigur Ros, Sol Seppy… they made me think about mood and how things sound… its all about communicating with the music…

What’s on your IPOD right now?

Chris Garneau – Music For Tourists… I really like that record right now…

What do you do in your down time?

I play the piano a lot. I also knit a lot, I love to knit – Ive been making hats and scarves for years but I just made a Teddy Bear for my sisters baby as well… its nice to sit knitting in the park!

Where do you see yourself in the 5 years time?

I have absolutely no idea – but then I think its wonderful not knowing…

Any news on when we can expect your album?

Well I have my first EP out in a couple of weeks which Im really excited about thats coming out on Lazy Acre in the UK and my own label (Bloksberg)… over here after that Im not sure. Were planning on another EP by the end of the summer – were listening to some live recordings and new songs at the moment so maybe we’ll be doing something with those as well…

We know you been busy in the studio so how are your ears doing?

m doing ok now thanks! I should explain I damaged them with too much loud Glockenspiel in the studio but IM ok now thanks… one of my friends bought me a T Shirt that says “Glockenspiel Hero” so at least we got a laugh out of it!

For more info on Solver Vermeer, head to here website [here]

Solver Vermeer – The Beaming Light

All it takes is for one doorway to open, then everything else falls into place.

Such is the case for Aloe Blacc, the multi talented artist who’s on the verge of a breakout year. Already creating a huge buzz with his soulful modernized hustle anthem “I Need Dollar,” which speaks to the majority of middle aged youth just trying to make it in society. Blacc, the West Coast native who’s no newbie to the industry and has been in the game for over 15 years, mainly known for his partnership with Exile and there group Emanon. In a world where a once love filled relationship is quickly souring, Blacc is an epitome of what the music world needs right now, and could be the jolt everyone has been so anxiously awaiting for.

H.Q. As a person and artist, who is Aloe Blacc?

A.B. I am pretty much a peaceful guy. I am a musician, academician, and entrepreneur. I like to learn and create. Mostly, I see myself as a producer as opposed to a consumer. I don’t spend much time shopping or seeking comfort externally or from material items.

H.Q. How did the connection with Stonesthrow happen?

A.B. I met OHNO on tour in Europe and when we returned home, we started recording an album together. The label liked the songs that I was singing and asked me to do a vocal single. That lead to me signing an album deal for Shine Through.

H.Q. If “Shine Through” was an introduction to your sound, what should we expect “Good Things” to be?

A.B. “Shine Through” introduced me as a multi-genre artist and “Good Things” is an album that focuses specifically on the genre of soul music. I think that it makes sense for me to offer my audience a concentrated presentation in an album every once in a while.

H.Q. Any elements in daily life help you during the process of the upcoming album?

A.B. Driving, walking, cleaning, cooking, showering, exercising, and almost anything that requires some rote activity helps me come up with new ideas. Often times, just listening to really good music is the way to spark inspiration. Some of my lyrics are responses to other amazing songs from the past or influenced by music that is revolutionary to me.

H.Q. Besides being a singer-songwriter, your also an emcee, do you remember what song it was that got you into hip hop?

A.B. The song that I think got me into hip hop was Roxanne Roxanne by UTFO. When I was in kindergarten there was an older student on my bus who would let me listen to his walkman. I always wanted him to play that song.

H.Q. You characterize Hip Hop as being “A young mans tool for magnifying his ego” explain?

A.B. Hip Hop music serves many purposes but it seems today in the mainstream it is largely about ego. In the past, and in the contemporary underground, there are examples of songs that address social, cultural and political issues. However, they are often drowned out by the drone of empty machismo today.

H.Q. Your parents are Panamanian, can we expect more Latin influenced work in the future?

A.B. There will definitely be more Latin influenced music in the future. I am always writing and creating new music and many of my unreleased songs have underlying Latin rhythms. Sometimes I bury the Latin elements to see how people respond to them even though the final production may not readily sound like there is Latin.

H.Q. Explain the process of your “I Need A Dollar” track becoming the theme song for “How To Make It In America?” What’s your take on the show?

