For Diane Birch, music is a refuge. Although born in Michigan, her childhood was spent on the move as the daughter of a preacher, living between Zimbabwe, South Africa and Australia, before her parents finally settled in Portland, Oregon. When she was in her early teens, Diane absorbed a unique and cosmopolitan perspective on life that shines through her music making a simple categorization of her work impossible.
The result of all these influences is the sound of an old favorite, with all the sparkle and magic of a breakthrough talent. Diane mixes piano-playing virtuosity with easy-going soul, and can strike an uplifting groove on even the most melancholy tune. Released in May of 2009, Diane's debut album Bible Belt is the synthesis of her life experiences. This remarkable album serves up her own portrait of American music in all its breadth and majesty, touching down on Beale Street, Bourbon Street, Tin Pan Alley, Laurel Canyon, South Philly, Brooklyn street corners and many points in between. Hers is a tour-de-force debut album.
Brooklyn-based artist Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson released his sophmore album, Summer of Fear, just last year. The album hit Spin's Best of 2009 list at number 11 and 2010 promises even more for Miles. New York has been sadly lacking a proper troubadour looking at the stars while mired in the gutter - but in Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, we have our man.
Hear what's coming up in music when these sizzling young singers take our stage as part of Project 566:What's Next.
www.myspace.com/milesbenjaminanthonyrobinson
Photo at left by Melodie McDaniel
