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Soundcheck Showcase

Artists on the brink of fame

Soundcheck presents a regular series showcasing artists who are on the brink of wider fame and recognition. Many of these artists are young but are quickly rising through the ranks of the music world. They come from the spheres of rock, pop, jazz, classical and world music.

Soundcheck Showcase is supported in part by the New York State Music Fund, established by the New York State Attorney General at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

Jack Peñate

Soundcheck

January 23, 2008

While Lily Allen and Kate Nash caught fire in the U.S., Jack Peñate spent last year building buzz in the U.K. Now, Americans get their first crack at his spastic brand of guitar pop. His album, "Matinee," hits stores this week. Peñate and his band play live in our studio.

Basia Bulat Live

Soundcheck

January 09, 2008

Singer-songwriter Basia Bulat has a way with an autoharp and a storytelling songwriting style. She performs songs from her full-length debut album, "Oh, My Darling."

The Now Ensemble

Soundcheck

January 08, 2008

The Now Ensemble is a smart young chamber group that straddles a line between contemporary classical music and indie rock. The ensemble has just released their debut album, which features some of today’s rising young composers.

Via Audio

Soundcheck

January 03, 2008

Brooklyn-based band Via Audio scored a top-notch producer the old fashioned way: they pressed a CD into the palm of Spoon drummer and producer Jim Eno. Via Audio’s new album is called “Say Something.” They play live in the studio.

Ravens and Chimes

Soundcheck

December 07, 2007

Most of the six members of Ravens and Chimes met while students at NYU. Not surprisingly, their album "Reichenbach Falls" is filled with nods to New York (General Lafayette, 11th Street, and the Village Voice, to name a few). We'll find out if there's life -- and rock -- after college. Plus, the band performs live in the Soundcheck studio.

And All That ...Brazz

Soundcheck

July 02, 2007

Combining folk-guitar riffs with classically trained violin, and soulful vocals, Brazz Tree fuses Eastern and Western musical traditions. The duo joins us for a live performance in studio as a part of our Soundcheck Showcase series.

Future Clouds and Radar

Soundcheck

June 13, 2007

Robert Harrison led the Austin, Texas, indie-rock group Cotton Mather during the 1990s. The group's "Britpop" flair earned them a loyal following in the U.K. (Oasis' Noel Gallagher was reportedly a fan). Then, a spinal condition knocked Harrison out of commission for two years. Fully recovered, Harrison is touring with a new band, Future Clouds and Radar, and a double-album debut filled with songs about healing and personal change.

Elana Arian

Soundcheck

June 01, 2007

Singer-songwriter Elana Arian is a folk artist who learned the discipline of classical music and the freedom of jazz music as a student. On her sophomore album, "How To Stand in the Rain," Arian crosses style boundaries with ease, backed by an impressive cast of players known for their work with Norah Jones, Dido, Lisa Loeb and They Might Be Giants. She performs live in studio.

Ljova Live

Soundcheck

May 31, 2007

The Russian-born, New York-based violist and composer Lev "Ljova" Zhurbin has made a name collaborating with names like Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Project and the Kronos Quartet. He joins us with his own ensemble, the Vjola Contraband, a group that blends Eastern-European and Gypsy melodies, Latin rhythms, Jazz-inspired improvisations with classical forms.
Visit Ljova's website

Matt Bauer

Soundcheck

May 09, 2007

Alt-country singer-songwriter Matt Bauer creates songs steeped in Americana with driving banjo, sleepy electric guitars, and intimate vocals. He joins us to perform live from his new album "Wasps and White Roses."

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