Canadian singer songwriter Justin Nozuka is currently who my heart beats for — musically. It used to be another Canadian Justin, of the Justin Bieber sort, but now, I can no longer feel ashamed for liking a Canadian Justin. For one, Justin Nozuka is 21 and not 15. Justin Nozuka’s music caters to ears of people my age — easy, smooth, acoustic R&B. Or your ears if they’re unlike mine and don’t have an embarrassing taste in music. Although I hate making musical comparisons, his voice is the soulful lovechild of Jason Mraz and John Mayer. More »

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More often than not, “soulful” has a way of being casually thrown about in a manner that smacks of the schlocky. But when it comes to Jane Lui, it’s not an empty word or a false praise: listening to her music is seriously a tune-up for the soul. Armed with a billowy voice, a penchant for melody and a way with words, Lui is very much the quintessential singer-songwriter.

At times, Lui is reminiscent of acts like Tori Amos, Leslie Feist (Feist) and Chan Marshall (Cat Power), yet retains a voice, musical approach and stage presence that’s distinctly her own. Simply put, she’s the real deal. After speaking with Lui, it’s clear this woman lives and breathes music—even her answers have a way of turning into lyrical and whimsical musings: More »

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Taiyo Na, a 25-year old renaissance man of word, sound and action, released his first full-length solo album Love Is Growth in March of 2008 through Issilah Productions.

Influenced as much by Curtis Mayfield as it is Nas, Ben Harper or Chris Iijima, Love Is Growth is a blend of gritty New York hip-hop and classic American soul. Featuring collaborations with singers Vudoo Soul, Conchita Campos and Emily C. Chang, rapper/producer Koba, jazz violinist Jason Kao Hwang, guitarists Minimum Tek of Outernational and Mark Concerto of P.I.C. and more, the album is composed, arranged and produced entirely by Taiyo. Socially conscious, often funky and always personal, the album showcases the artist’s urgency, scope and depth through songs such as the champion’s anthem title track, the pulsating introduction “One More Time” and the ethereal rock-soul ballad “Take My Breath Away.” More »

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