A.B. HBO wanted to find a song that matched the theme of the show and the music supervisor contacted Stones Throw to submit songs to choose from. “I Need a Dollar” was one of the songs in the bunch that the label sent and it was chosen right away. I think the show portrays the struggle that many of us 20-30 somethings are going through. We don’t really want to work for “the man” and we all have big dreams of being “the man” in some respects.

H.Q. That song is a true anthem of the everyday struggles most individuals are facing now, was that your inspiration for creating the track?

A.B. Well, it is definitely a timely song, but I actually started developing the lyrics back at the peak of the housing boom. Sometimes a song needs time to make sense and the current economic depression is the right time. I used to be a business consultant and I was laid off, so part of the song refers directly to personal experience.

H.Q. Aloe Blacc 2006 and Aloe Blacc 2010 what’s the difference life wise?

A.B. In 2006, I thought I had seen a lot of the world, but since then I have been to a couple more continents. I am engaged and trying to decide what country I want to live in. I have a few more unreleased albums now than I did back then as well. Hopefully, I will get a chance to release them all.

For more info on this artist visit his official website

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.

H.Q. Explain the theory behind the name Mimicking Birds?

M.B. It’s more or less based on relativity, scale, and adaptation/evolution.. At infinite levels, how characteristics of one thing strongly resemble those of another.. this occurring naturally by law of physics and thus accordingly in biological survival. The title of and the song “Rivers, Veins, and Roots” is a good example.

H.Q. How did your music get to Isaac?

M.B. He listens to everything that is sent to him.

H.Q. Your home recordings have been floating around for quite sometime, should we expect a few to be on the album?

M.B. The majority of the album will consist of re-recordings of those songs..

H.Q. I hear a hint of Dave Matthews in your voice, was his music any sort of inspiration to you?

M.B. Yeah.. I learned to play guitar figuring out songs of his like “the stone” and “satellite.” Learning to sing over these complex fingering patterns greatly awakened my conception for songwriting.. so this may also have had an affect on the way I sing. He’s a wizard.. bar none. This may be a bummer for some folks, but for reasons that I’m not sure are based on their own true beliefs.

H.Q. I was going through a very rough period in my life and “The Loop” helped me during that time, I think it’s absolutely brilliant! Is that song off of an experience?

M.B.Wow that’s really cool to hear thank you.. Essentially I just wanted to write a story about what would happen to the earth after the moon finally detached itself from its earthbound orbit and the sun swallowed our solar system.. Destruction, creation, and impermanence.. nothing is ever lost it just ends up somewhere else in a different form. Somehow it’s more comforting for me to know that someone’s body becomes part of the dirt, rocks, water, air, and trees rather than or in addition to them traveling on to some mystical existence. I tend to dwell on these concepts. Just a way for me to cope I guess.

H.Q. While writing “New Doomsday” what were you thinking at the time?

M.B. December 21st 2012.. No but similar thoughts to “The Loop.”

H.Q. What does the band want to accomplish as the year continues?

M.B. A tour or two maybe.. Also would like to record another “album.”

H.Q. If Mimicking Birds had a regular 9 to 5 job, what would that be?

M.B. We do.. I bake cookies at McTavish, Aaron works at CD/Game exchange, and Tim is a professional disc golfer.

H.Q. Is there a video in works for any of the upcoming tracks on the album?

M.B. Not currently but that’s definitely something I would love to do.

H.Q. Any favorites on the upcoming album we should look out for?

M.B. I really like all of these new recordings.. don’t have a favorite though. I like the way 10 Percent turned out.

For more info on this artist visit there official website

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.

H.Q. First song at the age of 5, Rock band at age 11, Funk band at age 15 what would be your fondest memory?

V.V. London, 2000 people singing the song to an album track. My headline tour. The beauty was in the fact that they were singing to a ballad on the album. Every word. It showed me that love had been invested into the album. The whole creation, the artist rather than a song plugged the hell out. Tears of joy, thankful to God and a collective energy that flowed so much goodness.

H.Q. Since being named BBC sound of 2009, describe how your journey has been?

V.V. Its been such a train ride of option and interaction. Doors been opened and experiences I will never ever forget. From sitting in a garden in Africa with Flea from The Red Hot Chili Peppers,to Japanese shows and new cultures, to British Vogue photo shoots, so much opportunity. I’ve learned so much as a human being, a creative person, a business person and a spirit.

H.Q. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since entering the music industry?

V.V. To be honest with yourself, to be honest with others, respect the game and to the value in listening to those you respect, however, listening, but not listening so hard you’re tossed like a salad. To be patient and humble, to pray, to believe in your art and to work hard. When it goes down its only you going down. Everyone keeps there jobs. This is your grand children’s prosperity as well as your own so don’t be afraid to fight for it.

H.Q. I read that labels in the states wanted to transform you into an R&B clone, any truth to that?

V.V. Yes. They wanted to make me what I just wasn’t. I had to be what I was. A connection cannot be truthfully made on a bed of lies.

H.Q. Are you content with having your own since of style and the freedom to be who you are musically?

V.V. Totally, peace because there is order. My walk matches my dress, which matches my shoes, which matches my Ao8 beat, which matched my vocal, which matches the snare I use, which matches my goofy jokes and personality. The freedom brings unity and it feels great and balanced. I feel I can evolve right because of it.

H.Q. When not musically inclined, what social issues are you passionate about?

V.V. The care of children and education and the absolute virus of the concept of “obsession with celebrity culture” our children are growing up in an age where they are becoming intrigued by the notion of “fame” rather than the notion of “skill”. The whole world being more pre occupied with entertainment news rather than the actual news. The obsession of documenting your present status of “having a cup of coffee now” on Twitter resulting in sun conscious self obsession. Are we becoming anti social robots controlled by the media and how is this affecting our children and how they are being educated.

H.Q. I’ve heard you’re a huge Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday fan, if they were alive today sitting front row at one of your shows, what song would you dedicate to them?

V.V. For Ella Fitzgerald I’d play a classical piece by a composer called Ryiatchi Sakamoto, ” endless flight.”

For Billie holiday I would sing a song I wrote called ” I Love You.”

H.Q. You’ve covered a variety of artist and my favorite from you would have to be “I Miss You” by the Rolling Stones. Which cover makes V.V. smile every time it’s performed?

V.V. Drake “The Best I’ve Ever Had” cause I finally get to rap and its a secret that most people don’t know I do. Its something I’ll explore on second record. Singing style rapping.

H.Q. Where do you see the contemporary music scene going in 2010? Any artists you’re excited about?

V.V. Even more fresher, innovative and interesting. Digital media has made it possible. The people can make more of a decision by the infinite choice rather than the selected choice. Yes, A band from Sweden called little dragon.

H.Q. Album release in the U.S. on February 9th, what can we expect during your live shows?

V.V. Megaphones, xylophones, visuals, good live music and a credible experience.

H.Q. Speaking of shows, Visa issues affected your CMJ appearance, can we expect to see you at this years event?

V.V. Absolutely. I’m djing at the EMI Grammy party and performing at a show by Ajran Writes somewhere in LA. Come down it should be fun! Djing music styles of Dillah to La Roux to Black Eyed Peas to Nirvana.

H.Q. Lastly, give us one thing you’d love to learn more about before the twelve months are up?

V.V. The art of separating thoughts better, being patient and more spiritual, to perfect my craft, how to be a better business person, to trust my instincts better and to push my understanding of production by investing my intelligence into technology. I just bought a studio back home in London so that’s a start !

For more on this artist visit her official website

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.

H.Q. “Drop The Other” has been getting some serious airplay and online love since being released, how did that tune come about?

Em: The ‘other’ will always remain a mystery. The melody made itself in my minds ear on my bike ride home from work one day. Over several months I received many interesting opportunities in my life, and really struggled to do the right thing. I was anticipating my future through reflecting past decisions. With a strong desire to fulfill my passions, wanting to move forward from a honest place, second guessing other peoples motives and of course my own ego, together it all created this vibe which I translated into Drop The Other. It’s a musical interpretation about my internal fight between lust, desire, and keeping it real. “you make it look so good, the way you put it like that. Yes I know we could, so shall we?”

H.Q. What’s the history behind Emika?

Em: I was at my grannies house eating sweets when I was 11, She was playing David Bowie’s ‘China Girl’, and for the first time I realized that music was coming from the cassette player, it didn’t just happen in the air by itself. I wanted to make that. By “that” I don’t mean song writing, I mean producing sound which effects people through listening and hearing. In between now and then I studied classical piano, creative music technology, fell in love with techno, and developed a deep awareness of how people perceive different music.

H.Q. I since a portion of R&B in your vocals, can we expect more of that in the future?

Em: Yes. Songs made from licks, hooks, and sexy riffs, I’m not the type of lady to sing my heart out about how I feel, I want to create a super dope groove and compliment the beat instead of singing all over it.

H.Q. How did the Ninjatune deal happen?

Em: I sent them a track and they offered me a deal. I’ve been a nightmare to A&R’s since then because I make all kinds of different tracks. Settling into one album which makes sense as a whole is difficult for me, I love change and don’t like to be fixed to one thing. Much respect to Ninja sticking by me through this process.

H.Q. What sparked the move to Berlin?

Em: I worked too hard at the end of my degree, ended up in hospital, the surgery went totally wrong and I needed more and almost lost my life. This sounds tough, but strangely enough the hardest part for me was learning to integrate myself with society again. For weeks I sat on my own high on morphine, nothing made sense to me from that moment onwards. When I was well enough again, HSBC offered me free flights for upgrading my account post graduation and I picked to come to Berlin. I totally fell in love with the music scene here and fell in love with how I felt in the city. 15 days later I moved back to Berlin and worked as an Au Pair. Thanks HSBC!

H.Q. Lately, there seems to be a heavy crop of females with a pop/synth sound, what separates Emika from that bunch?

Em: Listen to my music.

H.Q. Your working with Mox, how’s that coming along?

Em: Amazing. My relationship with him is very precious to me. He’s an incredible artist who is very honest with himself and his creativity. He is not bound to one medium, much like I am in regards to musical genre.

H.Q. Is there a full length in store for this year?

Em: Yes I’m currently mixing it with Rashad Becker who is blowing my mind. Another precious one in the Emika product.

H.Q. Who else should we keep an eye out for in 2010?

Em: Marcel Dettmann, DJ Pinch, Mala, Ben Klock all have fantastic music I hope will come out in 2010. Definitely a talented bunch to check out.

H.Q. Lastly, what are you looking to learn the most over the next twelve months?

Em: Singing live. I suffer from being a studio singer, I want to break free! I want to work with many talented people and grow out of being a nerdy solo producer, square eyes and a studio tan is not sexy. I want to learn more German and improve my tourist accent. I want to learn how to use a Kyma X environment. I want to learn how to run a marathon. want want want…tra la la…I could go on for pages and pages.

For more on this artist visit her official site.

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.

H.Q. MPHO means gift, can you explain the origins of your name?

Mpho: Its a Sotho name, one of the 11 or so languages of South Africa. My mum chose it!

H.Q. You were born in South Africa but raised in England, what is your fondest memory while living in Brixton?

Mpho: That’s really hard! as I have lots of good memories of growing up in Brixton. Meeting my first good friend (we’re still friends today) has to be one of them, we lived in the same block and met on the balcony!

H.Q. Growing up I read you listened to Joni Mitchell, did you have a favorite song that you always remembered?

Mpho: I loveeee “The Hissing of the Summer Lawns” from the ladies of the canyon album.

H.Q. Your album “Pop Art” is coming soon, how did the name come about?

Mpho: It just came to mind I can’t remember what the trigger was but it just made sense, its pop music but well crafted and from an artistic place!

H.Q. You performed at Glastonbury, what was that experience like?

Mpho: Great! We had 5 shows, and got great responses, even in the tent where there were only 7 people (Blur,Prodigy and Black Eyed Peas) were all on different stages when I was on so I was competing for audience! Lol

H.Q. Besides music, have you been taking up any new hobbies?

Mpho: I wish I had the time! I love cooking and painting and DIY, but they all need time!

H.Q. Are you listening to any current artists at the moment?

Mpho: The Invisible, Florence and the Machine, Mr Hudson, Kings of Leon and Kanye.

H.Q. In your single “Box & Locks” you talk about a Friday night in Brixton, what goes on during a Friday night?

Mpho: What doesn’t is more the question! Brixton can get pretty crazy on a Friday night!

H.Q. In one word, what does MPHO want to achieve by the end of 2009?

Mpho:  Fans!

H.Q. Lastly, tell us something about yourself that our readers cannot find online?

Mpho:  I like to hand make my own greeting cards! Hehe

For more info and updates on Mpho you can check out her Official site and Myspace.

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. 

H.Q. I know you’ve traveled around the world to many places at a very young age, what would be one of your fondest memories while living outside the states?

Diane:  In Africa-watching my pet turtle run….hiding silk worms under my bed in a shoe box with some mulberry leaves, in Australia- feeding brown sugar to the brightly colored wild birds out of my hand

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H.Q. How did the name ‘Bible Belt’ come about?

Diane:  I randomly came up with the title before I even got a record deal and always wanted to call my album that.  It was  inspired by my upbringing. The bible was the forefront of our household and much like a belt that’s too tight, I felt constricted.

H.Q. My favorite cut off the album would have to be ‘Fools’ does that song have a history behind it?

Diane:  This song is a sort of ode to the bullshit that I put up with while living in LA.  As much as I love the city in many respects, l also had repeated incidences of flakiness and false promises… as well as the typical dealings of people trying to put me into a mould in which I couldn’t fit.  It also refers to a similar feeling I had growing up in which I didn’t fit into the mold of my parent’s world.

H.Q. I’ve read that you were one of the biggest Cure fans growing up, if you could choose one song from them as a soundtrack to how your journey has been so far, what would that be?

Diane:  One of my favorites has always been ‘Charlotte Sometimes’.   For some reason it always echoed the loneliness I felt at times and was the soundtrack to so many of my dreams.

H.Q. You worked with some great musicians on this record, did you feel any pressure while recording in the studio?

Diane:  Not with any of the musicians.  they were all ego free and genuinely kind and lovely people.  Obviously it was such a huge honor for me to be in the studio with them but when we were playing music I felt like there was a mutual respect that made me feel really at ease.

H.Q. Have you picked up any new hobbies over the past couple of months?

Diane:  Not really hobbies though I’ve found myself more and more drawn to simple things like looking at nature more and being aware of life outside of my world.  It’s almost like the more crazy things become the more the real stuff stands out.

H.Q. I read that growing up you were a misunderstood teen, did music help you overcome times when you felt confused about life?

Diane:  Definitely!  The piano was my best friend.  When no one else got me, the keys did.  Also listening to music always made me realize I was not alone in my thoughts and fears.

H.Q. Tell us one thing about yourself that we may not be able to find online?

Diane:  I’m really into disco.

H.Q. Are you listening to any current artists at the moment?

Diane: If you mean artists out right now…

-Phenomenal Hand Clap Band
-Dirty Projectors
-Zaza
-Matt Bauer
-Glass Candy
-Empire of the Sun

If you mean artists generally..
-John Forde
-Alan Parsons Project
-Chaka Khan and Rufas
-Herb Alpert
-Movado

H.Q. Lastly, in your video for “Nothing But A Miracle” there were five stages of grief, what’s your remedy to dealing with a break-up?

Diane:  Staying busy, losing my phone, traveling, definitely NOT dating right off the bat.  Shoe shopping also helps a lot.  Seriously though, you just have to realize that you can’t fight the storm.  You have to just ride it out and know that you’re gonna feel like shit for a while.

For more info and updates on Diane Birch you can check out her Official site and Myspace.